Oh yeah, getting creative

Here is some running inspired "art" I'm presenting to my sculpture class tomorrow. The first piece is a collage of routes from 14 different runs, and the video is a 3d fly over of at 5.5 mile run.

(The piece is hung by shoelaces from a pair of old running sneakers)

And here is a close up 

Step 12: Zumba!

When I got the bad news on my back, the doctor told me I should lay off the workouts until I got the brace. But the gym has become such a vital part of my routine, I knew I would go crazy if I didn’t get in some exercise So I've been taking it easy for the most part, but there is just one workout I couldn't give up: Zumba!

Now let me be the first to say, that I usually HATE (hate, hate, hate) workout classes, but at the beginning of the semester my friend Sarah convinced me to put my assets to good use and try out Zumba. Though I'm ashamed to admit it, I am absolutely hooked! Every week my friends and I go to our spots in the back, and throw in our own club moves and look absolutely ridiculous. As silly as we look, and as much as we embarrass ourselves, I always feel like I got a solid workout and I am usually sore the next day.

 

Then last week, something AWESOME happened.

For some reason the Zumba gods put in extra pep in my step and I was able (and encouraged!) to shimmy on over to the FRONT ROW. Of course this meant I had to abandon my usual pop-lock-and drop back row ways and actually follow the instructor, but I found that I was way more motivate up at the front.

For Christmas, Alex and I decided to do things a little different and get a gift we could share. While we were running errands a few days ago, we impulsively bought a refurbished Wii! We had been thinking about getting one for a while, but I had ulterior motives... Newsflash! They make a sweet Zumba game for the Wii! Needless to say, I've been dancing up a storm In the apartment, and I burn an average of 500 calories an hour!

I was even able to get Alex to try it (Smurf PJ's and all)

As an added bonus, here's a a rare video of Alex and I in action. Enjoy!

It's probably pretty clear by now, that I have a lot of fun with this workout and if you haven't already, I would recommend trying it out :) But just as a caution...

Fall backs include:

1. Thinking I can speak Spanish
2. Thinking I can dance
3. Having Zumba songs stuck in my head for days
4. A sudden obsession with Pitbull.       
   
   
   But you know, I think if I could just drop out of college and become a Zumba or fitness instructor, I would be beyond happy :) 
   
   
   
   
   . 

Step 11: See A Doctor!

A LOT has happened since my last post. It all started about five seconds after I crossed the finish line of my 10k; I felt a sharp pain in my lower back that I had not had while running and suddenly walking was a challenge. After having a quick photo shoot at the finish line, I waddled back to my car and told myself the pain would pass. But quel supris, it did not. I was convinced to see a chiropractor who adjusted my back, but failed to address the constant pain in my lower back and the feeling remained consistent even though he told me I would be able to run again in two days. When I returned to school I was again convinced (I am very weary and VERY scared of doctors) to see a different chiropractor. By this time I was feeling lousy and missing running terribly. I was even having dreams about racing and ugh... IT WAS AWFUL.

This chiropractor was a little different. For one, he may or may not have been a witch doctor/ medicine man. We did a bizarre series of test to see which muscles were connected to which ankle and which knee provoked which arm... It was all very strange. As the appointment was coming to an end, I was feeling like I would never get better. When I was about to leave, the doctor asked how I was feeling and I responded, very honestly, that I was not feeling any better. The witch doctor put aside his voodoo magic and tried some tests with a back brace. And after a few stretches...

AHA! Finally a legitimate diagnosis! I had pulled a muscle in my lower back.

The bad news: I've been waiting to get a back brace that was fitted to me for almost a week now.

The worst news: I haven't run in almost two weeks.

So PLEASE if anyone knows of any stretches or suggestions, send them my way! I am desperate to be up and running again!  

Step 10: 10k

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I am so thankful I was able to celebrate this day with an awesome run through the Adirondacks, and to have the support of my amazing family and friends. Though running is a recent passion, I am so greatfull for those who have stuck by and supported me on this wonderful journey. I decided last night that I wouldn't set any goals, and I would just have fun today and I think that it was that mind set that helped me set another PR! I completed my 10k in 53 minutes and 14 seconds and couldn't be happier! I was even able to sneak in a sub 8 minute mile! It was so nice to feel apart of the community and enjoy the beautiful weather with people that I love.

There were two starting lines for this race, one for the 5ker's and one for the 10k'ers. It was sort of disorganized and everyone was a little unsure of where to go or how to line up. When the gun went off we all looked at each other wondering if that was for us or the 5k people. It took 5 seconds and one person to yell "I THINK THAT WAS FOR US" for everyone to erupt into laughter and get a move on. Even with the delayed start, I couldn't help but smile the whole time as families and passing cars yelled and cheered for the runners . I even caught a couple runners slow down their pace to thank and wish the traffic control people a happy holiday. There were a few people I was trying to pace myself with, two of whom were friends that talked and laughed the whole time. The whole event had a light hearted and positive feel to it and I was loving the vibes!

At my last race, I had forbidden anyone come and watch. But I must admit it was awesome to see my family cheer me on and greet me at the finish line.

                                                          My brother and I, post finish :)

All in all it was a beautiful day and a beautiful finish. I am so proud to be a part of this community and feel so blessed to have been able to experience this day with them.

