Strawberry Mint Seltzer

Yesterday I made a Strawberry Mint Seltzer drink.  I got the idea from a POST that Hungry Runner Girl wrote.  It was in a magazine clip.  It said to blend fruit with seltzer water.  I was thinking what a great idea.  So this is how I did it.

Washed the fruits.

Throw it all in the blender and add seltzer.

And Voila! Your very own real fruit seltzer drink.

I would have to say it was pretty good. I will be making this again with all different kinds of fruit.

Off to do my 5 miler.  How about you?  Running or Cross training day?

XX
Sarah

Too Good Not To Share

I just made these Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies and they were oh so good!  Plus NO SUGAR or BUTTER!  I seriously have already eaten 4-5 cookies not to mention some batter.

I found the recipe from Tara Stiles an awesome Yogie. My husband has a secret crush on her but I have him to thank because I never would have found out about her if he didn't met her.  I made them exactly as the recipe calls for.  I even used the same chocolate as Tara. 

Tara got the recipe from 101 Cookbooks. You can get the recipe HERE.

XX,
Sarah

PS Next time I might just skip the chocolate all together!

Counting Down!

It may be a little early to start counting down until the NYC marathon BUT it is what I have to do to get me through the rest of my track workouts!  Yes, I am tired of going to the track once a week and doing speed work.  It is true that it is helping tremendously but that doesn't mean I have changed my feelings about speed.  Only 6 more times do I have to go to the track  :)  I don't mind my tempos as much, it is the track that I dread.

This Monday I had to do 3(2 x 1200m) with 2 min RI and 4 min between sets.  The 1200s in 5:10, which I did.  I actually always came under between 5:02-5:08 but once again I did my own RI of 200m(walk/jog) and 1x 400m after 3 1200s.  I am just glad that I am done for the week.

I find if I don't get up and do my track workouts on Mondays it throws off the rest of my week.  Plus I like to have a 2 day recovery from running before my long run.  I feel a difference in how tired my legs are.

This was me at breakfast after my 20 miler last Saturday.  Can you tell I look tired and worn out. 

This was my dinner last night.  I know, a lot of broccoli but really this dinner was for me and Scott but then he had to work late and I didn't want it to go to waste.  Yes, I ate it all :) 

Grilled Teriyaki chicken breast with a slice of provolone cheese on top.
Steamed Broccoli.

I am running my tempo run tomorrow, 11 miles with 1 warm up and 10 @ 8:00-8:23 pace.  Once again I am tweaking my plan.  Now I am going to try and do my tempo runs in between the 3:30 and 3:40 training plan.  Because my speed and endurance have improved I am able to challenge myself a little more with tempos.  

So I had to share this last!  The other day while I was running errands in the city I walked past The Soft Serve Fruit Company.  Ok this is the best thing EVER!  No dairy and gluten free!  It is frozen fruit whipped into a frozen soft served treat.  I got the banana with peanut butter, chocolate chips and pretzels.  It was SO GOOD!!!  Because the frozen fruit is just fruit and not yogurt it doesn't have an artificial taste. Banana always seems to taste the most artificial to me when it is not real.  This is why this place was so good!  Everything is REAL!

 

When do you guys start counting down?  Is 6 weeks too early?

Honestly I am enjoying the training it is just the track that is so tough. 

I also want to say that I know some of you out there are doing the plan as well.  Don't give up!  It is hard but you can do it!  If you are really struggling try skipping one of the training days and start fresh the next.  Think of the bigger picture at the end.  This plan really does make you a stronger runner and gives you the determination and drive to cross the finish line with success!


XX
Sarah

I almost took a week off.... oh yeah and an EARTHQUAKE!

So Tuesday morning I woke at the crack of dawn to run my 20 miler. (normally I go on Saturdays but we are thinking about camping this weekend so I needed to get it done)After an hour of dilly dally I made up my mind that I wasn't going to do it.  Even though I would be back around 9-9:30 it would completely wear me out and ruin my whole day I just knew it (or at least this is what I kept telling myself).

I was dreading it so I crawled back in bed to hear my husband say that I should at least do something??  What!? Boy this upset me so I got up and did P90X back and biceps.  Then when he finally woke I told him that I was burnt out and really needed a week off from running.

