Butternut Squash Soup - Must Share!

Sorry I've left you all without a post in a while.  The workouts have been going pretty well... we are on to week three and going strong.  The nutrition plan has been pretty difficult the past week - holiday drinks, work bake-offs, and yummy goody gifts galore. 

So far I haven't lost any weight (or gained any weight) but I've gained muscle and lost body fat percentage. 

In other news...

If this recipe was on Pinterest I could have marked it down as one that I have completed.  I may have to pin this recipe myself.  I found it on Tasting Table and it is SUPER delicious.  You guys have to try it.

Workout Song of the Day: "Hide U" by Kosheen (an oldie but a goodie)

Truly Inspirational Tuesday

Love it or leave it everyone has to admire this pole dancer's ability and strength on this YouTube clip.  (totally clean btw)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waIuhfoTMv8

Me?  I personally love it.  I think its truly an artform... a style of dance that uses a big prop thereby allowing you to try some incredible strength moves.  

 

Workout Song of the Day: "Every Tear Drop is a Waterfall" by Coldplay.  Just beautiful.  http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/every-teardrop-is-a-waterfall/id471339278?i=471339498

Cheers to my run group! (Week 2, Day 1)

(great inspiration from a Saucony Ad)

Good morning and happy Monday!

I dedicate this blog post to my awesome after work run group.  I lead a group of around 8-10 people on various distance runs around the area.  Now I have an email distribution of about 87 people but only 8-10 show up.  BUT those 8-10 people ARE AWESOME, amazing people that I wouldn't trade for the world.  It's an equal mix of people who are new to running and those who are looking for a new personal best at the races we are training for.  I love that they always have smiles on their faces and are eager to get out there no matter what the weather.  (For Los Angeles it was pretty cold this Saturday.)

Three cheers to them!

I don't think I would have started running had there not been a group to train with.  Running led to triathlons.  Running introduced me to my wonderful boyfriend.  Running keeps me focused and happy. 

If you don't have a run group I highly recommend starting one up.  You don't have to be a speed demon.   I'm happy to answer any questions if someone is interested.

Workout Song of the Day: "Fall at Your Feet" by Boy and Bear (A cool down or warm up song) http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/fall-at-your-feet/id400002245?i=400002474

Crazy good but totally weird (Day 5)

Last night I was craving some sweets big time.  I held strong though and didn't go for ice cream (remember I live next to the flagship Baskin Robbins store).  Go me!

So my boyfriend went into the kitchen and came out with a healthy surprise.  I found it totally weird but surprisingly good....

Cottage Cheese, Greek Yogurt, Pomegranate arils, Blackberries, and Honey. 

Cottage cheese + Greek Yogurt... who knew.  The saltiness of the the cottage cheese balanced out the acidity of the yogurt.  Delish!  I recommend. 

Do you have any healthy dessert recipes to share?  I could use some help.

Workout song of the day: "Murder Weapon" by Tricky http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/murder-weapon/id393119967?i=393120055

Need Motivation? (Day 4)

Another great Pinterest gem that I must share shows us that we need to quit couch loafing and do it:

If you can't see the chart large enough please check out this

awesome blog (its worth it): http://www.nomorebacon.com/i-dont-want-to-workout-today-flowchart/

Thank you Ryan Sullivan for making me laugh. 

Workout Song of the Day (This one is great for stretching... brings me back to my dance days of an hour long stretch session with Mr. B):  "Draw the Stars" by Andreya Triana http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/draw-the-stars/id427589342?i=427589343

Hair Story (Day 3)

I've had long blonde hair for practically like all of my life.  I went red for about a year (three years ago).  I had short blonde hair for like a year (college).  And lately I've been just plain bored of it. 

So last week I thought hey why don't I die my hair and cut it in the same trip?  Fantastic idea right... go bold!  (My hair dresser decided red was the best option and I must say that I like it.) 

The problem is that I'm supposed to wash it like once or twice a week.  ONCE OR TWICE A WEEK!  You must be crazy.  I'm working out twice a day (including pool swims) so it is just impossible.  Wah wah wahhhhhh. 

Yes I know I look like a crazy person.  You try trying to be discreet in your cubicle at work.  I'm squatting down in heels trying to be still and snap the picture.  "Why don't you have someone take it for you?"  Good question.  It felt right.  haha.  I'm a nut.

Workout Song of the Day:  "Work Out" by J Cole : http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/work-out/id464427218?i=464427547

Training Day 2

This morning's workout was a bike.... I just bought a new carbon bike and it is lovely!

Isn't it pretty?  My boyfriend's brother is an expert in the biking gear arena.  He put this bike together for me.  Thank you Dan-O!  The only problem is that I forgot to ask for a woman's seat. 

Needless to say this morning's bike was a little um... uncomfortable.  Okay not a little it HURT.  Yet another thing to add to the to do list. 

I've been doing a lot of precooked meals lately and it is a huge help when you are trying to fit in two workouts a day plus work.  Pinterest has been a big help with that.  Here is my favorite recipe so far:

Low-carb Breakfast muffins: pour egg beaters into a greased cupcake pan, then add toppings like - mushrooms, veggies, and meat. Bake them in the oven at 375-degrees for 30 minutes and let them cool. Pop them into plastic bags so that you can grab them easily in the morning.  (Pinned from this website to give credit where it is deserved: http://britmorin.com/page/4).    Tasty stuff!

Workout song of the day: "Sunrise" by Childish Gambino http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/childish-gambino/id466842536  (Hilarious comedian and talented musician... Donald Glover)

Ironman Training Day 1

So today is the day.... I begin training for my first full Ironman. Which means two workouts a day plus a nutrition plan. Nutrition plan is guided by Bob Seebohar's book Nutrition Periodization for Endurance Athletes. So for base training (up until March) no grains, potatoes, rice, etc. I'm trying to train my body to fuel itself from fat and not rely on carbohydrates. So my plate will look like 1/3 lean fats/ proteins and 2/3 fruits and vegetables.

Pre-season = base training.

Nutrition is important this time around because when I did my half Ironman last year I ate poorly and didn't see any fitness results. Pretty disappointing considering I averaged 9 hours a week of workouts per week from January-July.

Mantra: Eat for training fuel. Don't train to eat.
Goodbye Baskin Robbins!

Today I'm starting the day out sore from a 7 mile run yesterday (training for Tinker Bell Half Marathon 1/29/12) and from helping a friend dig a hole in their back yard. Sorry boring for my readers but I thought it would be useful to look back on at the end.

Cheers to a new year!

Does anyone else have any fun fitness goals they are looking to accomplish this year?

FITNESS SONG #1: "Hold On" by Rusko (feat. Amber Coffman)