Runner at Heart

10 Day Cleanse

2012-06-18T16:57:00.001-04:00

Last Monday Joe and I started a 10-Day Herbal Cleanse from AdvoCare.

We did this back in April but since the wedding is less than two months away we decided to do it again so that we can keep on track for the wedding. Below is a snapshot taken directly from the www.advocare.com of what is included in the cleanse and what the products are.

The AdvoCare® Herbal Cleanse system can help rid your body of toxins and waste with its unique blend of herbal ingredients.* Using a systematic approach, this 10-day system guides you day by day through the steps for thorough internal cleansing and improved digestion.* Herbal Cleanse supports the body's metabolic systems and general health during the detoxification process by helping to keep energy levels up, aiding in removing impurities and supporting the immune system.* Some people who use Herbal Cleanse for the first time experience an encouraging weight reduction and/or reduction in inches when they pair the system with the recommended diet and exercise.

Each Herbal Cleanse system includes these three key products:

ProBiotic Restore™ ULTRA: Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that confer health benefits on the host. Our bodies must maintain a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria and harmful bacteria to work at its best. When this balance is disturbed, it can have significant negative effects on our health. ProBiotic Restore ULTRA contains a superior multi-strain probiotic complex that provides four billion colony forming units (CFU) of freeze dried friendly bacteria to support your body's overall health by main-taining the normal, healthy balance of microorganisms your body needs.* This probiotic complex with six high potency strains - three species of Lactobacillus and three species of Bifidobacterium ensures full coverage of both the small and large intestines. ProBiotic Restore ULTRA helps strengthen and support our immune system, supports intestinal health and function, aids in digestion and enhances your weight loss program.*
Take on days four through 10.

Fiber Drink:: Fiber Drink is rich in the mixture of fibers your body needs to work at its best.* Each serving contains 10 grams of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber to help add the fiber your diet may not provide. As part of the Herbal Cleanse system, Fiber Drink also helps move the toxins and waste material through the digestive tract while scouring your intestinal tract to support improved nutrient absorption.* Take on days one through three and again on days eight through 10.

Herbal Cleanse Tablet: The Herbal Cleanse tablet provides herbal extracts that help rid your body of the impurities that may be obstacles to achieving better health.* One ingredient, senna leaf extract, is known for its use to relieve occasional constipation, as well as to encourage the movement of waste through the intestinal tract.* Beet root powder and wheat grass juice are included to aid in the reduction of metabolic by-products in the blood and liver.* Cranberry juice powder helps cleanse impurities from the kidneys and aid in excretion through the bladder.* The Herbal Cleanse tablet also contains milk thistle extract, which has the active component silymarin. Silymarin has been traditionally used to aid in eliminating toxins from the liver and is also an excellent hepaprotectant and antioxidant.* Echinacea, astragalus, garlic, zinc and vitamin C help support the immune system.* Herbal Cleanse tablets also contain a wide range of B-vitamins to help maintain energy levels during the detoxification period.* Take on days one through seven.

DIRECTIONS

The key is to maintain a clean eating diet that includes no gluten, sugar, alcohol, refined or fried foods. So far we are on day 8 and it is going extremely well. I am down five pounds.

Question: Have you tried any cleanses and how have they worked for you?

New Things in My Life

2012-06-07T13:27:00.000-04:00

Since I fell off the grid for awhile I figured it might be a good idea to recap some of the new things I am loving these days.

1. Advocare Products - if you haven't even tried the products check it out they have some really good things. My favorite two products are Catalyst which is an amino acids that helps maintain muscle mass and weight management. My second favorite product is Spark which is a powdered energy drink that contains 21 different vitamins. My favorite flavors of the Spark are the fruit punch, pink lemonade and mango strawberry.

2. Morningstar Farms Garden Veggie Patties - I actually just ate one for lunch and it was delicious.

3. Mango Salad from Qdoba - if you like mango and haven't tried this salad it is a must. I love it with the fajita vegetables, guacamole, mild salsa and no dressing.

4. HIIT Treadmill workouts - I have been trying to incorporate speed work into my training over the last few months and the HIIT workouts are by far my favorites. I find a lot of good ones on pinterest that I use but one of my favorite is this.

