Run away baby...

I have a not-so-secret:  I'm running. Not just a little bit (see: triathlon training where I ignore the run portion). I'm running a lot a bit (for me). Ever since January 23rd, I've been lacing up 3x a week. It started with 2 miles - pausing for walk breaks, water stops and scenic stretching. Now, I'm up to 5 and a half! Slowly but surely, I'm working my way up to 10 miles on May 6th for the Broad Street Run.

I'm doing this for a pretty fantastic cause (visit my DetermiNation page here), but also to challenge myself in a way I've never done before. Unfortunately, I have another secret. When I get into something, I REALLY get into it. Mostly along the "if I train hard and reach my goals, I might as well look cute doing it" kinda way. Yup, clothes, sneakers, gear.... if you thought running was a cheap sport, you haven't met this girl ;)

So without further ado - please indulge my latest running window shopping obsessions ;) I'm hoping by putting them here, they won't end up in my actual closet ha!

Lululemon is a weakness of mine...

Source: shop.lululemon.com via Devon on Pinterest

And wouldn't it be adorable with these?!

Source: shop.lululemon.com via Devon on Pinterest

Preventing me from splurging on the run:speed shorts? The fact that they will not in fact make my tush look that fantastic. I don't care HOW magical others claim them to be ha!

I run in Asics - but how adorable are these for post run comfort or cross training?

Source: store.nike.com via Devon on Pinterest

Why no tops? Because with DetermiNation, I race in an American Cancer Society singlet, letting everyone know I am kicking cancer's butt with every step I take!

Whew... Now that those lovelies are out of my system, I can hopefully get my mind out of the closet in on to more important things ;)

Do you have any workout gear obsessions?

CSA Week 6 and Race Preview!

Whew- what a week! I feel like I've just caught up after a whirlwind weekend and the final week of school (YAY summer break!)

First up- the CSA! I'm getting bad at taking pictures, but really, how many times do you all want to see a bunch of kale?

Here's what came in this week's haul:

Tuesday, June 14 - Half Share

1 Bunch Green Kale - Certified Organic - Autumn Blend Organics

1 Bunch Collard Greens - Certified Organic - Sunrise Ridge Organics

1 Bunch Garlic Scapes - Certified Organic - Liberty Branch Farm

1 Head Flashy Troutsback Romaine Lettuce - Certified Organic - Riverview Organics

1 Bunch Scallions - Certified Organic - Sunrise Ridge Organics

2 Yellow Straightneck Squash - Certified Organic - Echo Valley Organics

I traded out the collard greens for extra scapes- they're so delish! Not to mention kinda crazy looking...

Even better- our Fruit Share started this week! Since it is early in the season, a large jar of organic apple sauce paired with a pound of rainier cherries made up our share.

Don't they look delicious?

This weekend, the boy and I did our second Tri together. I want to do a "race recap" like Caitlin does over at Healthy Tipping Point, but I am so glad I signed up this year! I wanted to bail back in March and I'm glad I didn't. Just for giggles- here's how stinking cute I look when I'm running (which is to say, not at all ha)

Have a wonderful rest of the week!

  

Today, I'm taking my hammie swimming!

Source: dailycute.net via Elissa on Pinterest

Spring Break Workout Update!

Just a quick update on my workout progress!

So far, things are moving along. I'm sticking to my plan (yay little blue binder!) and this week, my reps are increasing (I'm using the 8, 10, 12 model). Even better, I got a call from my local YMCA last night- I got into the yoga class I was waitlisted for! I miss doing yoga several times a week. Unfortunately, I just can't afford to go to a studio anymore. My hope is that going to a class 1-2 x a week (that's free for members!) will get me back into the yogi mindset.

The only thing holding me back right now- my Right Hamstring.

Yay for my endless collection of Anatomy pics!

I thought I was suffering a little DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) after doing my leg workout last week. No big, push through it with a recovery work out, a little stretching and self treatment (I don't recommend self treatment unless you know what you're doing though!). A few days later (and a weekend of rest- aka moving), I still couldn't touch my toes comfortably. This is where I brought in the big guns- the boy. Also known as my live in PT/sports performance coach/common sense reminder guy.

"Babe, you have some swelling in there. Let me work on you."

Nooooooooo! (Kubler Ross did say the first stage is Denial, right?)

Needless to say, I know I need help treating this bugger now. And common sense should kick in at some point. But I really like my lower extremity work out :( And I want to do it NOW! It makes me feel badass at the gym- is that so much to ask?

