A Sweaty Dinner Date at Birreria

 

Good morning everyone! I hope you have a wonderful Tuesday! My morning started at 6 with a personal training session. This morning’s session was probably 60% arms, 20% legs, 20% abs which means that right now I can barely lift my iced coffee to my lips.  Ouch!

IMG_3187 (480x640) Theodora and I are going to try and stretch out our muscles tonight at yoga so hopefully that will help my muscles. Or, by the last downward dog I may just want to crawl out of the yoga studio. We’ll see.

This morning’s commute was another steamer. The New York City subway system is a wonderful gift to have approximately 300 days per year. You don’t have to worry about snow blocking the roads, ice storms, or traffic. But, for two months each year you get to deal with every other person’s body odor, sweat, and stickiness. Trust me, it’s not pretty.

IMG_3189 (640x478) After such a hot commute, I was ready for a cool breakfast. An iced coffee along side banana cinnamon oats. After making the oats I stuck them in the fridge for 15 minutes to cool. It was a refreshing change!

IMG_3188 (478x640)I’m sure by now you all are wondering about today’s title. Outdoor dining in New York is lovely except when the city is a sauna.

Last night I met Gabriella, Theodora, and Tina at Birreria for a delicious dinner date. Located 14 floors above Madison Square Park, Birreria is Eataly’s rooftop restaurant and brewery which features fresh cask brews and delicious food. Unfortunately, fans are quite sparse up there which means we were each glistening by the time we left.

IMG_3191 (478x640)Last night’s experience was similar to my first in that the food and service was wonderful. I also had a chance to try a new beer and new salad which just proved to me that Birreria can do more than just sausage and beer well.

IMG_3197 (640x478) The weather held out, allowing us time to catch up on the rooftop deck. The conversation ranged from blog drama to Gabriella’s new culinary adventure.

After a bite of bread dipped in their delicious olive oil, I was excited for my entree.

IMG_3193 (640x478)Three of us went with this salad which was unexpectedly delicious. I ordered the insalata cotta cruda, with bibb lettuce, wax beans, potato, roasted onions, asparagus, tomatoes, olives, capers and red wine vinaigrette.  The mix of capers, roasted onions, and mixed potatoes gave it a unique texture and the portion was just enough to leave me satiated but not stuffed.

IMG_3194 (640x478)I paired this dish with a side of their krauti, or sauerkraut, which was wonderful but too large a portion.

IMG_3196 (640x478) All in all, it was a wonderful evening and I definitely think Eataly is on to something.

IMG_3198 (640x478) Life is too short not to eat well…in good company.

Hope you have a wonderful Tuesday!

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My Type of Sunday

Happy Sunday! I hope you were able to enjoy at least a few hours of rest and relaxation today.

Last night, Bo and I enjoyed a cooking date. We stayed in, cooked a delicious dinner together, enjoyed one of our Archery Summit bottles from our September trip to Portland, and relaxed.

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We picked up a fresh baguette and three small portions of cheese at Eataly yesterday during our shopping trip. The creamy 3 milk chev was definitely my favorite.

We knew we wanted a summer meal inspired by the fresh vegetables in Eataly’s produce department.

IMG_3169 (640x478) A cold tomato salad paired with fresh red corn kernels was the perfect side dish to accompany our rack of lamb.

Unfortunately, around 9:30 I headed to bed due to a horrible headache. I’m not sure what the cause but I know that I slept like a rock until Bo finally woke me up around 10:15!  I still didn’t feel wonderful when I woke up even though I slept 13 hours.

I decided to take it easy today and take a breather. Sometimes I plan so much that I end the weekend absolutely exhausted. I wasn’t going to let today end that way.

We started with a delicious and healthy brunch.

IMG_3171 (640x478) IMG_3173 (640x478) An open faced egg white and parmesan cheese sandwich paired with fresh berries was the perfect start to our day while watching Meet the Press. Bo and I have resolved to be more in touch with politics this year and are really enjoying this time together each week as it leads to some intense debates and conversations.

Around 1pm, we headed to the gym for our individual workouts. Bo is confined to the spin bike for the next 10 days until his follow up appointment regarding his thumb. Since it was a nerve surgery it’s a very sensitive healing process.

My training plan called for a 3 mile recovery plan. This is a new idea for me as I spent every Sunday on the couch last year after my long runs. So far I’m really enjoying it after the fact. The 3 miles have been slow each week, around a 10:10 pace, but when I leave the gym my calves and hamstrings feel much looser. I guess my coach really is the expert!

