Workouts

This week started off great then kind of went down hill...why is being an adult SO TIRING? My body isn't happy with me for waking up at 5 am.

Monday: 10 miles in 1:27. 8'46" pace. Happy with that I guess. I've ran 8 miles at like an 8'15" pace so I feel like I should be faster but it is so much slower going by yourself.

Tuesday: Speed training. A total of 5.5 miles(including warm up and cool down.) 1 x 800 x 1 with recovery in between. I ran the first mile in 7'10", the 800 in 7'07" and the second mile in 7'56". Wow was it a great workout.

Wednesday: My legs were like logs from Tuesday so I only made it 2.3 miles. I was exhausted

Thursday: Was planning on running or doing a yoga video and that some how turned into taking a walk with my husband and splitting a cup cake and fries. Ugh great life choice...not.

Tomorrow: 5k on Saturday so something light- maybe a yoga video?

Saturday: 5k. Then hopefully going for a 10 mile run. I NEED to increase my miles.


I really wish I knew more people that were in to fitness/running as much as I. I shouldn't need someone to help keep me accountable to do something I love, but sometimes I do. And it is just nice to discuss with others some time. And I really really wish my husband was into health/fitness. There isn't any excuse, I make my own decisions. I didn't have to eat a cupcake. But I know for a fact I would be so much healthier if I didn't have someone begging me to get ice cream, cupcakes and pudding parfaits all the time. From now on, I have to stand my ground. I can't eat it because I feel guilty because, when I do, I'll carry just as much.

I've realized two things.
-1) I need to start recording my running to help keep me on track. I'm terrified that I won't reach my marathon goal. And when there is a possibility of failure I tend to self sabotage myself so then I can say oh it isn't because I can't do it, it is just because I was lazy and didn't put it in the effort. So from now on  I'm just going to record to keep track of my miles, pace and how I felt-although my garmin does a pretty great job at that already.

-2) I need a place to really be myself-think, write, speak my mind- then maybe, just maybe, I'll feel comfortable enough to be like that in public.

I ran twice in a 10 day period and it felt like an eternity since I ran. It feels GREAT to be back.

So far this week

• Monday: 35 minutes of yoga
• Tuesday: 30 minutes of abs/lifting. Speed training-1 mile warm up, 3 mile speed (7'40" pace including cool downs), 1 mile cool down
• Wednesday: 7.8 miles at an 8'40" pace.  1:07. Horrible. Probably my worse run yet. The last half was a complete struggle. My stomach was crampy and I thought I was going to puke multiple times. But I made it! And I won a free entry to a local 5k next week! Score.
• Today: 1 hour of yoga. In just two sessions I can already see my flexibility coming back. 
• Friday: going out for my father-in-laws birthday right from work, rest day
• This weekend I am supposed to run 8 and 15. We'll see. My husband and I's one year anniversary is Sunday! But I have two days off this week so maybe I can push it back a little!

I just looked at the calendar. 11 weeks until my marathon. WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE??

So the past couple weeks have been incredibly busy.

• My husband left for basic training
• I've been staying with my best friend and her husband
• My second job started again
• I've been running a ton

I can already see huge results. My average pace has been between 8'30" and 9'00" depending on the temp and distance. I've been typically running between 6 and 7 miles.

I run with a local running group a couple days a week. Today I ran 8 miles at a 8'18". SO excited. I had horrible cramps after though. I also found out about a wicked hill I can use for repeats! Woohoo. Will hopefully be visiting it quite soon.

I started a trend...a quinoa trend.

This is not something that happens, ever. Most of the time I don't even feel like I fit in. I don't follow the crowd and I could usually care less about the latest fad anything. I'm also a bit of a tom boy. I'd rather play sports than get a mani/pedi any day.

But, it is okay. I do what makes me happy. I try to be myself even if that means not agreeing with the popular opinion.

Enter scene: quinoa. Now that I think about it, I can't even remember how I first came to try quinoa but I'm sure glad I did. It is such a great light and fluffy complete protein that will leave your taste buds happy and your stomach satisfied. Well I tend to make quinoa a lot-sometimes Greek inspired and other times with a little Mexican flair and bring it to work for lunch.

Well, it caught on.  6 of the 7 dietitians I eat lunch with have tried it and loved it :)

So the moral of the story...TRY QUINOA!! I promise you won't regret it.

Garmin ForeRunner 110

This is hands down the best present my husband has ever gotten me. (Mine is the gray with pink.)

The capabilities packed in this little wrist accessory continue to unfold. After uploading my runs and exploring the website and I was amazed. (He got it for me for Christmas but I am just now figuring everything out!) It shows the exact route I took during my run, my average pace each mile, best mile pace, elevation and even the temperature that day! It also came with a heart rate monitor I have yet to try.

They now even have training plans for every distance! They have a 16 week Marathon training plan that I am going to start following. The training plan would technically "start" the second week of July but I want need to start this training being in better shape than I was when I started training for the first marathon if I want to get a sub 4 hour.

Tofu Scramble

I'm not a big fan of plain scrambled eggs but I love the texture when mixed with other vegetables and especially on toasted piece of bread so I had to test out the tofu.

Saute onions, green onions, chopped garlic and olive oil

Press the extra firm tofu to get rid of the water, Add to the pan.

I also added brown rice and topped it off with avocado and mango/peach salsa!

Giac couldn't even tell there were not eggs in it!!

