Making space + Best Body Bootcamp

April 

 Where is the time going? I’m having trouble keeping track of what day it is at this point.

BUT

Monday marked the first day of Best Body Bootcamp!

I am pretty excited about the next 8 weeks- I have been really slack-a-lackin with my strength WOs since I’ve been running more- and when I do get around to hitting the weight room, I’m kind of stuck in a rut with the same old exercises- and after making workouts for others, I start to lose my inspiration for keeping things exciting for myself.. Going by rave reviews of previous participants BBB is exactly the perfect fit! 

Since I didn’t have a chance to get the fit test done this past weekend, I started my workout with it Monday at home- and then headed out to the gym to complete the first workout. Honestly Tina’s workout was sneaky.. While I was completing it, it didn’t seem all that tough- I was wrong. Later Monday night I also taught class- and I knew then that I was going to be in trouble Tuesday morning because I was already sore! (And Hungry)

Luckily, I have the best husband- and he had dinner ready and waiting for me

New to us method of cooking Cod fish- Broiled with lemon zest/juice and walnuts with some spices. Seriously fantastic! (Loosely adapted from Practical Paleo) Along with Roasted asparagus and potato. 

We closed the night with a little Redbox movie. Chasing Mavericks- based on a true story and was a really good movie. You should check it out! 

Tuesday I woke up, had some coffee and a little breakie

Fage 2%, banana, chia seeds, walnuts and coconut flakes. 

While eating breakfast I snapped a picture of the boys

 Tuna has a very expressive face- it kills me. 

As it turns out, I was right about being sore.. my legs were like lead, but thankfully even though my training plan has me increasing to 4 runs a week instead of 3 (This week- and for the remainder) , I only had 2 miles scheduled for this day. It was super sunny out, and had been really mild the day before so I thought it would be a perfect time to get used to running outside. 

Ok.. it was a bit colder than I had anticipated! But I was done in 18 minutes, so it really didn’t matter much. 

I headed out to work at the restaurant- and put in my two weeks notice toward the end of the day. I’ve done the whole “Stay at a job you hate because you need money and its the responsible thing to do- and then hate your life each time you have to work” thing… I did it at Denny’s for years.. and I just can’t do it to myself again- life is just too short.. so this was the right thing to do. 

I felt so much better :)

Sometimes, you have to make space in your life for positive things by getting rid of things that are not serving you.. or letting go of things or people that have a hold on you. 

I’m open for new opportunities! 

Running distance + return of old favorites + fuel

There are a ton of people out in the world that love running.. like REALLY love it- and they are good at it to boot. 

I am NOT one of those people.. 

Sure I enjoy an occasional pounding of the pavement- but the day in, day out training.. kind of blows. 

It really isn’t something I’m passionate about. 

So you might be wondering why I’m training for a half marathon in May.

Yeah, You and Me both, Hah. 

In reality, I don’t really think our bodies are designed to run long distances all the time (Or maybe at all).. it is super stressful to our systems and is kind of unnatural. (That being said, I have always been envious of folks that run half and full marathons and wanted to be part of the club- because I think they and it’s awesome!) Speaking for myself, I have always been a sprinter- during my swimming years I never really raced anything over 200 meters- and most of the time 50’s and 100’s.

But honestly, this is all about the challenge. I already KNOW I can do stuff for speed..  

I really just want to prove to myself that I can “go the distance” .. and that includes following through and checking off each of my training runs- no matter how much I want to stay under the covers or have multiple cups of coffee and waste time on Facebook. 

Hey, if your not challenging yourself, your not changing yourself.. right?

Tuesday was another 5 mile “easy" run. But first there was a return of an old favorite for breakfast

2% Fage plain yogurt, banana, Almond butter.. Oh yogurt, I’ve missed you so!

 Paula joined me on the neighboring treadmill and kept me company.. which was awesome and made the run go by fairly quickly. I felt really good after this run, and I even foam rolled afterwards. I may have even discovered why people like running long distances

Haribo gummy bears and coconut water, making 7AM 5 mile runs awesome and worth it! 

  Unfortunately, my body didn’t appreciate any of it… My right hip is very angry.. so is my left knee. 

 I went to work with something a little new in my lunch box

Plantains pan fried in coconut oil. Oh my… they are amazing. 

