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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A Few Positive Changes

I can’t believe it’s already Tuesday! This week is flying! Maybe it’s because my calendar has been jam packed from 5:30am until 8pm the past two days. Luckily, I’ve made two little tweaks this week that have left me smiling from ear to ear!

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1. Take my lunch to work challenge: If you recall, I’ve challenged myself to pack my lunch once or twice before but failed both times. My office’s culture includes a strong lunch group camaraderie which includes walking across the street to Pax or Toasties and picking up lunch before returning to the office. It also happens to be the only dose of fresh air most of us get during a 10-12 hour work day. Therefore, I decided that it was socially beneficial for me to go out to lunch daily with co-workers. But, last week I realized that a few people come out with us daily and only tag along for the fresh air, opting to enjoy a lunch they brought from home. After a refrigerator filling Trader Joe’s trip on Sunday I was inspired to try packing my lunch again.

IMG_2687 (478x640) IMG_2688 (478x640) IMG_2690 (640x478) IMG_2691 (640x478) My lunch bag has included the following the past two days:

Healthy Greek Salad (romaine, tomatoes, cucumbers, fat free feta, and TJ’s fake chicken strips

Greek Style plain yogurt+Kashi Go Lean (only ate 1/2 of this each day)

Carrot & Celery sticks with 2Tbsp peanut butter

Apple as a safety snack (I haven’t needed this)

Banana+oatmeal for breakfast

2. Run Outside Last week, my indoor runs were mentally challenging and it took every ounce of my willpower to finish the runs. While Bo and I were running on Saturday I realized how much I love running outside in New York City during the warmer months. Therefore, I challenged myself to enjoy all of my runs this week outside versus on the treadmill and see if I feel a difference physically and emotionally. IMG_2703 (478x640)This morning’s early run through the bustling city streets left me energized and sweaty! I mean, how many people have this view when they run?

I had to get to the office early this morning so I busted out a quick 5k, focused on negative splits. The path even included a slight climb up Murray Hill which made this run feel like a perfect mix of hill training and speed. I was able to keep a 9:23 pace which I was really proud of especially since that included some street swerving when the lights didn’t work in my favor.

IMG_2706 (640x480) IMG_2704 (640x480) IMG_2705 (480x640) I spent a few minutes after the run stretching and cooling down with some hip work in front of my building. Between the sweat puddle and awkward movements, I think I got more than one stare.

I also have to take a second to give some love to my new Lululemon Circuit tank! I bought this on sale from Lululemon Union Square on Sunday and am officially in love! (Yes, Lululemon has sales both online in their Oops we made too much section and in the stores.) The tank is long enough to stay in place during yoga poses and long runs, the Luon Light material seems to wick sweat better than their original material, and the cut is very flattering!

Check out the nifty back design as well which allows for plenty of ventilation!

IMG_2702 (640x480) IMG_2701 (478x640) So, even though tonight’s late work schedule didn’t allow for yoga, I’m still proud of myself and feeling better after these two small, positive changes.

Question: What are some small changes you’re making?

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Bo’s First Run Since Surgery

Today’s run was awesome for one primary reason. It was Bo’s first outside run since his knee surgery in April!

IMG_2639 (640x478) This is the face of a very sweaty but happy runner!

We woke up at 9am ready to tackle our 6 mile run before the summer heat took over the city.

IMG_2637 (478x640) Lucky for us, I forgot to buy regular peanut butter at the grocery store this week. Oh well, PB&Co Chocolate Dreams did the job and was like a pre-run treat.

I chose to forego my CamelBak today since it was a six mile run that would keep us near plenty of water fountains and bodegas if I got thirsty.  We also decided to avoid hills since it was Bo’s first run outside since his surgery. His doctor and PT both recommended doing at least 2 or 3 flat runs outside before conquering Central Park.

The run was amazing until mile 5.5 which is when my shins randomly started killing me. I’m going to wear my recovery socks tomorrow and continue stretching and foam rolling in hopes of staying injury free. But, I was able to maintain negative splits, starting at close to ten minute pace and ending around a 9.

From Bo’s perspective:

“Coming back after almost six months of not running (prior to my torn meniscus I was plagued with calf injuries) definitely felt amazing.  One thing that I would recommend for anyone in a similar situation is to hit the leg lifting prior to your first run.  My trainer has been killing me with lunges, power cleans, squats, and sumo squats for about a month now and my legs certainly felt strong due to all the gym work.  One other thing that you need to remember is that, even if you’ve already been on the treadmill, this is your first time outside and thought you might feel strong for the first three miles or so, your endurance is likely not at the level that you were used to in the past.  For example, we ran the High Line for miles 3.5 – 5 at which point I picked up the pace and left Ash in the dust.  However, I was really dragging during the last mile as my body wasn’t used to the constant pounding that is running outside.  I hope this provides some interesting insight to anyone coming back from an injury.”

We were a sweaty mess at the end but had a blast running together after so long.

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We rewarded ourselves post stretch and foam rolling with delicious, cold smoothies!

IMG_2642 (640x478) IMG_2644 (640x478) Bo loves the Mango Mantra smoothie with a shot of whey protein. I, on the other hand, stuck with the berry monster light.

IMG_2647 (480x640) We’re off to enjoy some sunshine with Theodora before parting ways this afternoon. Bo has a boy’s night while I’m going to enjoy some pampering at Bliss this afternoon!

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