Do Something Quote

Every day is an opportunity for you to do something to make your life better.  Get up and do something!

The Elvis Presley Smoothie

This is my boyfriend's and I personal favorite smoothie.  It is perfect for after a long run or hard workout.  I tribute this smoothie to Elvis Presley because of his peanut butter and banana expertise.  This recipe will make about two medium smoothies to share or one large smoothie to hog for yourself. 

 What You Need:
Low Fat Milk
Ice
Fat Free/Sugar Free Frozen Yogurt
Bananas
Natural Peanut Butter
Flax Seed
Whey Protein Powder (Vanilla)

 Put 1/2 cup Milk, 5-6 ice cubes & 1 cup of frozen yogurt at the bottom of the blender.

Add a scoop of protein powder.  If you would like to add more powder, more power to you!

Add banana.  I add about 3/4 of the banana and then tend to eat the bottom quarter for a pre-smoothie treat.

 Add about a tablespoon of flax seed and 1-2 scoops of peanut butter.  I usually lean toward the 2 scoop side of this formula =)  Put top on the blender and mix.

Enjoy a recovery smoothie that will fill you up and refresh you after a long workout.

Spring Running Outfit

Looking out the window at the cold snow, I only can think about the warm breeze of Spring that is soon to come.  I put together this outfit to reflect the brightness that comes with the season.

C9 Fashion Tech Tee- I love these inexpensive tees from Target.  I have them in several colors, and they are my go to tee for running in warming weather.

Nike Tempo Track Short- The colors are bright and fun, but it is the 'FAST' that makes these shorts make you feel like sprinting that last 400 meter.

Sugoi RSR Cap- Adjustable hat with mesh panels for ultimate fit and function.

Commit Sq Sunglasses by Oakley- Lightweight, interchangeable lens with smudge-resistant barrier to repel water and finger prints.

Brooks Trance 11- Runner's World Editor's Choice Award

Post Workout Outfit

Nike Cotton Fleece Full Zip Hoodie- Fun colors make for a fun look with this comfy hoodie.

Athleta Chalet Pant- Semi-Fitted pant that makes you look put together after the gym, and not sloppy.

Puma Heritage No. 1 Logo Handbag- Synthetic leather makes this no ordinary gym bag.

Fossil Stella Silicone Watch- The silicone band is a flexible and easy to wear.  I love the white color.

Nike 6.0 Balsa Loafer- These are my favorite go to shoes after running.  Cute and Comfortable!

Resolution Restart

It has been over a month since many of us have created New Year's resolutions, so now is the time to get your motivation back up.  This infographic displays how resolutions drop off almost 40% after the first month (infographic link).

Let's get motivated to keep up our goals!  Here are some quotations and pictures to get you back on your fitness resolution or goal.

Happy running and keep it up!

Alcohol and Running- Friend or Foe?

Lace up shoes, run ten miles, take a shower, open a bottle of wine—it seems like an unlikely order of events, but research has shown that the more an individual exercises, the more he/she consumes alcohol (The Miami Hurricane).  After reading this, my curiosity took the best of me and I jumped into research action.  It is true that I myself take advantage of the ‘burned calories’ to enjoy beer and wine guiltlessly, so does this consumption have a negative or positive effect on my running?

We all know that alcohol dehydrates our bodies and drinking before physical activity causes decreased strength, power, speed, and endurance (American College of Sports Medicine); however, it has been demonstrated that moderate consumption of alcohol has health benefits.  Increase of good cholesterol in bloodstream, lower blood pressure, antioxidants, and disease prevention (Alzheimer’s and Osteoporosis) are the chasers to your glass of wine or beer (The Spread of Alcohol Consumption Behavior in a Large Social Network).  Furthermore, engaging in social situations increases self-esteem and positive life experiences, thus drinks with friends are a ticket to a mental vacation.

Although all this information makes me feel like I should grab a six-pack of Blue Moon, there is also a word of limited consumption for my running friends.  My lady friends should keep their enjoyment to one glass a day to reap the benefits and avoid negative factors.  Water intake should be increased to help the body compensate for any dehydration.  Also, that refreshing glass of wine or beer should not be a replacement for proper refueling.  The carbohydrates in a beer may be intriguing, but these carbs are notoriously ‘bad’.  Make sure to eat and hydrate before reaching for that rewarding drink. 

I am not attempting to push all my running friends to grab a cork screw or bottle opener, but if you relish a beer or glass of wine, there are positive health advantages both physically and psychologically.  

Running Mom Gear

This running gear Friday is dedicated to all my friends who are expecting a new loved one (or have little ones already) in their family.  Staying active as a mom is important for not only yourself, but for your children too! Get your sweat on and look good in this mom friendly ensemble. 

Saucony Velocity Run Cap- This cap comes with a safety light attached to the cap.

Baby Jogger F.I.T.- Watch this clip to an overview of this amazing stroller.

Mizuno Wave Creation 14- Some pregnant or new moms may be 'heel striking' unconsciously due to how they are carrying weight during/after pregnancy.  These shoes are perfect for this type of runner.

C9 by Champion Top/Bottom- A loose top with ruched sleeves and bottom is great for comfort and fitness. The bottoms also have this appealing ruched legs and top for comfort.