Order of Operations

Step 1.

 Convince your husband to go shopping at Wholefoods with you by telling him it is so wonderfully nice outside and you absolutely HAVE to take a motorcycle ride.. and while we were out we grabbed a glass of wine ;)

Step 2.

 Eat dinner- Broiled Salmon, roasted beets with their greens sautéed on the side. Even Tuna wanted a bite

Step 3.  

Go teach yoga 

Step 4.

Kill a pint of ice cream with James 

 Right before heading off to bed.. and not a smidgen of guilt. Fantastical! 

Step 5.

Wake up with James, have coffee along with Sweet Blueberry Sausage (from the Wholefoods trip the night before) and scrambled eggs. 

Step 6.

Have another cup of coffee

Step 7. 

Go for a run, focusing on speed work 

 Step 8.

Feel awesome

 Step 9.

Make an amazing Superfood Recovery Smoothie Bowl

 In the bowl: 6 Strawberries, 1/2 banana, big spoonful of apple sauce, 1/2 cup 2% plain Fage greek yogurt, 2 tsp gelatin, 1 tsp spirulina, cinnamon, vanilla- blended. Topped with chia seeds, flaked coconut, goji berries. Perfect recovery fuel! 

Step 10

Devour 

 Step 11.

Do random chores, do research for our road trip (just over a month away!) play and snuggle with the dogs

Step 12.

Eat leftovers

Step 13.

Repeat! 

New job+ 8milers+ Ice bathing

 Happy Monday Morning! 

I’m happy to report that I am coming off an excellent night’s sleep and currently snuggling with these silly mutts

 Cuddling refers to constantly being stepped on and over while they do whatever they want.

This weekend was full and busy. I started my new job on Friday, my very first shift was a double and while it was an extremely long day (10am-10pm) I am happy to report that I love it so far! 

This restaurant is a Seafood marketplace/bar/bistro. I will be waitressing but also learning the bar and marketplace also which is pretty exciting since it will give me some variety. Plus I get to eat super high quality seafood :)  I learned that I’m a natural at skinning fish.. I did it perfect my very first time- it’s like a weird talent or something. 

I worked Saturday too, but just 10-4, so James and I went out for sushi. We also rented a movie, but I was so exhausted I fell asleep 5 minutes into it. I’m such a party animal.

Sunday was all about running- I had an 8 miler on the schedule. I’ll be honest my legs were already pretty tired from standing for 18 hours this weekend, but I figured they would feel better once I started

Plus, I got to use my brand new compression socks that I just bought from Procompression which felt awesome. I filled my camelbak, grabbed some fuel and was on my way. It ended up being a beautiful day and I finished the 8 miles in 1:13 (which included a pit stop back to the car and another one at Wholefoods to use the bathroom- why do I always have to pee 5 minutes into my runs?!) 

I came home and made a big bowl of scrambled eggs with broccoli, onion and cheddar doused in hot sauce of course, and then did my best to not fall asleep on the couch. I finally convinced myself to get up and stretch a half hour later and jumped into an ice bath right afterwards.  

 It honestly wasn’t too bad this second time around, dare I say, I actually enjoyed it! Plus James promised me a special treat if I was ice bathing when he got home- which ended up being a one pump mocha latte from Starbucks ;) And Tuna kept me laughing for most of it too

 I had given him his first piece of ice before I threw the rest of it in the tub and apparently he loved it. He kept jumping on the side and shoving his nose in the water trying to fish out more and ended up making nose bubbles and almost fell in a bunch

It was a good laugh! 

After 20 minutes, I got out and bundled up and read for a bit. Once I had most of the feeling back in my lower half I showered finally. 

James and I are starting in a volleyball league this Tuesday so we met up with some of our team members to hit the ball around. I was less than enthusiastic about chasing the ball (we aren’t exactly professional players! hah) but it was fun anyway! 

Spectating at the Boston Marathon

MONDAY

James woke me up at 4am with coffee already made, because he really is the best. Our train was leaving at 5:04am from T.F. Green Airport. Of course we really hadn’t planned ahead or anything so I just scrambled to fill one of the camelbacks with water and shove a coconut water, a couple apples, oranges and Vega bars before running out the door.

