Passing along some great information about a charity race in DC that I will be doing on Sunday, October 17. I am always begging folks to visit and this would be a great reason to come to the Nation's Capital, give to a charity of choice and get a great workout to boot:
http://www.active.com/running/arlington-va/acumen-solutions-the-race-for-a-cause-8k-and-1-mile-fun-run-2010
For you runners or aspiring runners, the race is an 8k, so about 5 miles. If you are channeling your inner speed racer, there are cash prizes for the top 3 age bracket winners. If you are not quite ready to take it all, it will be equally as gratifying.
Happy Running!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Trimming the Fat...Tweaking the Lifestyle
Three weeks and two days ago, I decided to go vegan for a month-- giving up my cherished organic milk, eggs and every other animal product there is...it has been an epic struggle. I am that nutty chick looking at each ingredient on food labels, Googling foods in the middle of the restaurant or supermarket to ensure that they are truly animal free, and secretly tossing the Honey nut cheerios a coworker gave me as a mid-morning snack because those damn buzzing bees we love to hate produced the honey...ridiculous! Nevertheless, it has been worth it.
Biggest realization: Even as a vegetarian for the past 10+ years, I was not getting enough fruits and vegetables in my diet as I should have. I would have much rather had a bowl of cereal than a bowl of zucchini & red pepper stir fry, believe that! I feel like the past three weeks have served to diversify my portfolio of recipes and foods to go to on a regular basis. Contrary to popular belief, I have not lost all my friends, all my common sense and have not been completely confined to myhome during mealtimes. I survived a week with my carnivorous nieces, a family BBQ with the world's best Brazilian cake and cheese bread appetizers. I have not drunk an ounce of the Haitian Cremas my BBF's mom made for me a few months -- NADA. I have been on my best behavior. DC is a very vegetarian/vegan friendly city so it has been great help to my 4 week journey. Shout out to Sticky Fingers Bakery http://www.stickyfingersbakery.com/ for holding me down with the most amazing vegan cupcakes and the most orgasmic Breakfast Burrito on the planet! I cannot wait until Sunday to stop by for brunch again :-)
All in all, I am pleased with what I have learned. Hell, do not get me wrong, somewhere in my body, the gorda within is dying for Breyers Vanilla Bean Ice Cream but I would be almost as happy having a Tofutti Cutie next Wednesday http://www.tofutti.com/c-v.shtml
Bigger than the food challenge, I am continually proving to myself that anything is within reach and can be done. These insane mini challenges and adventures I put myself through every few months just reaffirm my inner "Rosie the Riveter", a woman that can conquer anything and anyone. If you cannot part with your glass of milk or cheese omelette to save the world, cool. Find another way to exercise your resilience, your will and ability to get the job done -- physically, professionally, etc. Never give in to the "rat bastard" within that constantly second guesses and doubts your own capabilities.
On another note, I have resurrected my pre-summer waistline and it feels great...*cues "Conceited" by Remy Ma*
Biggest realization: Even as a vegetarian for the past 10+ years, I was not getting enough fruits and vegetables in my diet as I should have. I would have much rather had a bowl of cereal than a bowl of zucchini & red pepper stir fry, believe that! I feel like the past three weeks have served to diversify my portfolio of recipes and foods to go to on a regular basis. Contrary to popular belief, I have not lost all my friends, all my common sense and have not been completely confined to myhome during mealtimes. I survived a week with my carnivorous nieces, a family BBQ with the world's best Brazilian cake and cheese bread appetizers. I have not drunk an ounce of the Haitian Cremas my BBF's mom made for me a few months -- NADA. I have been on my best behavior. DC is a very vegetarian/vegan friendly city so it has been great help to my 4 week journey. Shout out to Sticky Fingers Bakery http://www.stickyfingersbakery.com/ for holding me down with the most amazing vegan cupcakes and the most orgasmic Breakfast Burrito on the planet! I cannot wait until Sunday to stop by for brunch again :-)
All in all, I am pleased with what I have learned. Hell, do not get me wrong, somewhere in my body, the gorda within is dying for Breyers Vanilla Bean Ice Cream but I would be almost as happy having a Tofutti Cutie next Wednesday http://www.tofutti.com/c-v.shtml
Bigger than the food challenge, I am continually proving to myself that anything is within reach and can be done. These insane mini challenges and adventures I put myself through every few months just reaffirm my inner "Rosie the Riveter", a woman that can conquer anything and anyone. If you cannot part with your glass of milk or cheese omelette to save the world, cool. Find another way to exercise your resilience, your will and ability to get the job done -- physically, professionally, etc. Never give in to the "rat bastard" within that constantly second guesses and doubts your own capabilities.