I hope everyone enjoyed their Turkey Trot's as much as I did! I would love to hear some stories! :)

Step 9: Get In Tip Top Turkey Trot Shape

Every year my hometown has a turkey trot on Thanksgiving. In a sudden burst of confidence and excitement after my first 5k, I impulsively decided to register for the 10k event. This will be my second (and longest) event, so I've been a little nervous about it. Though I have completed 10 mile long treks, there's something about this event that's got me a little worked up even though it is just a fun run. In order to feel my best and most confident for this event, I've pieced together a "week before" training schedule which is heavily influenced by the schedules compiled on active.com (An awesome website if you haven't checked it out already!)

Thursday: Cross Training
Friday: 3 mile speed work out
Saturday: 8 mile hard run (NEW PR: 1:16)
Sunday: 3 mile easy run
Monday: Zumba
Tuesday: 5 mile run
Wednesday: Light mat workout
Thursday: RACE DAY

Usually my workouts are based on my mood and I have never committed to schedule like this so I would love some suggestions!

Where will you be running come Thanksgiving?

Step 8: Eat Avocados!

I'm obsessed with avocado's almost as much as I am with my juicer. Alex has dubbed them “the butter of fruits” and have rightfully become a vital staple in out diet... and thankfully they're good for you (or so they tell me). This week I thought I would jot down some of my favorite avocado recipes :)

How to tell if an avocado is ripe:

Gently squeeze the top of the avocado and check for softness. The fruit should be a dark green and a little soft. Do not squeeze or press any other part to avoid bruising.

                                                                     Look's good to me!

The Perfect Guacamole recipe:

2 avocado’s

1 lime

Lot's of cilantro

red onion

tomatoes

*If you are having trouble mashing the 'cado's try putting in the TINIEST splash of olive oil.

*Don't be afraid to include slightly browned bits, as the blend and become unnoticeable

*If leaving guacamole out, or saving it over night, keep the pits in the dip to prolong freshness

My favorite salad:

Mixed baby greens

1/2 Avocado

crumbled goat cheese

grape tomatoes OR craisins

A touch of finely chopped red onion

I prefer this salad with a light balsamic, but another good dressing recipe to try that go's great with avocado’s is...

Lime Juice

Olive Oil

2 tablespoons of honey

Finely chopped cilantro

Minced garlic (optional)

What are some of your favorite ways to eat avocado’s? I would love to try some new recipes!  

Step Seven: Suit up and eat well!

Hey all! Hope everyone made it through the storm safely! I spent the hurricane tucked away in the Bronx and am very thankful to say I was able to escape with little turmoil. But driving back to my college in Westchester, I realized that I was VERY lucky to return with only a dent in my car. There have been a lot of trees and power lines falling around school and I haven’t felt very comfortable about running outside. I think I as well as most of the area am experiencing some post-hurricane blues. So since I'm cooped up, I thought I would just talk about some of my favorite products and apparel. 

Being a vegetarian, I need to get creative about how to get protein in my diet. One of my favorite things to eat for breakfast is Kashi Go Lean cereal. It has only 140 calories per cup and has 13 grams of protein per serving. It's a little bland, so I usually load it with fruit. Another protein fave, is Cabot's low fat vanilla Greek Yogurt. Mix with some low-fat granola and lot's of fruit, and you have a perfect post work-out meal! I've been recently turned on to Gu products by my uncle who has participated in multiple marathons. They make a couple of different products, but I've been really into the Gu gel. I only use these on runs longer than six miles. The timing with them can be a little tricky, you’re supposed to eat them 15 minutes into your workout (or something like that) but I normally take it after two or three miles, to help me power through the rest of my run. Gu also makes these dissolving tablets that help you retain water and hydrate after a serious workout. 

I think it's important to have some reflective gear for evening and late night runs which is why I'm obsessed with my neon pink zip up Hoodie. With the weather cooling down, I've also been piling on the under armor. Under armor can get a little pricey, but I've had good luck finding some of their stuff at TJ MAXXX (my favorite place in the world) and Marhsalls. I'm also really into these wireless headphones made by BlueJay. I have knocked my iPod off my treadmill countless of times, but these take away the fuss of wires and have pretty decent sound quality. but my All Time favorite-can't-live-without thing are my nike eclipse sneakers. They are the only sneakers I have ever owned that don't give me shin splints, and I have been buying them for years. They have tons of support, and it doesn't hurt that they come in really fun colors. 

Being in college, and always being out of time, I've definitely learned to take a few short cuts. One of my favorite's is "all whites" which is just a carton of egg whites. I use it to make a quick spinach omelet, or a protein packed whole wheat wrap. I've also have found a number of surprising uses for salsa. My favorite salsa is from Trader Joes which has a smoky, spicy flavor that works with just about everything! And of course, there's peanut butter. I strongly believe that you can tell a lot about a person by the kind of peanut butter they buy. My favorite is smuckers all natural (chunky, of course). One of my favorite snacks is rice cakes and peanut butter, mmmmmm....

What are some of your favorite products? Leave comments with some of your own reviews! And if you haven't yet already, follow my twitter, LouOnTheRun for more ideas :)