I'm partially writing this so I can remind myself that I do need to change my workout today. And maybe you can help hold me accountable. For now- off to the Y I go! I have a date with some cardio equipment on my agenda today :)

Savoring Spring (a bit early!)

Happy Monday! Hopefully, most of you have off today. I have to work, but with a limited schedule, meaning I get to catch up on bills, get a good workout in, and daydream about spring!

Speaking of spring, I can't wait for the warmer weather, sunshine, and FOOD! This Friday, we had temps up in the high 60s/low 70s. It immediately made me crave shorts, flowy sundresses, and grilling out on the little red deck. Something I've been considering for awhile is joining a CSA, or Community Supported Agriculture. Friday's weather had me longing for fresh veggies and ripe fruit- and I think it also pushed me over the edge in making my decision! There are a few CSAs for us to choose from locally, and the boy and I have decided to try our luck with Lancaster Farm Fresh Co-op. 

Deliciousnessss

They offer 25 week half veggie shares, and after looking at samples of their full shares last season, I can't wait to see what shows up in our boxes! LFF also has a fruit share option- providing 20 wks of yumminess to go with your veggies.

Part of what had me hesitating is the inability to choose what you will get. Our household has some pretty adventurous eaters, but the boy is a little more limited on veggies he likes (I adore spinach, keep it far away from him). The idea of cooking brand new things is a little intimidating!

eek! what do I do with THIS?

Also- the upfront costs. LFF's full veggie share is $700, a half share is $425, and a fruit share is $180. That's a chunk of change considering the half share and fruit share cover 2 months of my grocery bill.

But what pushed me over the edge? I looked at our grocery bills.

The 25 wk veggie half share will average out to $17/wk. The fruit share will come to $9 a week. I usually find myself limiting the amount of fresh produce I buy in the supermarket to stay within budget. The CSA will provide a great assortment of fruits and veggies while staying within our budget! Not to mention, we will be getting all organic produce- something I admittedly don't do on a regular basis because of costs.

Either way, we start our culinary adventure in May. I hope you'll come back and check out my weekly posts about what showed up in the CSA boxes and my adventures in cooking!

30 Days

If you walked into my house this morning, this is what you'd see:

No- I'm not going to file away the SI Swimsuit edition in a cute little binder. That's my new workout log :)

Both of these items showed up at my house last night, one by choice (the binder), and the other to taunt me. Yes, it's 30 days til spring break- and this girl needs to be in bikini shape!

The boy and I have spent the night designing workout plans (him the plans, me the cute way to organize them in my binder) to jumpstart our individual goals. Although it's my job to push others, I have the worst time motivating myself. Writing things down and seeing my motivator every night may be the push I need!

That. And the damn magazine sitting on the side table.

Who else is in?!

Becoming an Animal...maybe a kitten.

I can't walk up the stairs today.

Yesterday, I set up the TRX Suspension Trainer that we have in our fitness center. I absolutely LOVE the TRX for training, but I haven't used in in awhile. Since I am currently trying to kick start my workout habits (yes, still trying since the new year), I figured doing something fun and challenging would keep me interested and coming back for more!

Well, right now, it's keeping me from making it out of my office haha. My friend Kara is dedicated to taking care of her machine- her body. Daily, she dedicates herself to "becoming an animal". I think right now, I'm closer to a kitten haha. Baby steps, right?

The awesome thing about the TRX- it uses your body weight and forces you to activate your stabilizing muscles (I won't geek out and list them here). I like to use it during my core/leg training as part of a circuit. Yesterday, single leg TRX lunges are what got me...

What's that you ask? Here's a video of a studly personal trainer with great form!

I looked like that on the first set...not as pretty on the 2nd set, and by the 3rd set, my forward drive was not nearly there. BUT- I finished! And today, I got a reminder that my adductors have not been worked in about 2 solid months. Hi, muscles!

The good news? I can waddle up the stairs, and I can't wait to go back for more! Tomorrow, I am going to focus on core/upper body as well as try out a new "hamstring run". Fitness is all about finding what you love- and for me, that's resistance based workouts that challenge my whole body.

Where am I going to go from here? Wait and see what's in store next week :)

What's your fitness go to?

Snow Day!

I hope everyone in the north east has dug their cars out and can safely travel now! We got hit with around 10 inches Wednesday into Thursday. Since Delaware thinks snow plows are a novel idea, I'm surprised we're getting around without too many issues right now.