Plantains are super cheap (3 for $1 at my local grocery) full of good, healthy carbs and double the vitamins of bananas. Plus they are yummy :)

Adventures in yogurt making + 50k +WO

I eat yogurt.. A lot. I think I’m making up for the vegan years (5 years!) That is a whole lot of lost time. .. and I truly love the stuff.. and cheese.. YUM.. Even though “it’s not optimal” according to most paleo folks- I’m  not giving it up again.. 

I try to make sure I buy Organic and full fat- but it gets pricey, especially if your a greek yogurt fan- I only eat the plain stuff, but it’s a pain in the bum to find one that matches the organic/full fat profile that doesn’t require me to take a loan out on my house… or try to sell my art. (On second thought- selling my art would cost me money.. ) 

So I finally decided- after going to WholeFoods where they didn’t have my yogurt.. again- that I was going to make my own.. and so I did.. I can’t tell you how idiot proof this is.. and I’m kind of mad that I didn’t try this sooner.. Not only does it taste the same (or better) than store bought, but it saves a ton of money!

I did what any good hippie kid with the internet would do.. I googled that shit and found THIS recipe/tutorial. The google gods were smiling on me.. and I have never been more grateful. 

So here we go..

#1 Get your supplies

-Two 1 quart glass jars (I got mine at Michaels for $2.29 each) along with another jar- which will hold the starter for future batches (I had a left over PB jar and lid)

 -1/2 gallon on milk (preferably organic and full fat- though you can use the milk of your choice)

-Store bought yogurt with LIVE and ACTIVE cultures (4 TBSP)

-A digital thermometer, a small cooler, and time :)

#2 Heat your milk to 180 degrees (this kills any lingering bacteria)

#3 allow your milk to cool to 110 degrees and then whisk in your starter yogurt (Make sure it’s really mixed in there good- use your guns!)

#4 pour milk/yogurt mixture into your jars and cover

*The small jar will be used for your next batch*

#4 heat some water to 120 degrees- meanwhile your going to put your jars into the small cooler. When the water is up to temperature you will pour the water into the cooler- you want the water level to be an inch or two below the lids. 

#5 Shut the cooler, and walk away- for 6 hours (you can test it after six hours for tartness- leaving it a bit longer if you like it sassy) 

#6 Place your yogurt in the fridge overnight. (if you want to eat some of it before this step- go for it.. I know waiting for 6 hours is super tough- especially if you have the patience of a toddler like I do.. But I will worn you- warm yogurt.. isn’t very good.. But knock yourself out)

#7 HURRAY!! Your yogurt is FINALLY ready to eat.. Unscrew the lid and look at its wonderfulness- Then take a scoop

At this point- you have regular, wonderful, full fat, organic yogurt.. YUM.. It’s good just like this.. BUT if you want to take it just one more step (and wait a couple more hours) you will have the most amazing greek yogurt of your life.. 

#8 (optional step) Scoop your yogurt into a fine mesh strainer which has been lined with two coffee filters or two layers of cheese cloth.. Put over a bowl, stick it in the fridge and walk away for 2-3 hours.  When you come back- you will be super excited! 

#9 The best part- You just saved yourself a BOATLOAD of money.. the milk was $3.79, the yogurt you already had (if you didn’t it probably cost a $1) and the Jars are a one time purchase.. and if you have some jars the you can reuse- even better..

 TWO quarts of Organic, Full Fat, Yogurt (or greek style which will be a little less than two quarts after it’s drained) for HALF price! 

PLUS your awesome for making your own yogurt.. That’s priceless (what am I saying.. You are already awesome.. )

**Thank you Seriouseats.com** 

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Today marked a landmark for my little car

HOLD the phone.. I drove THAT much in just 3 years? I wish it was closer to 100,000.. I love road trips.. To think my little Carmine had just 4 miles when I got him.. <3 p="">

This morning my workout was super simple

(from 1fitfoodie.com)

Savage WO- run through 5 times

10 Jump Squats

10 Lateral lunges (each leg)

10 plank twisters

10 Jump lunges (each leg)

I followed it with a half hour walk  (I’m trying to incorporate more low intensity Cardio to off-set the training runs)

Hope your Monday was fantastic!

Have you ever made yogurt, Kefir, Komucha, or kim chi yourself?? Tell me about it!