 We made it in time for the train, despite the lack of clear direction as to where we were supposed to park, etc. (This station was just recently added so they are still working out the kinks it seems.)

It was surprisingly cold, so we took shelter in the heated waiting area 

The ride felt LONG. I think it took about 1.5 hours. Eventually we got to South station and walked our way over to this awesome tiny diner in the center of all the huge high-rises 

James has eaten there a bunch of times when working in the area and had been wanting to take me there for a while. It is a blast from the past for sure

 (Can you see the cook with the paper hat?!)

I was famished and in desperate need of coffee (I drank 3 cups during breakfast- I think I have a problem) I went with a “Supreme Omelet” stuffed with broccoli, jalapeños and cheddar cheese

I didn’t eat the toast or the home fries- but I did eat half of James’ pancakes (I had a bad weekend, gluten wise, and my stomach hasn’t been the same since) James actually ate a little less than half my omelet though, so we’re even!

Stuffed, we took back to the streets to wander around and wait for the marathon to get going. 

Check out this building 

This is spray painted! So cool. 

Eventually we made our way towards the finish line of the race. Our friend had decided to meet up with us, so we went into the shopping area to wait for a bit- since it was a bit colder than we anticipated. We grabbed some Starbucks (Yes, I had ANOTHER coffee.. I told you I have a problem!) and walked around with Sean, taking some pictures.

This was my first time spectating at a marathon or any event like this. The energy was amazing and I was so excited to be a part of it. Around 11:30 we found a spot  where I could stand on one of those cement posts and see over the crowd (right in the middle of the final stretch of the race- where I could see the racers round the last corner and also see people finish) We watched as the amazing folks in the wheelchair/bikes finished first- these people were so inspiring, my eyes welled up a couple of times. I was screaming like a mad woman, cheering them on!

 Not too long after, we saw the elite woman finish

There was a little lull before the elite men starting coming around the corner- so we captured our enthusiasm while we waited

By this time I was freezing so we just stayed for the first 3 men finishers. Sean wanted to take us to one of his favorite ice cream places (which sounded crazy at the time since I was already frozen) so we left.  

I took one last picture from the elevator of the Copley Hotel where Sean had parked

Little did I know this would be the site of one of the bombs a little while later. 

While finishing our ice cream, Sean got the call about the explosions. 

Had Sean not met up with us, it is likely that we would have stayed to watch longer and been hurt. We walked by both explosion sites multiple times, settling near the second site for over 2 hours. 

When we heard the news, I started to freak out. Freak out for the people injured, the people that witnessed it, freaked out because it could have easily been us. It was all a little too close to home.

 I immediately started checking my phone for updates and information.

James and I had to actually take the train back home. 

I didn’t want to get on that train.

James kept me calm as we made our way to the train station. All I could think was that there were going to be more explosions and going right back into the heart of where it happened just seemed like a really bad idea, but we had no choice. While they had stopped service of the subways and buses around the bombing site, the commuter rail was still running. We got on the 4pm train and made it home safely. The whole time on the train I was checking for updates and talking to the surrounding passengers trying to piece together what was going on. I was getting texts and James was getting calls from friends and family who thought I was running or had a suspicion that we went up there and we were happy to report that all of us were safe. Later in the day I would find out that so many of my acquaintances (and bloggers I follow) were there too- and also safe thankfully.

Of course all of the images and headlines in the hours and days that followed of those not so lucky are what is really stuck in my mind.  I’m just so sad and heartbroken- taking something that is a culmination of hard work, determination and celebration- and attacking it is just so incredibly terrible. Words can never describe it. 

For now, we wait for justice. We stand together and get out there and support one another- through donations or a run or whatever you want to do to remember those that were not so lucky.. 

The weekend before

Posting about my weekend which included spectating at the Boston Marathon seems lame..  I really can’t think about much else the last few days, and I’m just hoping they catch the soul-less bastard. 