The good/GREAT thing about the snow? SNOW DAYS! I got lucky and had 2 (one early dismissal and one full out snow day), and I used them to their fullest. Snow hikes with Riley and the boy, lots of shoveling and car cleaning, drunk lunches with friends, fuzzy blankets and lots of home cooked winter meals. 

Here are a few shots of our winter hike along the river...

I will bend, but not break

my favorites :)

For dinner, I made 2 of the boy's favorite things: black beans and brussel sprouts. ok, I know, weird combo. Actually, it's a VERY dangerous combo (hehe)- but it was delicious!

I never thought I'd like brussel sprouts- but my mom turned me on to the trendy idea of roasting them with lots of salt and pepper. I used Ina Garten's recipe found here. {my alterations look like this}

Fresh cut sprouts! The finished product disappeared quickly :)

Ingredients

nocoupons

• 1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts {for 2, I use a 10 oz pkg}
• 3 tablespoons good olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt{or more!!}
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Cut off the brown ends of the Brussels sprouts and pull off any yellow outer leaves {I like to halve mine}. Mix them in a bowl with the olive oil, salt and pepper. Pour them on a sheet pan and roast for 35 to 40 minutes, until crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Shake the pan from time to time to brown the sprouts evenly. Sprinkle with more kosher salt ( I like these salty like French fries){me too!!}, and serve immediately.

The black beans are insanely easy to make, and muy delicioso! Unfortunately, they go faster than Speedy Gonzalas. I have to remember to take a picture next time for the blog! I'll save that recipe for later :)

They're calling for more snow today... hopefully only a little. My shoulders are sore from clearing off the cars! Stay warm!

Under Armour Women's Heat Gear Rib Tank

More than anything, I prefer doing workouts in sleeveless shirts and tanks. No, it's not "sun's out, guns out" time (haha check out my little arms!), but I prefer having an unrestricted range of motion during yoga, etc.

My second purchase that I am reviewing is the Under Armour Rib Tank from UA's heat gear line. Ready for a few more awkward mirror photo shoots?!

UA Rib Tank- Fits close to the body

From the front!

Fit- UA categorizes this tank as Fitted: "A specialized fit that's not tight, but designed to be very close to the body without the constriction of compression." It's definitely closer to the body (and less forgiving) than Nike's fitted category. The body is cut long again- hitting below the hip. Sorry-it's a little hard to tell since I'm wearing black yoga pants in the picture! The arm holes are cut high, but don't rub, and the low scoop neck is modest while giving a good range of motion. I was wearing a bright blue sports bra and it was completely covered! This tank has a slight racer back cut that allows you to stay covered, but again gives you a great range of motion.

Back View from UA's store

This is a tank and a tank alone with no shelf bra built in. I find this to be a bonus because I hate "double layering" and having 2 bands of elastic around my ribcage. It just feels bulky.

Performance- There's a lot to love about this tank. The Heat Gear material from UA is soft and silky, and this time it's in a unique ribbed texture. Picking this one up off the rack, it looked like it was a cotton "beater", but it couldn't be farther! Something you can't see well on UA's site or in my pictures is the placement of "strategic vents" along the lateral aspect of the back panel. The vents worked well. I stayed cool and comfortable throughout the cardio and core workout I did. One drawback: the long torso bunched up during my cardio routine. Since the body is fitted, it reacted to my body's movements on the elliptical. I felt a little awkward tugging at the hem every few minutes.

Style- In black, this tank looks badass. I felt a little bit like a YMCA ninja coming into the fitness center haha. Since I am early on in my fitness routine, I don't think I would get this in any bright colors until I am fully confident with my body. The indigo and teal colors available truly show every lump and bump due to the close fit. As mentioned before, the tank is cut well to give you range of motion, but still covers you up. Personally, I don't like showing cleavage while doing planks (or the stares you get from the old guys on the bike). That being said, the close cut gave me a little "ooh, I look good" confidence boost.

Value- At under $20, I like it! UA Heat Gear material last a long time and maintains its shape PLUS provides SPF 30+. A great tank for your indoor fitness pursuits and an easy transition to playing outdoors come summer.

Nike Pro Combat Fitted V-Neck Review

Keeping in line with my New Year's Resolutions, the boy and I recently joined a nearby gym and got to work! It feels really good to get moving on a regular basis again, but what didn't feel good was a sweaty tshirt 15 minutes into my cardio routine. Something I've learned about myself over the years: if it doesn't feel good, I won't be motivated to do it. I'm not saying I don't love the burn of an amazing workout! I just don't like having chafed armpits from icky cotton.

