Life Lately and Chia Pudding

Hey all!

I know I always apologize for being MIA...

This week and last week were awesome.  I've been in a low-key rotation in my internship, so I had plenty of "me-time" to get back into my exercise routine!

I went to three cycling classes, one yoga class, ran, and also ellipti-sized one day (derrr it's a word okay?).  I've never been to an actual yoga class before, but I watched this video and thought it was so great I wanted to give it a shot outside of my apartment.  I don't have the greatest mattress, so my back has been really messed up lately.  The last move in the video really lengthens the back.  Do it right after you wake up and you'll be wide awake, energized, and ready for your first cup of joe!

The cycling classes I go to are at 1-2-1 Fitness.  Love them.  The instructors are there to teach that specific class, so they're super knowledgeable and passionate.  I'm always a sweaty mess by the time I leave.  And my backside hurts a lot the next day.  TMI? okay. Word on the street is they're getting new bikes soon (THANK YOU anonymous donor) so hopefully that last issue will clear up relatively quickly.  

I wanted to introduce you all to my new favorite snack... Chia Pudding.  Heck yes.

Maybe you all know about this already.  I feel like I might be behind the curve, but that's pretty typical for me.

Basically, mix 3 Tbsp of chia seeds with 1 cup light vanilla soymilk.  Let sit for a few hours, until the chia seeds expand.  Stir occasionally if you so choose.  I've been eating it plain, but you can add extra toppings mix-ins if you like.  Unsweetened coconut would be amazinngggg or any 100% jam or fresh fruits.  Maybe even cocoa powder.  The options are endless, people.  In my opinion, it tastes a little bit like rice pudding... maybe not as sweet, but you get similar texture.

These things absolutely live up to their reputation as a nutritional "superfood" and I do not tend to throw that word around lightly.  All of the carbohydrate comes from fiber which is more difficult for the body to digest, leading to a healthier GI tract, improved blood glucose control, and healthy cholesterol levels.  With healthy fats and a little protein... you really can't go wrong.  And because they form a "gel", they are said to help keep the body hydrated.  Enjoy for breakfast, snack, or dessert!

This recipe makes two servings... here is the nutrition breakdown courtesy of MyFitnessPal:

 

Stop to Smell the Free Redbox

You know, today could have easily been one of those super frustrating days. I still am transportationally challenged... yes that's a real thing... seeing as some super nice Clevelander cut apart my exhaust system and stole my catalytic converter.  My airport shuttle service was 45 minutes late picking me up for the airport. After that nail-biter... My flight was delayed. But then I saw this little gem hiding in my diet Dr. P cap:

And I couldn't help but crack a smile.

It's the little things, people. So call your car service frantically, run through the airport, wait an extra hour at your gate, but always stop to appreciate the free Redbox and let the rest roll right off your back!

A Runner is Born... Tomorrow.

So I know I said I'd start that running plan this week... and according to that plan today was cross-train day.

Confession: I didn't cross-train.

I went home this weekend and have been traveling back to my lovely apartment today.  

Instead of leaving you with a workout update... I'll leave you with some motivation:

TOMORROW, friends.  Three miles.

A Runner is Born

So.  I've been thinking.

Which is dangerous.

But this time I think it's good.

A couple months ago I was out of bed Mama Laughlin style at 4:30 to hit the gym EVERY morning.  But I've really been slacking.  And I want to work toward a goal.  I think I get off track because I need more structure.  I need something like a project that I can work on in my spare time.  

I've never been much of a runner... probably because growing up I never had anywhere to run.  Except in tractor paths.  But one ankle twist pretty much cured me of that.

Then it dawned on me.

I hate doing things I'm not good at!

I'm slowly realizing and accepting that I can't be good at everything right off the bat.  So I'm going to start running.  Until I'm good at it.  And maybe when I'm good at it, I'll enjoy it!

I have no intention of running a marathon or anything crazy like that.  Maybe someday I'll change my mind, but running for hours and hours on end just doesn't sound like a motivating goal for me.  For now, I'm going to aim for a half, but since a 5k is challenging, I'll be happy if this plan gets me past that point.

I'd really love it if anyone wants to do it with me!  Friend me on MyFitnessPal or follow me on Bloglovin' by clicking the button at the right and leave your updates in the comments section!

I'll start next week and use this plan from Fitness Magazine.  Just click the "download the training plan here" link to open the .pdf file.  They also have tons of other useful tips for runners you can find while browsing their site!

I plan to post regular updates and motivation here!  Wish me luck and I hope you join me!

 

My First 5k... Unofficially.

Awhile ago (read: August 2011) I carried 154 pounds on my 5'1" frame.

It doesn't take a health professional to know... that's too much.

I was insecure, and lost confidence in myself.  

But one day, I decided to do something about it.  I joined MyFitnessPal and my life was never the same.  It was so easy to keep track of everything I ate and the activity I did.  And no, they didn't pay me to say that.  It's like the Facebook for healthy living.  Join and be my friend here!

I'll go more into detail on my story later.  The bottom line is, I've sort of fallen off the bandwagon lately, juggling my MS classes and internship.  I've noticed I've been throwing away a lot of healthy foods because I turned to more convenience foods... and exercise... forget about it.

Until this morning.  I planned on going for a run, I knew I needed to.  But it was hard to get out of bed.  So I did what any American girl does and got on Pinterest to hit up the Fitness and Health feed for some pinspiration.  Then I put on leggingsand a tank, laced up my Nikes, fired up Nike+ and hit the trail... er... sidewalk.

I didn't expect to run the whole way.  I'd been out of practice for quite some time and before that I had been exercising indoors, so my muscles wouldn't be used to the outside terrain.  If you can call a sidewalk terrain.  It is in Cleveland.I walked when I had to, but was able to run the first mile and a half and run/walk the rest.

According to Nike+, I'd gone just over three miles.  That was pretty good for me!  But I still felt like I wished I would have run more of it.  I always do.  I'm hard on myself that way.

But then I saw this:

Well duh.  It was my fastest because it was the only one.

I never thought about it in terms of a 5k when I heard the mile updates in my ear.

Okay so it may not have been my longest run ever.  But exercise is exercise.  Right?

So now I'm going to start my day knowing that I am now a 5k champ.  Maybe I'll get one of those stickers for my car. HA.  Do they make ones that say 3.2?  I'll check.  Stay tuned.

What are your running secrets?