It was settled... I was taking the week off and only doing workout videos.  As the day progressed I kept thinking about running.  It was interfering with my work thoughts.  It was driving me nuts!!  Needless to say by the time 6:30 rolled around I was out the door doing my tempo run.  It looks like the aftermath of Irene is going to hit this weekend so that means no camping.  Which means back to my 20 miler on Saturday.

So in the end I didn't end up taking the week off.  I guess as much as I would like to sometimes, when I am in training I just can't seem to relax.

This is the breakdown...
6 miles with 5 miles at 7:50
Mile 1 - 8:51
Mile 2 - 7:41
Mile 3 - 7:47
Mile 4 - 7:49
Mile 5 - 7:52
Mile 6 - 7:27

Done and Done!

I know I look super cool here with my socks and all but I had this set up going on for a shoot so I thought I would capture myself after my run.

Breakfast for dinner I say..

My version of a "healthy egg sandwich" although there is still bacon and cheese so I wouldn't say it is that healthy.  But I cook the bacon in the microwave on this tray that allows all the grease to drip off and makes it super crispy.  I love it.

Whole Wheat English Muffins
Crispy Bacon
Scrambled Eggs with Cheddar and Mozzerella mixed in.

Salt and Pepper and Done!
Simple, fast and delish!

These are my most favorite English Muffins EVER!

Please don't be grossed out!  I just wanted to show you how much grease comes off!

SO GOOD!

I did Tracy Anderson on Monday and will be doing something tomorrow I don't know what yet. Insanity was supposed to come today and it didn't.  Totally lame so I am not sure what I will do.  Thursday will be my track workout, Friday maybe Tracy again and Saturday will be the dreaded 20 miler at 8:45 pace.

In other crazy news an EARTHQUAKE was felt in NYC yesterday.  I was working in my studio when I realized things were shaking.  At first I was like.. "What are they doing to this building?" And then I realized no this was definitely something else.  It was small and thankfully everything was ok and no one was hurt but then it got me to thinking about what if.....  and I don't even want to go there because it just freaks me out!

Do you ever take a week off??

Don't forget to enter our awesome GIVEAWAY!!

XX
Sarah

The Essentials

So I slept in on Monday which meant it was way to hot to head to the track so I did P90X Legs and Back instead.  All was good except I knew my legs would be sore the next day for my track workout.  Oh well....

So yesterday morning I headed to the track to do my Run Less training plan.
The Breakdown
10 min warm up
1200m @5:10, actual 5:14 (slow start, I blame it on my sore legs :))
1000m @4:16, actual 4:15
800 m @3:23, actual 3:24 (dang a second off)
600m @ 2:31, actual 2:30
400m @1:39, actual 1:35
15 min cool down

I would walk 200m in between intervals.
Overall I was tired and a little sore but determined to knock it out!

Nothing better than taking some airborn to avoid any summer colds!

Now down to my essentials for summer...

I made a kind of new salad yesterday that was so good.

Mixed greens with spinach

Black Beans

Corn

Avocado

Crushed up tortilla chips (just a few)

Fried Egg

Salsa

Mix it all together with Salt and Pepper = so good!

Something else I cannot live without is sparkling water.  I don't drink any soda so water can become very boring.  I have gotten to the point that I could drink club soda aka sparkling water all day long! It just tastes so good and refreshing.

Last but definitely not the least is my Runner's World mag that I got in the mail yesterday!! Woot! Woot!! This one looks like it is going to be a good one.  Guess I know what I will be reading for the next couple of days.  The new Fall Shoe Buyer's Guide is in it, I still haven't found my perfect need for speed track shoes and so excited to read the guide.  I did a quick flip through and the New Balance 1400s seem to be exactly what I am looking for.  Think I will head to the store this weekend to try them on :)

Today : Tracy Anderson
Thursday: 7 mile Tempo with 5 miles @8:05
Friday: P90X Arms maybe?
Saturday: 17 miles @8:55

What are your essentials for summer?

XX
Sarah

Hair before.....