Minute	Incline	Speed	Interval time (min)
1-5	0	6.0	5
5-6	10%	7.0	1
6-7	10%	3.0	1
7-8	10%	7.0	1
8-9	10%	3.0	1
9-10	10%	7.2	1
10-11	15%	5.5	1
11-12	15%	2.0	1
12-13	15%	5.6	1
13-14	15%	2.0	1
14-15	15%	5.5	1
16-17	2%	9.2	1
17-18	2%	3.0	1
18-19	2%	9.3	1
19-20	2%	3.0	1

5. Passion Iced Tea - I usually stick to green tea when I want an iced tea but a few weeks ago I tried the Passion tea from Starbucks and I fell in love with it. If you like a fruit flavored tea I would highly recommend trying passion tea, I even found it in k-cups.

Question: What are you loving these days?

Happy National Running Day

2012-06-06T10:26:00.003-04:00

Sorry that I have gone missing for awhile now but I am trying hard to get back into the blogging world because I have missed it. Since today is National Running Day I thought it would be the best day to start blogging again.

I have some exciting news for all of you as well, I got in to the New York City Marathon. I can't wait to run my fourth marathon this November.

I started off my morning with a nice crisp run along the beach with my Back on My Feet Team. The sun was rising over the ocean and it was just perfect especially since we haven't seen the sun in Boston for a few days now.

If you have ever wanted to run a Rock n Roll Series race today is your day to sign up as they are offering a $20.00 discount today for National Running Day.

Question: What did you do to celebrate National Running Day?

Spaghetti Squash, a new obsession!

2012-03-09T08:27:00.000-05:00

Sorry I have gone MIA for awhile things with work and life in general have been very busy lately. My goal is to get back on track with blogging ASAP.

I wanted to share with you a few things I am loving right now.

1. Spaghetti squash - I can't get enough of this delicious veggie lately. Last night I heated some up in a pan with some.leftover roasted veggies, spinach, Newman's Own pasta sauce and some fat free mozzarella. It was so delicious and under 200 calories.

2. MyFitnessPal - speaking of calories I have been logging my calories on the best program ever http://www.myfitnesspal.com/ for about 2 months now and have lost about 8 pounds. I can't believe once you start tracking how much you are in tune with what you are eating.

3. Veggies and fruit - for lent I decided to give up meat so I have been eating a ton of veggies and fruit to keep me full throughout tthe day. My favorite new veggie (besides spaghetti squash) is brussel sprouts roasted in the oven with a little garlic. As far as fruits go the pink lady apples and Asian pears have been my go to fruits.

4. Sprints - I have been working with my trainee doing sprints several times a week and I have to say I am loving the results. I ran a 10 mile race this weekend with a pace of 7:41, crazy!

Question: What are you loving right now?

Best Lunch Ever

2012-02-03T11:16:00.000-05:00

The other night I wanted to throw something together so I could have lunch the next day. I put can of pinto beans and slightly mashed, a can dark red kidney beans, taco seasoning, onions, peppers and mango salsa into a pan and cooked them until everyone was heated through and the flavors were mixed.

I let it cool then put it in containers for lunch the next day and to no surprise it was delicious!

I ate it on a flax wheat tortilla that I placed in the toaster oven so it could get nice and crispy. Then I topped it with about 1/4 of an avocado. Since I am trying to eat more vegetarian options this is a perfect lunch that is packed with fiber, protein and healthy fats.

Question: What is your favorite lunch recipe?

Turkey Meatloaf Muffins

2012-01-24T08:22:00.003-05:00

Whoever came up with this invention is genius! These turkey meatloaf muffins were delicious and the best part is the entire outside gets crispy because you bake them in muffins pans. If you ask me the best part of meatloaf is the crispy edges!

I found this recipe on bodybuilding.com and it is super easy and healthy to make.

Turkey Meatloaf Muffins.

Ingredients:

2 lbs ground turkey (or chicken)
3 egg whites
1 cup quick cooking oats
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp dried thyme
2 tsp dry yellow mustard
2 tsp black pepper
2 tsp chipotle pepper spice (I used Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipotle)
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp garlic powder (2 cloves minced)
1 small onion (finely chopped)
2 celery stalks (finely chopped)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Spray muffin pan with canola or olive oil.
Mix all your ingredients together in one large bowl.

Roll the mixture into balls and place in muffin pan. Muffins should be about the size of a racquetball.

Bake for 40 minutes.

Makes 12 muffins.

Serving Size:
Women: 2 muffins
Men: 4 muffins

Calories: 80
Fats: 2 grams
Carbs: 4 grams
Protein: 11 grams

I paired my two muffins with some Green Giant Broccoli and Cheese an it was such a delicious and filling.