Lets start with some eats shall we?

I’ve eaten the same exact breakfast practically every day..  (Except this morning in particular there was crumbled paleo chocolate chunk cookie in there- that only happened once I swear)

 (Banana, Fage 2% plain yogurt, almond butter, chia seeds, homemade salty coconut chips)

 I am obsessed with Lamb.. I know I said that like 5 times in the last couple of weeks.. but it’s true.

 Friday night I had plans to go to a girly wine night- but before I went, James and I spent a couple of hours together and decided to go to Carrabbas for a little appetizer and a glass of wine

 Considering it’s a chain restaurant- this was a nice, fresh tasting appetizer. And really who wouldn’t love a big ball of cheese and fresh basil? 

Sunday I got up and ran 4 miles, then came straight home for a quick shower before heading out for a 5 mile hike with James and the boys. We came across this super old cemetery in the middle of nowhere.. 

 Factoid- I HATE cemeteries.. they scare the bejesus out of me, so I never actually set foot inside of it and just kept my distance while James and the pups looked around. 

By the time we were getting close to the end of our hike, we were both starved and my legs felt like lead. So we went off the paths and just made our own way in an attempt to get back faster.. This way included bushwhacking and huge hills.. I was not impressed. 

We walked through the door with one thing on our minds.. FOOD. I don’t actually remember what else we ate besides these chicken legs (which James made an amazing honey mustard glaze for)

Later in the evening we watched a movie (The Life of Pi) and decided that we were going to take the commuter train up to Boston and check out the marathon since James had the day off..

#Boston

My hearts heavy for all those affected 

I was a spectator at the marathon and right where the bombs went off. I feel so lucky that both my husband and I, along with everyone we know, are safe.

As I get closer to my own event in less than a month, I truly feel part of this amazing running community and I’m proud to repeat this

4/11/13

This week kicked off with some rest, at least for the first half of my Monday. I pushed my Best Body Bootcamp workout to Tuesday so my legs could recover a bit. 

I was surprised to find that my legs felt fine after the 8 miler Sunday- with the exception of my knees which were super achy. 

So instead of working out, I hung out with Paula for a bit and did a little grocery shopping. I made a monster salad when I got home

 I went to the studio to teach class (and had only one student.. lame!) but came home to another awesome dinner

 James seasoned this chicken with orange zest and juice, along with some red pepper flakes and chili pepper.. Sweet and spicy!

Tuesday, I did the first workout of the week for BBB.. and pushed myself to up the weight in all of the exercises.. and also ran a very rough 3 miles.. My knees were not ready for another run- but they felt a little better afterward.  I went to work at the restaurant, but the weather was beautiful, so James scooped my up for a little ride before I met with my PT client. 

Look closely in the mirror to see my goofy face ;)

Wednesday- I’m in the middle of planning our summer road trip. All of the tour books came in the mail from AAA

 I’m getting more and more excited! 

Speaking of excited- I made salty, roasted coconut chips for the first time.. and they are even better than I could have imagined.. 

 Obviously, you know I have a coconut obsession- so I made some coconut butter too

 mmmmm, coconut….

I balanced out all the coconut with some salad- topped with leftover roasted chicken

  This was all after I did the second BBB workout (and dragged my friend Paula through it too!) and took Tuna Moose on his first on-leash run! It was absolutely perfect weather and with the exception of running after a couple squirrels- Tuna did great through all 3 miles

I had an interview in the afternoon for a new restaurant (which I should be starting next week!) 

Dinner

 Dessert

 Candy apple lollipops for the win! 

The weekend+ Longest Run +Ice Baths+ a lucky girl

As soon as I hit publish on Thursday- plans got changed again! 

My tattoo consult got moved until the afternoon which kind of seemed good at first because James was going to take the drive with me (The shop is over an hour away so having company sounded awesome) But then James was at a job at URI- University of RI- and there was a gun threat (which turned out to be a bunch of 20 year olds playing Zombie vs. Humans- seriously.. imaginary games about zombies in college?! So much for higher education)

 So instead James was stuck in the parking lot for the next 3 hours. 