IMG_3174 (640x478) After a quick manicure and pedicure date, I came home ravenous. I’m focusing on eating healthier on the weekends and therefore turned to a measured bowl of Kashi Crunch, skim milk, and berries. This bowl included 1 cup of Kashi and 1/2 cup of raspberries.

The rest of the afternoon was spent watching the Women’s World Cup final and doing a chore that has been on my to do list for weeks.

IMG_3176 (640x478) IMG_3177 (640x478) Oh the joys of organizing my dresser drawers! Lately my race t-shirts and Lululemon gear had taken over my drawers to the point that they barely open! I spent an hour going through the drawers. In the end there were 2 pairs of compression socks and one pair of CEW tights found and 15 t-shirts donated due to lack of wear or size. I have no need for L running shirts that are huge or XS shirts that I haven’t worn in years.

Don’t worry, I fueled this intense activity and Theodora’s early evening visit with a side of summer cherries. I told Bo that I think cherries always need to be in our refrigerator. They are clean and easy to eat which makes them the perfect summer snack!

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Last but not least, we ended the weekend with a healthy homemade dinner: grilled chicken salad.

IMG_3181 (640x478) IMG_3182 (640x478) The ingredients included:

  • fresh mixed greens
  • beets
  • goat cheese
  • pistachio
  • grilled chicken
  • olive oil
  • balsamic vinegar

It was a delicious combination that left us full and satiated due to the flavor complexity.

I’m going to curl up with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo before an early bedtime.

It should be a fun week with some blog friends in town, a stepped up training schedule, The NYCM Long Training Run #1, a special preview screening of Captain America, and celebrating Theodora’s first triathlon!

Question: Do you enjoy relaxing Sundays or Sunday Fundays filled with brunches and fun?

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Running, Eating, and Smiling My Way Through the Week

Wow! I can’t believe it’s already Thursday! Where did this week go? Oh yeah, Monday was a mix of Miami and Fourth of July while I’ve spent the rest of the week immersed in my new job.

Even though the week has flown by thus far, it’s been a great week for two reasons: workouts and food!

Workouts

Due to our vacation schedule and Fourth of July plans, Monday was my rest day this week. I spent the day traveling back from our Miami vacation. Tuesday morning, bright and early, I was kicked back into reality with an hour training session. This session left me more sore than any other session to date. We spent time engaging multiple different muscle groups by using the TRX, VIPR, weights, and body weight.

Of all the exercises, the single leg sit down was the hardest and left me quivering!

I’ve also enjoyed two outdoor runs this week, one 3 mile long and the other 5 miles. The 3 mile run was a refreshing evening run which allowed me to release stress before walking through the door. I also enjoyed a new route during this run along the East River and the United Nations!

Yeah, I'm bringing sexy back for sure.

This morning’s five mile run wasn’t quite as refreshing but it was the perfect kick in the butt. For some reason, I’ve had a hard time finding motivation to do longer runs during the week. I can wrap my head around and get excited about a 5k or even a 4 miler but 5 and 6 mile runs are harder. However, Bo got me out of bed this morning for a five mile run through the city and along the Hudson. Even though we listened to music the entire time and I stopped to stretch out my sore legs a few times, we finished the run keeping a 10 minute pace and enjoyed some amazing views!

Bo running along the HudsonWashington Square Park was gorgeous in the morning sun!

My workouts for the rest of the week include another personal training session tomorrow, a long run with Theodora on Saturday followed by Well+Good’s Yoga for Runner’s class, and then finally a spin class or yoga on Sunday.

Food

Today's skirt doubles as a fun backdrop!

Yogurt+Berries+Oats= refreshing Summer breakfastThis is quickly becoming one of my favorite salads!

 Can you see a trend? My breakfast and lunches have been super clean and healthy this week. I’m doing my best to keep my energy high in my new job that matches the amazing new view and sunny window I have by way of a new desk. Therefore, I’m starting every morning off with a huge bottle of lemon water, oats, and a multivitamin and fish oil supplement.

Overall, it’s been a great week and the perfect way to kick off July! If you’re looking for more great ways to kick off your July, check out some of the news on The Go Healthy NY sites. There are a lot of great programs taking place this month including free fruit days, free cancer screenings, and the launch of Great American Health Challenge!

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