The next day I two leftover muffins for lunch over spinach with a little spicy mustard. I froze the last four and now have an easy dinner for another night.

Question: What none baking recipes have you made in a muffin pan?

Top This Pizza

2012-01-19T08:21:00.001-05:00

I ventured to Whole Foods again this weekend and found some great finds but my best find is the whole wheat Top This Pizza Crust. I love this crust because it is super thin and is great for a quick and easy dinner. I made two pizzas so that Joe could have leftovers for lunch for the week.

One pizza was made with caramelized onions topped with fresh spinach and the other had turkey pepperoni. My favorite was the onion and spinach one I just love greens on top of my pizza, if you haven't tried this yet it is a must! My favorite green topping on a pizza is fresh arugula but unfortunately I didn't have any at home when I made these.

The key to making the caramelized onions is to use a non stick pan and keep the heat up medium high and stir the onions frequently and they come out delicious, I didn't even need to use butter or oil.

Cook the pizzas at 450 degrees until the cheese is melted. I add the spinach or greens right at the end and let them cook for just a minute or two. Let cook then slice and serve and enjoy some delicious pizza!

Question: What is your favorite type of pizza dough?

**Be sure to check out my new page that I added of my upcoming races and PR's**

Chocolate Banana Protein Shake

2012-01-17T08:07:00.001-05:00

I experimented making some different flavor protein shakes over the weekend and found one combination I absolutely loved!

I mixed together in the blender one scoop of Food Science of Vermont vanilla protein powder (of any vanilla protein powder you have), a couple of handfuls of ice cubes, 1 whole banana, 1 tbl all natural peanut butter and 1/2 tbl cocoa powder.

Place all items into the blender at the same time and blend until smooth. Serve in a nice big glass and enjoy! The best thing about this protein shake is there is lots of protein in it so it is great for a post workout shake which is usually what I am looking for in the morning before work, something quick and easy for breakfast that is packed with protein. I think I finally found something I won't get sick of.

Question: What is your favorite flavor combination for a protein shake?

Pinspiration Recipe

2012-01-13T07:45:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned before I have a slight obsession with Pinterest, if you are not currently on it you need to join today!

The other day I saw a salad on Pinterest that was a chicken and avocado salad but included mayo which I despise. I liked the idea of the recipe though so i adapted my own ingredients and made my own version of Chicken Avocado Salad.

Ingredients:
Shredded rotisserie chicken
Chopped celery
1 avocado mashed up
1 tbl spicy brown mustard

Directions:
Mash up the avocado until smooth then shred up as much rotisserie chicken as you like and mix together. Chop a few celery stalk and 1 tbl spicy brown mustard and mix together thoroughly with the chicken and you have a delicious lunch.

I know it may not look that appealing but it tastes so delicious. I brought a whole wheat sandwich thin to put it on but didn't even need it I ate it right out of the both and it is very filling.

Question: What are your thoughts on mayo?

Vegan Chickpea Scramble

2012-01-12T11:53:00.000-05:00

The other day a lady I work with had heated up a chickpea scramble for breakfast that she bought through an online vegan website. It looked so delicious and she indicated it was very filling. I was then on a search to find a recipe for this delicious breakfast dish. I found one online and altered it slightly and added my own twist to it:

Ingredients:
1/2 yellow onion
1 tbl garlic
1 tbl vegan butter (I used Earth Balance whipped)
1 15oz can chickpeas
2 tbl nutritional yeast
1 tsp tabasco sauce
2 tbl reduced sodium tamari
1 pepper, chopped (color of your choice)
2 tomatoes, chopped

Directions:
Place the butter, onions and garlic in a pan and saute until golden brown.

Place the chickpeas in a bowl and mash them up until mostly smooth. Then add the tamari, nutritional yeast, tabasco and mix together. Add your chopped peppers and chickpea mixture to the pan with the onions and garlic mixture and cook for several minutes.

Add chopped tomatoes and cook for another few minutes until all ingredients are hot.

The best part about this dish is that it is perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner and is super filling and good for you!

Question: What is your favorite vegan recipe?