My 10k is this morning.   I woke up at 5:30 even though my alarm was not set till 6:00.  Does this ever happen to you?  During the week I get up at 5:30 so when the weekend hits my body doesn't want to sleep in.  Lameness....

This week I came up with a new quick recipe that was so so good!
Whole Wheat English Muffin
Lite Laughing Cow Cheese Triangle
Two Eggs Overeasy
Prosciutto (good quality, Italian)
Arugala

Salt and Pepper to taste

I eat the muffins open face instead of a sandwich.  I like to cut into it and the let the yoke break open.  So fast and delicious.

I have been busy working on my Spring 2012 collection.  This is me posing (hahaha) for one of my favorite looks!  I am making a weird face cuz I'm cool like that!

Last night we ate at one of my favorite pizza places, Motorino.  I had Scott take a picture of my because that was my last night with LONG hair!  Yep, that's right.....Heather is on a kick with cutting hair and has convinced me to cut mine off!  Growing up I always had short hair, I mean it does grow back out, right?!  The reason I am hesitant is that if I get mine cut at my 2:15 appointment today I will be getting mine much much shorter than Heather's.  I don't brush my hair usually and I only wash it once or twice a week so it is in bad condition. Which means it really should be cut off.  We will see....

Any fun weekend plans?

Wish me luck on my 10k!  I will be wearing the same thing I wore for my marathon because I love the outfit so much! Will recap later.

Oh and Scott said he was going to come! Woohoo! He never comes to my races because they are so early but I guess he wants to today (actually he is really just dropping me off and heading to the gym and will be back to pick me up) but that's ok because as long as I have a ride and I don't have to take the train :)

XX

Sarah

Recovery and Whats next

I'll be in Minnesota until July 2nd and my plan while I am here is to relax, recover and figure out what is next on the agenda.  This is how it has gone down so far.

It was easy to rest on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday but today I am feeling all rested and ready to roll. I realize that my body will need a little more time to recover regardless of how totally normal I am feeling right now. BUT, I still wanted to get in some sort of workout.

Today's Workout: Keeping up with my 5 year old at Bounce Depot.  It is like this giant warehouse with all kinds of blow up slides, obstacles courses etc. I went in there thinking that we'd have some great bonding time and I'd be all ready to bounce around with him for hours... Only to start feeling like my brain was going to explode and my lunch come up after only 15 minutes.  Apparently running 26 miles is easier on your body then the bounce depot..... (note to self, only go to bounce depot with 5 year old if one of his friends promises to be present.)

After my workout or lack thereof I did the next best thing and stop by the grocery store and pick up all of the ingredients for dessert. My family and I are staying with my in-laws for a few days and I'd promised them some dessert of their choosing. 


So this Mess....

Followed by this Mess....

Turned into these two desserts (Banana Cream Trifle and Chocolate Banana Cream Pie) that I thoroughly enjoyed =)

Although I am able to relax and recover from the marathon I am already excited and anticipating what is going to be next on the calendar. I am for sure doing a Sprint Triathlon at the end of July.

SUPER excited about it.  

I will be blogging my training adventures for sure.....not that I have any idea how to train for one of those.  Suggestions?

Along with that, here are some up coming races this fall that I am trying to decide between.
Rock'n'Roll marathon or 1/2 in Denver (Oct. 9th)
Mankato Marathon in Minnesota (Oct. 22nd)
CIM Marathon in Sacrament (Dec. 4th)

And of course, my dream race which although probably won't happen this year but always do need to add to this list is:

Disneys the Goofy Challenge
My first marathon was the Disney marathon and after being a part of it and watching all of these people participate in the goofy challenge that I swore I'd go back.  If they can do it, I can do it! But I'll probably have to wait until next year....my dad always taught me to pay my bills...SHOOT.

Anywhoo, WHAT TO DO????

Anyone out there ran the Denver Rock'n'Roll?

Mankato, or CIM?

Also, I need help with training for my first tri.  Do I really attempt to do speed on a bike or just go for rides?

