Daily Archives: June 6, 2012

Jun6

National Running Day!

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Did you think I’d let National Running Day go by without a post?! There was a lot to chat about today, so much so it called for two posts! In case you missed it I shared this week’s eats earlier in What I Ate Wednesday.  Now on to running! To celebrate National Running Day I went out for a 5 mile run after work.  I’ve been getting very comfortable running 3 and 4 miles at a time so I want to try to get in one longer run a week.  I’m thinking 6 miles would be perfect but for today I started with 5 miles.  I started the run with a 7:29 min/mile and felt awesome the whole run! The sun came out and the air was nice and cool…perfect running weather!

National Running Day!

In honor of running day let’s talk about a few of my running favorites!

Favorite Shoe. 

Mizuno Wave Inspire! It got me through both Chicago and Boston Marathons and months and months of training.  I’m still running in this model shoe and absolutely love it.  I’m on my 5th pair now!

Mizuno Inspire 8

Favorite Race. 

I’d say the NYC marathon.  It was my first marathon and I still to this day remember every single detail.  The standout for me was crossing the Queensboro Bridge at Mile 15 and coming into Manhattan for the first time with the crowds going CRAZY! I have never heard anything like that and I think it will be a moment that will never be duplicated.  Being my first it was one of my proudest running moments.

NYC Marathon!

Best Running Partner. 

Michael is definitely the best.  Training and running Chicago Marathon with him was one of the best experiences ever.  I always hoped I would date someone who loved to run and would be running along with me.  I love that he understands my NEED to run and always supports me.  Running  challenges our relationship and brings us closer in so many ways!

Michael and I at the Chicago Marathon!

Favorite Place To Run. 

The Esplanade! I am so lucky to be able to run every single day on the paths along the river and in the parks of Boston.  I’m surrounded by trees, waters, sailboats, runners, people walking their dogs and so much more.  I love love love it.

The Esplanade!

Hardest Race. 

The Boston Marathon this past April.  A marathon in 90 degree temperatures in April in New England with rolling hills, need I say more?  I think not.   But you can read my whole recap here!

Running the Boston Marathon!

Favorite Piece of Running Gear. 

By far the Lululemon Run Speed Skirt! I wore it for both Chicago Marathon and Boston Marathon and countless training runs.  It is always comfortable and always stylish!  My full review is here!

Lululemon Running Skirt!

What are your running favorites?

I truly love running and am thankful that my body has allowed me to run 3 marathons.  Running NYC, Chicago, and Boston marathons was amazing and are experiences I will hold close to my heart forever.  I love looking forward to a run, the way it makes my body feel and the strength it gives me both mentally and physically!

Happy National Running Day! Why do you run? How did you celebrate the day?

Jun6

What I Ate Wednesday! Light and Lean!

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Hi Friends! I have a few random thoughts to share before we get to the food.  To follow-up on yesterday’s post, I was up at 5am yesterday morning to get in a 4 mile run followed by squats, lunges and abs.  I thoroughly enjoyed my lazy night on Monday and had a fantastic run Tuesday morning. There was no wind or rain either! A little schedule change can make a huge difference.  On a less healthy note, Michael and I went to the Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl in Government Center last night.  His parents had volunteered so we went to see them and support a good cause.  For a $10 donation to the Jimmy Fund you are able to enjoy unlimited ice cream from 10 of the country’s leading ice cream brands.  Hood, Brigham’s, Breyer’s, Bryne Diary, Friendly’s, Edy’s, Ben and Jerry’s, Baskin Robbins, SoCo Creamery, and Ciao Bella Gelato all offered 4 different flavors.  The best part is that all proceeds go to the Jimmy Fund! If you are in Boston I recommend going and supporting the cause! It is today and tomorrow from noon to 8pm.  It was so fun to taste a variety of flavors and see how different each brand was.  Now on to the food…

We have another theme for What I Ate Wednesday this month! We are talking about sensible snacks for the summertime. For me personally I always reach for fruits as a snack.  I have a banana every morning around 10am for a snack and usually around 2pm I have another piece of fruit with a Greek Yogurt.  To reinvent the snack I often swap cottage cheese for my yogurt.  On the weekends I try to mix it up with veggies or small portions of leftovers!  What are your favorite snacks?  How do you mix it up?  Thanks Jen for hosting the party!

Breakfast.

Every now and then I have a morning where I just struggle to be ready and out the door on time.  That was yesterday morning for sure.  I got in the shower late since I opted to do a few more rounds of abs.  I headed to the cafeteria at work to get breakfast.  I chose a bowl of oatmeal with granola, raisins, a bit of cinnamon and brown sugar with a few pieces of pineapple on top! It was filling and delicious!

Oatmeal with Granola, Raisins, Pineapple, Cinnamon and Brown Sugar

So Good!

Lunch. 

I’m always trying to mix my lunch up and have variety.  This week I went with turkey, salami, American cheese, spinach and honey mustard on a sandwich thin.  I had natural sweet potato chips on the side.  I had a nectarine, cottage cheese with blueberries and Fig Newtons later in the afternoon for a snack.

Turkey, Salami, American Cheese and Spinach on a sandwich thin with sweet potato chips, cottage cheese, a nectarine and Fig Newtons

Dinner. 

I’ve been sticking with my plan to focus on lean protein and fish with lots of green vegetables to help lose some weight.   Eating dinners like these helps to keep me feeling light and good.  I eat enough so I feel satisfied but I never feel too full.  I had marinated tilapia with sauteed yellow and green zucchini with spinach and a side salad with cucumber and avocado.  It was so good! To drink I had my Skinnygirl Cleanse (which I normally drink in the morning but forgot that day).

Tilapia, Sauteed Zucchini with Spinach and Mixed Green with Cucumber and Avocado

Light, lean and delcious!

I’m so looking forward to seeing what you are all enjoying this week! 

What do you eat for breakfast when you are on the go?  What is your favorite afternoon snack?  Are you a fan of fish?  How do you keep your dinners light and lean?