Chicken Sausage Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes

2012-01-11T08:35:00.000-05:00

I have been loving the hot italian chicken sausage from Whole Foods lately and they were all sale this week so I picked up a few of them. I decided to put a spin on my usual chicken sausage with broccoli rabe and pasta. I removed the casing from the sausage like I have in the past and cooked it in a pan with a little chicken stock and garlic. Once the sausage started to cook I crumbled it up, while that was cooking I boiled a pot of pasta for my whole wheat pasta shells and chopped up two vine ripe tomatoes. I added the tomatoes, cooked pasta and a little water from the pasta to the sausage mixture and let cook a few minutes. Right before I was able to take it off the stove I added a few cups of spinach and let it wilt in. This was a quick and easy dinner that was delicious!

Enjoying dinner with my bride mug from my wonderful niece

Question: What is your favorite recipe to make with chicken sausage?

Heavy Lifting

2012-01-10T08:48:00.002-05:00

For the last few months I have been dedicating one day of my stregnth training to strictly lift heavy. My trainer has me do the same plan for a month trying to increase the weight as the month goes on. Last night I started my new plan and it was hard!

Squats with the Smith Machine
120 lbs 5 reps for 5 sets
paired with
DB Flat Bench
27.5 lbs 5 reps for 5 sets

Single Leg Hip Lift with Ball
12 reps each leg for 3 sets
paired withDouble Arm Standing Row on the Kesier Machine
30lbs 12 reps for 3 sets

Curl to Press
15lbs 12 reps for 2 sets
paired withLateral / Front Shoulder Raise
(alternate one lateral with one front raise for a total os 16 for one set)
7.5lbs. 8 reps for 2 sets

I finished off my workout with 5 sprints on the treadmill at 4% incline and 9.5 speed. I did 45 seconds on with a 30 second rest for 5 rounds. These sprints were no joke but I felt so good once I finished.

Question: What is your favorite sprint workout?

Clean Green Cleanse

2012-01-08T17:36:00.001-05:00

The other day I was given a recipe for a green cleanse drink to have for breakfast in the morning. I decided to make it on Monday night and it was my breakfast all week. I love recipes that I can make at the beginning of the week that will last me all week.

The recipe is super easy and I just left it in my blender and just blended it for a quick minute before serving it up in a glass for breakfast.

Ingredients:
1 head romaine
1/2 bag baby spinach
1 pear
1 banana
1 apple
1 celery stalk
1 juice of a lemon
3 cups water

Combine all ingredients into the blender and mix. Note that you may have to blend items as you go if you have a smaller blender.

This was a great breakfast to take with me as I walked out the door to work and it actually filled me up.

Question: Have you ever tried a cleanse drink? If so what ingredients were in yours?

Happy 2012

2012-01-04T09:49:00.001-05:00

Sorry I have been missing the last few weeks, the holidays were super busy and I am just trying to get back into the groove. I have a few new great recipes to share with you but those will have to wait until after I post my 2012 goals.

1. Complete 10 unassisted chin ups (currently I am at 5) by my wedding 8/11/12

Source

2. Complete 5 unassistes pull ups (currently I can only do them assisted)

Source

3. Eat out only once a week

4. Lose 10lbs (a few pounds snuck up on me over the holidays) and keep it off

Source

5. Attend one yoga class a week and work on my flexibility (I want to try to be able to touch my toes by 2013)

Source

6. Eat vegetarian at least one day a week

Source

Question: What are your goals for 2012?

Crockpot Chicken Taco Chili

2011-12-19T20:41:00.003-05:00

I have finally joined Pinterest and have had some time the last few days to try it out and I love it! I found this great recipe which can be found on the Photo a Day blog. This is an easy recipe that you can throw in the crockpot before work and have it be ready when you get home.

Ingredients:
1 onion, chopped
1 16-oz can black beans
1 16-oz can kidney beans
1 8-oz can tomato sauce
10 oz package frozen corn kernels
2 14.5-oz cans diced tomatoes w/chilies
1 packet taco seasoning
1 tbsp cumin
1 tbsp chili powder
24 0z. (3) boneless skinless chicken breasts
chili peppers, chopped (optional)

Directions:
Combine beans, onion, chili peppers, corn, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, chili peppers and taco seasoning in a slow cooker. Place chicken on top and cover. Cook on low for 10 hours or on high for 6 hours.

Half hour before serving, remove chicken and shred. Return chicken to slow cooker and stir in.

Top with some low fat shredded mexican cheese and serve.

This was such an easy and delicious recipe that was great as leftovers. I think it may have even tasted better the second day.