So, to keep myself motivated and back in the fitness mindset, I went shopping (surprise!). My goal: find a few shirts and tanks that fit my performance wear needs.  First up, the Nike Pro Combat Fitted V Neck.

Nike Pro Combat Fitted V Neck in Red Plum

Awkward iPhone photo shoot in my mirror!

Fit- I bought my Nike standard medium. This is a great top for long torsoed girls out there. The length hit right below my hip. The term "fitted" can scare people off- especially at the beginning of a new fitness routine! Not to fear. The cut skims the body but is not "tight" by any means. If you prefer the discreteness of a standard tshirt cut, but want something more feminine, this is it. The v neckline and length of the short sleeves  are also pluses in my opinion. When doing core, I sometimes feel constricted by crew necks. This v neck isn't too low, but allows for a great range of motion.

Performance-  The DriFit material and flat seaming on this tee are phenomenal! I didn't experience any chafing under the arms (even with sleeves tucked in), or along the sides. Since the shirt has only light contact with the body cut, it naturally helps minimize hot spots, but the seaming around the neck was comfortable throughout my workout. The long length helped the shirt stay in place through both cardio and yoga workouts. A pet peeve of mine is having my tshirt bunched up around my armpits during down dog. Not with this shirt! It stayed in place (without being tight!) through sun salutations, planks to down dog series, and Riley trying to help me perfect my up dog (by laying toys across my back haha).  

The DriFit lived up to it's name (as always), but did have a small drawback: it stinks after awhile. This is pretty standard with performance fabrics and can be treated with the right detergents, but it certainly isn't glamorous or chic haha.

The only other con with this top- don't wear it in a cold gym if you don't have the proper sports bra. Another standard issue many** run into with performance fabrics is a little bit of "nippage" exposure, and this shirt is no exception. Since it is a tee with no built in bra liner, you're on your own here. 

**and by many, I mean me. ha.

Style-  Yes. It is very important to look cute when working out. Ha ok, not really- but you should feel good about what you're wearing!

The colors at my local sporting goods store were the red plum and royal you see here along with heather gray, safety yellow, and an electric mango. More can be found online. Each shirt has a contrast piping on the v neckline, a cute touch in my opinion.

Overall, I felt good and ready to work out when I put the Nike Pro Combat shirt on for the first time. Always a good sign!

Value- At only $25 a shirt (and lot's of coupons available online!), this shirt is a great value for how versatile and comfortable it can be. I will probably pick up more colors once the temperature rises and the new colorways roll out for spring. (I found a few colors for even less on Nike's site, but the sizes are limited).

note: I am not the best photographer. I am not even really a GOOD photographer. Hopefully, I'll get better, but thanks for not laughing at me too much!

Post Workout Beauty Routine: Hair

I think one of the hardest parts of getting to the gym is planning a block of time out in your schedule. Are you a morning person? A lunch break cardio girl? After work spin class junkie? For me, I prefer the morning to mid day workout since my workday extends a bit later than most.

But then there's the dilemma- I look gross.

Yup- scheduling a time to work out isn't hard, it's the workout THEN get re-dressed and primped time issue that I struggle with.

I don't think I'm the only one here- so I want to share my "post workout beauty routine" and maybe get some extra tips and tricks along the way!

Hair:
Everyone swears by dry shampoo. I can't stand it. I'm pretty sure my hair reacts to just seeing the can out on the counter...it falls limp, gets greasier, and looks like I haven't washed in weeks. Maybe I'm doing it wrong? Help!

I have 2 tactics here. If I had a moderate mid day workout with not too much sweat (rare), I spray my roots with hairspray, flip my head over, and dry upside down. The alcohol base sucks out the sweat, I get lift, and I swear it doesn't smell bad either. From there, I style it up or if I'm REALLY lucky, leave it down.

If I've had a great workout and look the part, my only option is to shower. Ugh. Since the time it takes to shower cuts down on virtually all other aspects of getting ready, I need to make my hair routine quick and dirty. Introducing my wet hair best friend: MoroccanOil. A dime sized amount of this argan infused serum makes my hair super soft and cuts airdrying time in half.

get it here

Afterward, I do a fishtail braid to keep my locks out of the way and looking office ready. I used to think it would be impossible to braid my hair this way, but I found an easy tutorial through BellaSugar and practiced on both wet and dry hair over a weekend. The result: a braid that looks complex, takes minutes, and can be made business appropriate or casual based on precision.