Happy Running -Jen

p.s. my plan is to be happily running again next week.  Take that week easy with some normal miles and then hop back into training slowly the following week =)

My last day and avocado frosting

Well I am heading back home today.  In fact, my plane leaves at 6:30 AM so by the time most of you read this I will be back in NY.  I had so much fun this trip and it was so great to see my family and have a runny buddy for a change.  Can't wait to be back in June for the Marathon!

This was an awesome picture of us before we headed out on our run yesterday morning.  Does it look like we just rolled out of bed??  Yeah, that is because we did....  5 am.  

We hung out most of the day and got a few errands done.  Heather found a recipe on Twitter for avocado frosting.  It was super easy so we decided to try it out.  Plus no trip home would be complete without a little baking.  Right?!

After Heather made the chocolate cupcakes we began to make the frosting.  All you need is one avocado, one lime and 4 cups powdered sugar.  That's it!

When I say we, I should really just say Heather.  She did most of the work.  I was busy getting chicken taco salad ready for dinner. 

So you put the powdered sugar in... then add the lime and avocado, mix together.

And viola!  You now have green avocado frosting for your chocolate cupcakes.  They were actually pretty good.  Everyone seemed to like them.  

I guess that's about it.  One more week of hard training and then we began the taper! Oh and I will be resting today, or maybe just a little Tracy Anderson.

xx

Sarah and Heather

The easiest Tastiest Salad in the World

Takes 5 minutes to prepare and is YUM.

1 cucumber chopped
2-3 tomatoes chopped
1 Tablespoon of Balsamic Vinegar or dressing of your choice.
Salt and Pepper to tastes
Sprinkle of fresh grated parmesan cheese

Enjoy.

Penne with Spinach Sauce

I do love myself a little Giada every now and then.  And this recipe of hers is quick and easy.  You must give it a try when you need to do some carbo loading for your training. To get the step by step instructions just go HERE.

 

Taken with IPhone camera so please excuse the fuzzies!

Mashed Cauliflower

I follow The Today Show on twitter. I have a small obsession with Matt Lauer, Meredith Viera, Al and my real favorite, Natalie Morales (she is an athlete =)).

Anywhoo, on twitter the other day it read something like, "too Scared to eat mashed potatoes because you might gain weight? Try Mashed Cauliflower" and to that statement, I say HOG WASH! No offense to Cauliflower but there is nothing wrong with potatoes, even if they are mashed and mixed with some butter and milk.

There are TONS of delicious foods out there so why deprive yourself? Eat in moderation, exercise and enjoy. Before cutting the calories I say hit the gym! Find inspiration and stay motivated.

This lovely meal is a family favorite! Chicken Curry, warms the insides and has potatoes as an ingredient. Enjoy.

Recipe as Follows:

1lb cubed chicken

3-4 carrots chopped

4-5 medium potatoes cubed

1pkg Golden Curry Sauce mix

Boil chicken, carrots and potatoes with enough water to barely cover until potatoes are tender. Turn heat to low, mix in sauce mix and pour over white rice. Eat up, it is Scrumptious.

German Pancake

This is a staple in my house.  It is fast, easy and somewhat on the healthy side.  This is my version of German Pancake.

Preheat Oven: 425
Ingredients:
6 eggs (4 whole, 2 whites)
1 C. White or Whole Wheat Flour
1 C. Milk
1 tsp. Vanilla extract

I use a rectangle baking dish but you can use two pie dishes or even 2 square dishes. I spray with Pam and set aside. You are welcome to use butter to grease the pan if you prefer.

Next in a bowl I add 4 eggs with 2 egg whites. Scramble, then add 1 cup flour. Mix together to get most of the lumps out and then add the 1 cup milk.  After is it all mixed together I add the tsp of vanilla.

Pour into the baking dish and bake for 20- 25 mins.  When it comes out it will look like the picture above.

To enjoy it, I like to spread it with almond butter and add a little syrup.   My husband Scott likes to have only syrup on his but I like to add more protein.  This recipe is great because it has more protein than a regular pancake. 

Also, sometimes I will use half white flour and half whole wheat flour. Just remember that if you use all whole wheat flour or more egg whites that it will not fluff up as much but it still tastes great.  I like the whole wheat because it adds more flavor and texture. 

Try it out!  You will love it!