Question: Have you tried out Pinterest, if so what are your thoughts on it?

Glazed Pecans

2011-12-19T20:27:00.002-05:00

Tonight I made my annual glazed pecans for the holidays, which is a great gift to be able to give to family and friends.
The recipe is super easy with only a few ingredients and they are so delicious. I usually have to hand them out right away because if not I will eat the entire batch.
Ingredients:
2lbs shelled whole pecans
4 eggs whites
2 cups sugar
2 sticks vegan butter
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat the egg whites until thick and gradually start to add in the sugar. Once beaten together fold in pecans.

In a separate bowl melt the butter on the stove top and mix in the vanilla. Fold the butter and vanilla into the pecan mixture and coat all pecans.

Place mixture into a large glass baking dish (I use a 9x13 Pyrex dish).

Cook in the oven at 350 turning every 10-15 minutes until there is no remaining liquid left in the pan. Usually I cook them for about an hour or so but once the liquid is gone they are done. Be sure to let the mixture cool entirely before transferring the pecans to a container. If you store in an air tight container they will last indefinitely.

Question: What is your favorite recipe to make for the holidays?

Protein Loaf

2011-12-09T08:07:00.001-05:00

The other night I cooked up a protein loaf with a recipe I got from my trainer. The recipe is super easy and it actually tastes very good.

Protein Loaf
1 cup egg whites
1/2 cup oats
1/2 scoop of vanilla protein powder
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1packet stevia

Mix together thoroughly and place in a mini loaf pan. Cook for about 30 minutes on 350 or until the loaf looks cooked through.

The next morning I brought the loaf to work heated it up in the toaster oven and topped it with frozen berries I microwaved.

This is a great breakfast you can make the night before and have it the next morning. This loaf was enough to have for two breakfasts and it actually fills you up.

Question: What are some of your favorite quick and easy breakfast recipes?

Turkey Trot 5k

2011-12-04T18:10:00.001-05:00

Sorry this is late but this week has been super busy with work and whatnot. I wanted to do a quick recap of the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot my sister and I did. It was your typical 5k Turkey Trot so my sister decided to push Abigail for her first 5k race!

As you can see she was a little scared at first

A friend of mine also joined us and pushed her little son, aren't they so cute?

Luckily the race course was fairly flat except one hill around mile 2 but my sister was a rock star and had no problem pushing Abigail up the hill.

The race was by far not my fastest but it was one of my favorites mainly because I was able to run it with people I love!

Abigail and I after she finished her first 5k

Question: Do you ever run races for fun instead of for a PR?

HIIT Sprint Workout

2011-11-28T09:23:00.001-05:00

Yesterday morning I decided to switch things up and take a group class at my gym called Head to Toe. My mom and sister had bought a group on type deal to try the gym out. The class was really hard which I was surprised by I normally don't take the large group classes like that because I am so used to training with only a few individuals but it was a great challenging class.

After class I decided to work on my sprints and do this HIIT workout that I found on One Fit Foodie.

Minute	Incline	Speed	Interval time (min)
1-5	0	6.0	5
5-6	10%	7.0	1
6-7	10%	3.0	1
7-8	10%	7.0	1
8-9	10%	3.0	1
9-10	10%	7.2	1
10-11	15%	5.5	1
11-12	15%	2.0	1
12-13	15%	5.6	1
13-14	15%	2.0	1
14-15	15%	5.5	1
16-17	2%	9.2	1
17-18	2%	3.0	1
18-19	2%	9.3	1
19-20	2%	3.0	1

This is an intense workout but it is only 20 minutes so it goes by fast and you feel like you had a really great workout once you are finished.

Question: What is your favorite quick workout?

Biggest Loser Turkey Stuffed Peppers

2011-11-21T20:24:00.001-05:00

Tonight after the gym I came home and made some stuffed peppers with a recipe I found online at Jennie-O which were featured on the Biggest Loser last season.

Target has the 99% ground turkey for only $5.49

This recipe was relatively quick and easy to make and very delicious and filling, the perfect week night meal.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup onion, minced
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 package JENNIE-O TURKEY STORE® Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast
salt, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth, divided
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
3 large sweet red bell peppers, washed
1/4 cup reduced fat cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 400°F. Lightly coat a large nonstick skillet with olive oil spray; heat over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; saute two minutes or until softened. Add extra lean ground turkey breast. Add salt, garlic powder, and cumin. Break meat apart and cook over medium heat for 14-16 minutes, or until well done, 165°F as measured by a meat thermometer. Add tomato sauce and 1/4 cup chicken broth. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about five minutes.