On another note, I have resurrected my pre-summer waistline and it feels great...*cues "Conceited" by Remy Ma*
Monday, August 2, 2010
August Challenge: Go Vegan!
So many of you know that I have spent the past 6 weeks in NYC completing my first semester of an intensive 14 month school principal "bootcamp". Although my mind was stimulated to the extreme and I tried my best to work out pretty frequently, my body definitely suffered. I was out of sync with my usual eating habits, out of my element and plain ol' influenced by the habits of those around me -- stressed out Type A grad students with little regard for their health. Most of them did not just lose 40 pounds like me and I should not have expected to find many allies in the healthy lifestyle this summer.
I know that I can only blame myself and instead of a pity party, I decided last week that I would kick it up a notch with a new FitNista challenge. Those of you who know me well know that I am a woman of intense extremes so I could not pick something simple. Nope.
So I have decided to go vegan from August 4- September 4 and possibly beyond. I am currently a vegetarian but do eat seafood occasionally so this will be a challenge, but not totally out of my grasp. I did research last week to assess how feasible it would be. With that said, I am mentally prepared but socially concerned. A big struggle of maintaining the vegan diet is how one is able to manage in social settings ie. restaurants, work, etc. I will need to turn down some dinner offers or trips to grab frozen yogurt with the girls from work. BBQs and parties will be interesting to navigate when cheese, milk or butter are a no-go. However, I am pumped about the challenge and look forward to re-invigorating my healthy lifestyle and accomplishing a goal. I struggled with sharing this choice via any social network but am hopeful that I receive more encouragement and love than naysaying Negative Nelly comments...Hopefully. (If not, I'll throw a chickpea @ you)
In an ideal world, some of you all would be inspired to go vegan with me-- even for a few days. But, I totally understand that for many this is not practical, interesting or currently feasible. If so, find your own challenge to motivate and drive you closer to your health goals.
I know that I can only blame myself and instead of a pity party, I decided last week that I would kick it up a notch with a new FitNista challenge. Those of you who know me well know that I am a woman of intense extremes so I could not pick something simple. Nope.
So I have decided to go vegan from August 4- September 4 and possibly beyond. I am currently a vegetarian but do eat seafood occasionally so this will be a challenge, but not totally out of my grasp. I did research last week to assess how feasible it would be. With that said, I am mentally prepared but socially concerned. A big struggle of maintaining the vegan diet is how one is able to manage in social settings ie. restaurants, work, etc. I will need to turn down some dinner offers or trips to grab frozen yogurt with the girls from work. BBQs and parties will be interesting to navigate when cheese, milk or butter are a no-go. However, I am pumped about the challenge and look forward to re-invigorating my healthy lifestyle and accomplishing a goal. I struggled with sharing this choice via any social network but am hopeful that I receive more encouragement and love than naysaying Negative Nelly comments...Hopefully. (If not, I'll throw a chickpea @ you)
In an ideal world, some of you all would be inspired to go vegan with me-- even for a few days. But, I totally understand that for many this is not practical, interesting or currently feasible. If so, find your own challenge to motivate and drive you closer to your health goals.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Shut the Lazy Bastard up!
I'm baaacck!
After an excusable break from one of my newest goals - writing a fitness blog- I am back and I must say that the 'lazy bastard' is to blame yet again.
When thinking about my next post, I delved into the deep corners of my mind and found the "lazy bastard", that voice that keeps many of us from completing a run, doing the last 5 minutes on the elliptical or keeps us from working out altogether. The "lazy bastard" is that voice that lacks reason, lacks confidence and makes us doubt the utility, value and overall benefits of being fit.