Do you struggle with the post workout clean up? What works best for you? 

Changing the way I look at food

I was looking through my refrigerator and pantry yesterday and got a familiar pang. "There's nothing to eat. Let's go grab dinner." Immediately, I stopped myself. The shelves were packed! The freezer stocked! So what was my problem?

I need to change the way I look at food.

My friend, Kara over at And Here I Am, does an amazing job with this. She shared her holiday detox with everyone and I thought it was great. Just not for me. Not now.  After a few tweets involving lots of capital letters and DEVON!, I realized I need to do something. I'm not much of one for a cleanse, but I definitely need to step it up.

Step one last night was reorganizing the pantry. Grains at eye level, snacks down low/harder to spot. Beans together and easy to reach. Chips (my vice) on the top shelf where I have to wear 4" heels to reach. Out went the old Halloween Candy and I made a list of staples to add: more quinoa, steel cut oats, sweet potatoes, and a new variety of grab and go bars (love Luna and Kind bars!).

Next- the Fridge. Why wasn't I finding anything? Because we had processed foods and processed foods alone. Partly because we held a few gatherings over the holidays- so there were leftover frozen hors d'oeuvres and dips galore. Mostly because I was tired of cooking last grocery trip, so I stocked up on Trader Joe's Orange Chicken and Tyson chicken strips.

Again came the organizing and the lists. Sauces and dips together (tossing the ones that made my butt bigger looking at them), cleaning out the produce and deli drawers, tossing the last of the boxed margarita mix.... Off to the store to buy REAL food. Bananas, cherries, apples, brussel sprouts (love! and will share a recipe soon). More Greek yogurt. A treat or two, because a balanced diet means moderation. 

Today- I woke up excited for breakfast! (Chobani plain 0% with fresh cherries!) I packed myself a bag with snacks and a healthy lunch. I knew what I wanted! The only downside is that work didn't agree with me and I had to wait until nearly 3 to eat my meal (with interruptions), but I still felt good about my choices.

Last but not least, I started using Livestrong's Daily Plate application both online and on my iPhone. I used Daily Plate for several months as my food log, but stopped when my healthy habits fell apart. I'm back now. Daily Plate is easy to use, has a huge data base of generic and brand name foods, and also allows you to log your fitness goals.

How do you keep yourself on the right track? Do you detox and love it? To keep myself committed, I am looking forward to posting a few recipes in the future and also incorporate more wellness topics into my content. What do you want to hear about in the new year?

Champagne, Fireworks, and Self Modification. Bring on 2011!

It's that time again...the New Year! A chance for us to leave all the bad things in 2010 and start fresh in 2011. I usually set lofty goals that I can only maintain for 2-3 weeks before getting burned out, but I want to change that this year. Changing too many things at once is just a recipe for burnout, so I want to make a few tweaks here and there to make me more rounded have a better year in general.

I'm sure you've read dozens of lists so far, but here's mine anyway :)

• Stay in touch better. My best girlfriends and I have come to the realization that we are far too comfortable not talking on a regular basis. My plan: take at least 20 minutes to email them each week. I write emails all day to my work colleagues, my mom, etc. I tweet a dozen times a day. Why not put some of that to good use?
  
  
• Eat out less often. This one was thrown onto the table by the boy. We have one "date night" a week where we go out, but we were buying lunches 3-5x a week instead of making our own. I love to cook, so I want to add in to this one "make a new recipe each week" to get me back in front of the stove. (Hopefully, that will translate to more/better blog content too! haha)
  
  
• Start working out again. My job pretty much requires that I be in good shape, yet I'm majorly slacking. The boy and I are joining the Y on January 1st (no signup fees!) and I'm getting back in the pool! I love swimming more than any other sport (yoga is a close second though) and want to start training for another triathlon asap.
  
  
• Make my closet a "working closet". I've mentioned KendiEveryday before, and now she's doing a series on making your closet work for you. My style has evolved a ton from high school through college to now. Ever have those days where there is just "nothing to wear"? I'm there. EVERY DAY. So it's time for a change. I've purged a ton, but there is more to do. If anyone is a size 4-8 in bottoms and a small-medium on top, let me know!

So 4 resolutions and 12 months to complete them (Well, 5 if you count this one!). I'm not going to donate my closet and go to spin class every morning come Jan 1st (let the hangover die down first), but I am going to work towards completing each and every one in little baby steps. What are your Resolutions for 2011? If you have any tips on how to keep them, share please!

photo credit: popstar