Turkey mixture

Add cilantro or parsley. Cut peppers in half lengthwise and remove seeds and stem. Place in baking dish. Spoon 1/3 cup of the turkey mixture into each pepper half. Pour remaining 1/4 cup chicken broth in the bottom of the baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese and serve.

I baked the peppers for about 35 minutes then took the foil off and cooked them for about another 5 minutes.

This meal was delicious and flavorful and is very healthy, the nutrition facts are below.

Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 170
Fat :3g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Carbohydrates: 10g
Sodium: 130mg

Question: What is your favorite healthy week night meal?

Killer Arm Workout

2011-11-17T08:01:00.001-05:00

I finally made it to a yoga class last night and it actually felt good! I was nervous since I have been super tight lately in my hips and glutes but I think the class really helped me stretch out so I am going to try to attend one yoga class a week.

This morning I had a duet training session at the gym with my trainer who usually focuses on kettlebells but this morning we strictly worked on arms using supersets.

Overhead press lying flat on the bench with straight bar paired with sitting concentrated biceps curls with elbow resting on your knee doing one arm at a time

This was done 4 times through with the following weights and reps.

25lbs overhead x 20
10lbs dumbbell x 15 each arm

30lbs overhead x 15
12.5lbs dumbbell x 12 each arm

35lbs overhead x 12
12.5lbs dumbbell x 13 each arm

50lbs overhead x 12
15lbs dumbbell x 10 each arm

Once I was done with this circuit I moved on to rows with the straight bar paired with overhead triceps extensions on the keiser machine.

This was done 4 times through with the following weights and reps.

30lbs straight bar x 20
13lbs on keiser x 20

35lbs straight bar x 15
15lbs on keiser x 15

50lbs straight bar x 12
17lbs on keiser x 15
55lbs straight bar x 10
17lbs on keiser x 12

Next it was on to a kettlebell ladder with a 10kg or 22lbs which consisted of high pulls and clean and presses.

10 high pulls on each arm
10 clean and presses on each arm

8 high pulls on each arm
8 clean and presses on each arm

6 high pulls on each arm
6 clean and presses on each arm

4 high pulls on each arm
4 clean and presses on each arm

The last set we did was a clean and press with a straight bar paired with a sitting reverse fly with dumbells.

25lbs straight bar x 20
10lbs dumbbell x 20
12.5lbs dumbbell x 15
30lbs straight bar x 15

30lbs straight bar x 15
12.5lbs dumbbell x 15

35lbs straight bar x 10

Sorry for no pics but I really wanted to share this workout since it was a killer. I was sweating up a storm which I normally don't do if I am just lifting so needless to say I felt great after this workout, it may be a different story tonight when I have to take my 30 minute APC circuit class but we shall see.

Question: What is your favorite type of workout?
15lbs dumbbell x 10

Spicy Southwest Chicken and Rice Wrap

2011-11-16T08:11:00.001-05:00

Last night I was very tired after work and didn''t feel like cooking but we had chicken in the fridge that I didn't want to go bad so I whipped together this quick and easy recipe I found on the Mrs. Dash website for Spicy Southwest Chicken and Rice Wraps.

Ingredients:
1 can (14 ounces) low sodium chicken broth
2 cups Minute® Brown Rice, uncooked
2 Tbsp. Mrs. Dash® Extra Spicy Salt-Free Seasoning Blend
2 cups frozen southwest blend vegetables
2 cups cooked chicken, diced
4 whole wheat tortillas
1 cup low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded, optional

1/2 cup light sour cream, optional

Directions

1. BRING chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan.

2. ADD Minute Brown Rice, Mrs. Dash Extra Spicy Salt-Free Seasoning Blend, vegetables and chicken; stir. Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes.

3. WARM tortillas and divide rice mixture evenly onto tortillas. Top with cheese and sour cream, if desired, and roll into desired shape.

I served the wraps with a side of spinach that I cooked in a little chicken broth and garlic. This was the perfect quick and easy weeknight meal.

Question: What is your favorite quick and easy weeknight meal?