This week, I had an intense case of the "lazy bastard", struggling to get back on the right track after being crippled with food poisoning last week. This nagging, negative voice can start to woo us from a place of complete rationality, such as a previous illness, injury or concern that kept us from exerting ourselves through any fitness activity.
However, once the issue is legitimately handled or better, our reason for not being active becomes an excuse. Practicing what I preach, I'm headed out for a run shortly after this, although the "lazy bastard" in my head is telling me that I do not want to run, have not run in over a week and will be tired...blah, blah blah.
Let's challenge ourselves this week: Make a decision against what your "lazy" voice is telling you to do or NOT do. Work beyond your personal expectations or limitations. Do the extra 5 minutes of the workout. Run a bit faster than you think that you can. PUSH IT and let's see our results.
Am I the only one with the "lazy bastard" voice plaguing me? Comment away!
After an excusable break from one of my newest goals - writing a fitness blog- I am back and I must say that the 'lazy bastard' is to blame yet again.
When thinking about my next post, I delved into the deep corners of my mind and found the "lazy bastard", that voice that keeps many of us from completing a run, doing the last 5 minutes on the elliptical or keeps us from working out altogether. The "lazy bastard" is that voice that lacks reason, lacks confidence and makes us doubt the utility, value and overall benefits of being fit.
This week, I had an intense case of the "lazy bastard", struggling to get back on the right track after being crippled with food poisoning last week. This nagging, negative voice can start to woo us from a place of complete rationality, such as a previous illness, injury or concern that kept us from exerting ourselves through any fitness activity.
However, once the issue is legitimately handled or better, our reason for not being active becomes an excuse. Practicing what I preach, I'm headed out for a run shortly after this, although the "lazy bastard" in my head is telling me that I do not want to run, have not run in over a week and will be tired...blah, blah blah.
Let's challenge ourselves this week: Make a decision against what your "lazy" voice is telling you to do or NOT do. Work beyond your personal expectations or limitations. Do the extra 5 minutes of the workout. Run a bit faster than you think that you can. PUSH IT and let's see our results.
Am I the only one with the "lazy bastard" voice plaguing me? Comment away!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Check out your stride!
Last year, if I would have described myself as a runner, it would have been a stretch of the imagination. I had run on occasion but not enough to be interested and engaged by the activity. In fact, the thought of running more than a block or so was uninteresting and overwhelming. However, from April 2009 to October 2009, as I prepared for one of the biggest fitness goals I had ever set, running the Army Ten Miler, something changed about my interest.
After my first long run, my back was killing me and my legs seemed disjointed. If I could barely get through 3 miles, how the heck was I going to get through 10? (Doesn't that heifer Self Doubt always rear her ugly head at the worst times?)
Something had to change: I was looking down much of the time, shoulders hunched and legs flailing aimlessly through the DC streets. Many people forsake form because they want to run faster, or simply get the run over with, but paying attention to the following tips from Runners World will help you a ton whether you run a 1/4 mile or 14 miles:
The Perfect Form
Sounds good and want to attempt to take it to the next level? Jack up your next run by engaging proper form in a barefoot run. Yup! You got it. Check out the following NY Times video and keep an eye out for February's FitScapade where I will be attempting a barefoot run --- no pretty orange sneaks for me. Who's down?
http://video.nytimes.com/video/2009/10/04/health/1247464987589/barefoot-running.html
Saturday, January 23, 2010
FitScapade #1: Bikram
Hey Loves:
So, today is the first installment of a monthly spotlight, FitScapade. In these monthly tidbits, I will be sharing a new fitness diversion and what I loved, hated and all in between about my escapade.
Breaking into Bikram
Yesterday, I set to reach one of my 2010 fitness goals less than a month into the new year --- to try Bikram yoga.
Nitty Gritty:
Imagine this: You are in a 105 degree room with scantily clad aficionados and some novices, sweating like it's your job and bending into 26 different asanas (postures) like birds, airplanes and all other sorts of amazing species.