The boys hung out with me while I waited to leave for my appointment 

Daddy?

While driving to the appointment- I was 2 cars behind a 3 car accident. Talk about scary! Thankfully everyone seemed ok and I continued on my journey. 

My appointment went well. We spent the first half catching up and chatting about why I was planning on getting the tattoo and looking at the tattoo on my other foot- which he has decided we are also touching up/adding more colors when I get the outline of my new tattoo- because having both feet tattooed at the same time really seems like fun. NOT! 

Haha.. foot tattoos are supposedly one of the most painful you can get (hands and head are in the same pain category with ribs and hips coming in second) Basically the less meat under the skin then more it hurts. I’ve had my right foot tattooed twice.. so while it does hurt, it’s not enough to stop me from doing the other one ;)

I only took one picture the whole time I was there 

(this is not the tattoo I’m getting)

I left with some homework (final decisions about colors and the font I plan to use for Hydro’s name) and an appointment for the outline (May 16th!)

On the way home, I missed my exit and had to drive through city traffic but still managed to make it to my PT client. 

I came home to a beautiful dinner (James really is the best) 

 This included my very first time eating an actual steak in over 15 years. It was super fancy, pinkies up grass-fed

I’m not going to lie.. I didn’t really dig it. I really tried to like it, especially because James was so excited about it.. but it really just didn’t do it for me. I managed to eat 1/2 of it. 

Friday I did the last workout of the week for BBB- which I loved.. It was a circuit style workout with lots of balancing moves- good fun! I also ran a couple of miles. I refueled with simple stuff

Nice and clean.. Except when I got to work I got a hold of the whipped cream (we make it from just cream and powdered sugar.. and I’m a total sucker for it and eat way too much of it.. oops)

I was extra bad and put caramel on it too.. YUM

After work, James and I headed out on the motorcycle- it was a beautiful day and so awesome to be on the bike again! I even bought a leather jacket- which means I’m totally a biker now ;) Ha.. Yeah right! After jacket shopping we hit up Andrea’s for some awesome greek food

 James was a little hungry and ordered SO.MUCH.FOOD. I shared a salad and that appetizer plate up there with him- he also had soup and this entree

I choose a lamb burger- because obviously I’m obsessed. 

Sunday- I had an 8 miler scheduled. I knew it was going to be in the 50’s and sunny so I headed to Providence to run through the city. I was pretty nervous about this run. It was not only the longest run I’ve done ever- but it was the longest I’ve ever run on the actual road (Previously the longest run was 7 miles on a treadmill- which is totally not the same!)

Thankfully, I had the BEST time on this run!

 I think for one of the first times since starting the half marathon training, I realized that I actually am becoming a runner.. like I kind of love it. That might change when I have another crappy run- but as of this run.. and right now- I love it! And I also feel like I will not only finish the half marathon- but I will come in under two hours. (I’ve been told that my only goal for my first half should be to finish.. but I still want to finish under 2 hours- because that’s how I roll) 

Anyway.. about 2.5 miles in I attempted to run up this hill

The picture does not do this thing justice.. I did my best, but I had to walk up some of it..

I also practiced a little fueling with Honey stingers.. 

 

I ate the whole package between mile 4 and 5. They taste awesome and the texture reminds me of fruit snacks that I used to eat all the time as a kid.. But my stomach didn’t really love it- I got a little crampy. The package says 5-10 chews as a serving and I just went for the 10 right off the bat. I think I would have been fine with just 5.. so next long run I will give that a try and see how it goes.

The worst part of the whole thing?

I HATE being cold.. and I hate icing.. so this was pretty much torture! I cried. REAL tears trying to get in there.. James had to talk me through it- I was being a complete baby.. but this is just cruel. Before I hopped in I foam rolled, stretched and made coffee. 

Thankfully the 20 minutes went by fast.. and soon I was on the couch with all of my boy trying to warm me up

I’m such a lucky girl ;)

How was your weekend?

Any long runs, or good workouts?

Have you ever ice bathed?