Chicken Fajita Stew

2011-11-15T07:55:00.001-05:00

I love my crockpot so much and need to start using it a lot more. I forgot how easy and convenient it is to make dinner in the crock pot. Yesterday morning after I got home from my morning run with BOMF I threw all the ingredients to make a chicken fajita stew into my crockpot and set it on low for 9 hours.

Ingredients:
1 lb chicken cut into cubes
2 tbl minced garlic
1/2 onion chopped
1 green or red pepper chopped
1 packet of fajita seasoning
1 can black beans drained and rinsed
2 cans diced tomatoes with basil and garlic

I threw everything into the corckpot all at once and when I get home after the gym last night all I had to do was cook brown rice and dinner was served.

This meal was delicious and nutritious it is on the keeper list of crockpot meals.

Question: What is your favorite meal to make in the crockpot?

Chilly Half Marathon Recap

2011-11-13T17:27:00.001-05:00

I ran another half marathon on Sunday to make this half number 8 but this one was very special to me. I was able to run the whole race with one of my resident members of Back on my Feet, Austin, who was running his first half marathon. To be able to run this half marathon with him knowing how hard he has worked to get to this point was so unbelievable. I have been lucky lately to run my last two half marathons with two very special people, my sister and then today with Austin (BOMF member).

Trying to take a self portrait of Meghan, myself and Austin, obviously we failed the first time

We did a little better the second time then it was off to the start

I can't explain how happy I am that Austin was able to dedicate himself to running this race today and finishing with such a great time of 1:55. Being homeless is not an easy thing as I have come to know since I started working with the BOMF organization. People don't choose to be homeless but have had made some bad decisions in their life or have not been able to overcome some obstacles they have been dealt with in their lives that have pushed them to be homeless. Seeing that Austin could put enough time and effort to finish this half today proves to me that he will get "back on his feet" because he has the determination to help himself beat homelessness.

The course for this race was hilly. The first and last few miles had a decent amount of rolling hills while the middle of the course had a few pretty steep and long hills, but we were able to conquer those hills and push through to keep running. Once I knew we could finish under two hours I made sure Austin kept a steady pace for the last 4 miles and I kept encouraging him to keep going one foot in front of the other, keep his shoulders back and down and chest up. The last mile or so had some rolling hills and Austin was starting to hurt but he knew the finish was just around the corner and that he would soon be finishing his first half marathon.

On the home stretch to the finish!

Austin and I finished in 1:55 which was a pace of 8:47 which crushed his original goal of finishing between 2:00-2:15. I am so happy for him and couldn't be any prouder of his accomplishment yesterday. When I saw Austin this morning for our morning run he was a little sore but still ran two miles at a good pace, what a trooper!

Question: What is your proudest running moment?

Scarlet Oak Tavern

2011-11-12T19:13:00.001-05:00

Last night Joe and I headed to the Scarlet Oak Tavern for an early dinner thanks to a Living Social deal I had. Since I was running another half marathon today I didn't want to be out late so we had reservations for 5:00 which was perfect so I could get home early and have a good night sleep. We started looking over the menu and figured we would start with an appetizer.

We went with the Narragansett Calamari which was served with arugula, pickled peppers and chipotle remoulade (which we did not use). Joe and I both don't care for mayonnaise. The calamari was so delicious and it just lightly fired but my favorite was the arugula that they served with it.

For my meal I went with the Cedar Planked Salmon with was served with balsamic brown sugar glaze, quinoa, roasted celery root and kohlrabi apple slaw. The salmon was very good and moist but the quinoa salad was out of this world. I want to try to replicate it at home now it was that yummy!

Joe went with the Chicken Pot Pie for his meal but I didn't get to snap a picture, sorry. I did try a bite though and it was very good but they used some dark meat in the pot pie and I am not a huge fan of dark meat.

As if I needed more to eat we also ordered a side of mac n cheese to try because it is one of my favorite dishes. I can't eat a lot of it because I have a hard time digesting a lot of cheese and cream but as long as I just have a little I am fine. The mac n cheese was very good and not super cheesy just like I like it.

I think Joe and I will will be back again soon to the Scarlet Oak Tavern but next time we might try sitting at the bar and trying that menu out.

This morning I ran my thrid and final half that was on my race calendar with a Back on my Feet resident. It was his very first half and he killed the hilly course, finishing in 1:55. A full recap will be coming shortly and I am already trying to figure out what my next long race will be.

I now plan to sit on my couch the rest of the day and watch football. Happy Sunday!

Question: Do you always need to have a race on your calendar to push you?