Bikram yoga, also known as hot yoga, is not for the faint of heart. It was truly an experience. I was prompted to go to the class because I received an email that informed me that the class' proceeds would go to a charity I adore. SOLD! Well, next I read up on the studio and tips for new students. Well, first, in order to be most successful in class, you have to be super hydrated because of the amount that you sweat. I had to drink between 90-128 ounces of water before 8pm. I was like a madwoman on Friday consuming water after and during every move I made. It was ridiculous but I totally got the point once I was in class because I literally sweat enough to fill a 12 gallon bucket in the 90 minutes.
So, fast forward, I am now in the studio. As I enter, there are scantily clad females and males prancing around without shoes but I appreciated the diversity of the crowd -- manly White and Black men, effeminate men, skinny wannabe Yogini white women, heavy set Black woman in her 20s, 40 yr old woman with her 60 yr old mom --- I felt somewhat welcome but totally out of my element. Not to mention, you instantly feel like you have disembarked a plane in Miami --- super hot and humid even in the lobby.
Once I entered class, I was seriously doubting my choice to put myself through 90 minutes of South Beach style HELL! Within 5 minutes, my mind was totally wigging out and doubting my abilities to make it through the class. The instructor, some 95 pound Ukrainian woman, was amazing and although her incessant talking irked me at first, it truly was one of the most motivating parts of the class. I loved that she verbally gave each person corrective steps and was super attentive. Also, she was all about making the class about your 'personal practice' and not about others. I still saw some peeps sneaking peeks at others though *side eye*
At some point after the first 20 minutes, I lost my mind and completely forgot about the ridiculous heat and the people --- everything. I was able to focus on myself and increase my strength and flexibility. You repeat each asana twice so I felt like I had good opportunity to improve and build mastery of the moves. I went into class with a stomach ache and totally forgot about it and felt nothing during class. It must have been the toxin release that Bikram is known to promote. At the end of the class, I felt empowered and invigorated. I had done something that I initially did not believe I could or should do and it was AWESOME! When I got home, I swear my skin was clearer than ever and I felt so alive. I definitely am not a true believer but I will definitely add a monthly class to my routine to spice things up.
DO:
-Wear the right clothes: nothing too tight or too lose and the less the better (WOOT!)
- Nutrition: Drink a ton of water ahead of time; you will thank yourself when you do not pass out. Also, do not eat a heavy meal within 3 hours of class, unless you want to hurl on someone's mat. NOT CUTE
-Embrace the heat and try your best; know your limit and rest when necessary
DON'T:
-Leave the room; it will hurt your practice and ability to complete the class
-Go in thinking you won't sweat or be worried about your looks; you are guaranteed to look a HOT mess within 5 minutes of class and, you know what, it just does not matter when you're trying to lift your right leg with your right hand while stabilizing on your left side. Leave your vanity in the dressing room ;-)
In short:
If you are looking for a challenge that will leave you exhausted yet invigorated, get Hot and heavy with some Bikram yoga.
~M
So, today is the first installment of a monthly spotlight, FitScapade. In these monthly tidbits, I will be sharing a new fitness diversion and what I loved, hated and all in between about my escapade.
Breaking into Bikram
Yesterday, I set to reach one of my 2010 fitness goals less than a month into the new year --- to try Bikram yoga.
Nitty Gritty:
Imagine this: You are in a 105 degree room with scantily clad aficionados and some novices, sweating like it's your job and bending into 26 different asanas (postures) like birds, airplanes and all other sorts of amazing species.
Bikram yoga, also known as hot yoga, is not for the faint of heart. It was truly an experience. I was prompted to go to the class because I received an email that informed me that the class' proceeds would go to a charity I adore. SOLD! Well, next I read up on the studio and tips for new students. Well, first, in order to be most successful in class, you have to be super hydrated because of the amount that you sweat. I had to drink between 90-128 ounces of water before 8pm. I was like a madwoman on Friday consuming water after and during every move I made. It was ridiculous but I totally got the point once I was in class because I literally sweat enough to fill a 12 gallon bucket in the 90 minutes.
So, fast forward, I am now in the studio. As I enter, there are scantily clad females and males prancing around without shoes but I appreciated the diversity of the crowd -- manly White and Black men, effeminate men, skinny wannabe Yogini white women, heavy set Black woman in her 20s, 40 yr old woman with her 60 yr old mom --- I felt somewhat welcome but totally out of my element. Not to mention, you instantly feel like you have disembarked a plane in Miami --- super hot and humid even in the lobby.
Once I entered class, I was seriously doubting my choice to put myself through 90 minutes of South Beach style HELL! Within 5 minutes, my mind was totally wigging out and doubting my abilities to make it through the class. The instructor, some 95 pound Ukrainian woman, was amazing and although her incessant talking irked me at first, it truly was one of the most motivating parts of the class. I loved that she verbally gave each person corrective steps and was super attentive. Also, she was all about making the class about your 'personal practice' and not about others. I still saw some peeps sneaking peeks at others though *side eye*
At some point after the first 20 minutes, I lost my mind and completely forgot about the ridiculous heat and the people --- everything. I was able to focus on myself and increase my strength and flexibility. You repeat each asana twice so I felt like I had good opportunity to improve and build mastery of the moves. I went into class with a stomach ache and totally forgot about it and felt nothing during class. It must have been the toxin release that Bikram is known to promote. At the end of the class, I felt empowered and invigorated. I had done something that I initially did not believe I could or should do and it was AWESOME! When I got home, I swear my skin was clearer than ever and I felt so alive. I definitely am not a true believer but I will definitely add a monthly class to my routine to spice things up.
DO:
-Wear the right clothes: nothing too tight or too lose and the less the better (WOOT!)
- Nutrition: Drink a ton of water ahead of time; you will thank yourself when you do not pass out. Also, do not eat a heavy meal within 3 hours of class, unless you want to hurl on someone's mat. NOT CUTE
-Embrace the heat and try your best; know your limit and rest when necessary
DON'T:
-Leave the room; it will hurt your practice and ability to complete the class
-Go in thinking you won't sweat or be worried about your looks; you are guaranteed to look a HOT mess within 5 minutes of class and, you know what, it just does not matter when you're trying to lift your right leg with your right hand while stabilizing on your left side. Leave your vanity in the dressing room ;-)
In short:
If you are looking for a challenge that will leave you exhausted yet invigorated, get Hot and heavy with some Bikram yoga.
~M
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Time to Switch it Up
A new year, a new week...
TIME TO SWITCH IT UP!
Many of us having been doing the same workout for the past few months or possibly years and our bodies are simply bored. In my quest for better health, I have hit several plateaus and realized that change is necessary in order to reach your health goals. The more that you do the same activity, your body adjusts and does not respond the way that it once was. Even while trying for my 10 miler last Fall, I realized that although I felt as tired by runs that I had done several months earlier as well, my body was not necessarily changing. As a result, I had to change up the terrain, frequency and speed of my runs.
I came across an excellent article that gave 6 practical steps to improve one's fitness outcomes and "change the game".
http://www.marieclaire.com/health-fitness/news/articles/workout-boredom
Thoughts? What are we doing to switch up our fitness lives these days? Anyone taking a new gym class? new exercise move? Sharing is caring, my lovelies!
TIME TO SWITCH IT UP!
Many of us having been doing the same workout for the past few months or possibly years and our bodies are simply bored. In my quest for better health, I have hit several plateaus and realized that change is necessary in order to reach your health goals. The more that you do the same activity, your body adjusts and does not respond the way that it once was. Even while trying for my 10 miler last Fall, I realized that although I felt as tired by runs that I had done several months earlier as well, my body was not necessarily changing. As a result, I had to change up the terrain, frequency and speed of my runs.
I came across an excellent article that gave 6 practical steps to improve one's fitness outcomes and "change the game".
http://www.marieclaire.com/health-fitness/news/articles/workout-boredom
Thoughts? What are we doing to switch up our fitness lives these days? Anyone taking a new gym class? new exercise move? Sharing is caring, my lovelies!
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