Tiger's Games

2 of 3 of my siblings (Maria and Matt, I think you can guess which is which), my mom, and I went to the Tiger's game for Mother's Day. I was super excited but the weather turned out CRAPPY. Mid May and you'd think I was dressed for winter. It even snowed/hailed. I'm hoping that was the last of the frigid weather we have for the year. Oh and we lost in the 10th inning! Oh well, better luck next time Tigers.

Marshal

My snuggle buddy, Marshal. He takes after me. He LOVES food. Always getting into something. Taps my arm and cries every morning until I get up and feed him.

Lily

This sassy lady is my kitty, Lily. She as a never ending supply energy and could play fetch all day.

Owls

WANT

I'm obsessed. You will find them all over my home :)

This is what happens when I put too much pressure on myself to do something good...nothing. I freeze. Doing nothing is easier than taking a chance and having it not work out. This is a cowardly way to think and I'm working to get past it.

View from my run the other day. 7 miles at a 8'55 pace. I've been partly riding the struggle bus since the weather has finally remembered what season it is. 6+ months until the marathon. I think I'm at an okay starting point. 

Now I'm sitting here with my hubby watching The Voice and munching on chocolate. 

Vegan Lemon Blackberry Muffin

Well clearly I need a new camera but that won't be happening for a while I'm going to have to deal. 

I made these muffins Saturday. It is now Monday and they are gone. 12 muffins between 2 people in 2 days. Oops. But they were so freaking good. Here's the recipe...

1/2 cup vegan margarine, softened

1 cup sugar

3/4 soy milk (I used rice)

1/2 teaspoon lemon extract (omitted because I didn't have any but next time I'll definitely use it)

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Zest from two lemons

1 3/4 cups flour (I used whole wheat)

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup diced blackberries (the recipe actually called for raspberries but my grocery store didn't have them...whaaaat?)

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Grease muffin tins with vegan margarine (I used cupcake liners, don't know if it makes a difference)

2. Beat margarine and sugar togethr. Add the vanilla, soy milk, lemon extract, lemon juice and lemon zest

3. In a different bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt

4. Mix the wet and dry ingredients together. Carefully fold in the raspberries

5. Pour batter so that muffin cup is 3/4 full. Bake for about 17 minutes.

*Note: I made 12 muffins but I could have made up to 16 if I hadn't filled them so much...I just didn't feel like using two cupcake tins. Lazy, I know. Also, it took longer than 17 minutes to bake. Probably because they filled so high. I put them in for ~20-22 min...just until the crust was golden brown.

Recipe courtesy of The Part-Time Vegan cookbook by Charise Grifoni

Enjoy :)

The smell of freshly cut grass.

It was everywhere during my run today. Perfect weather too!! Although a not so perfect run. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a bad run, but it definitely showed me how out of shape I am!! 

5 miles at a 8'58" pace. I'll take it but boy do I have some work to do!!

Upper Body Workout 4/28

• Dumbbell Bicep Curl:
  • 10 lb x 15 reps (+34 pts)
  • 8 lb x 12 reps (+33 pts)
  • 2 lb x 15 reps (+32 pts)
• Seated Dumbbell Shoulder Press:
  • 15 lb x 15 reps (+52 pts)
  • 10 lb x 17.5 reps (+50 pts)
  • 8 lb x 20 reps (+50 pts)
• Hammer Dumbbell Curl:
  • 10 lb x 15 reps (+23 pts)
  • 12.5 lb x 10 reps (+22 pts)
  • 15 lb x 8 reps (+21 pts)
• Dumbbell Side Lateral Raise:
  • 7.5 lb x 10 reps (+42 pts)
  • 7.5 lb x 10 reps (+42 pts)
  • 7.5 lb x 10 reps (+42 pts)
  • 7.5 lb x 8 reps (+41 pts)
  • 7.5 lb x 8 reps (+41 pts)
  • 7.5 lb x 8 reps (+41 pts)
  • 10 lb x 5 reps (+37 pts)
  • 10 lb x 5 reps (+37 pts)
  • 10 lb x 5 reps (+37 pts)
• Dumbbell Bench Press:
  • 15 lb x 15 reps (+52 pts)
  • 17.5 lb x 12 reps (+53 pts)
  • 20 lb x 8 reps (+51 pts)
• Dumbbell Flyes:
  • 12.5 lb x 15 reps (+23 pts)
  • 15 lb x 8 reps (+21 pts)
  • 17.5 lb x 5 reps (+19 pts)
• Lying Barbell Triceps Extension ("Skullcrusher"):
  • 10 lb x 8 reps (+10 pts)
• Dips - Triceps Version:
  • 6 reps (+15 pts)
  • 6 reps (+15 pts)
  • 7 reps (+18 pts)
  • 5 reps (+12 pts)
• Lat Pulldown:
  • 55 lb x 15 reps (+23 pts)
  • 55 lb x 10 reps (+22 pts)
  • 55 lb x 5 reps (+18 pts)
• Seated Cable Row:
  • 55 lb x 10 reps (+31 pts)
  • 55 lb x 10 reps (+31 pts)
  • 60 lb x 8 reps (+31 pts)
• Triceps Pushdown - Rope Attachment:
• 25 lb x 10 reps (+12 pts)
• 25 lb x 12 reps (+12 pts)
• 25 lb x 10 reps (+12 pts)

Finally keeping track of my weight lifting workouts so I can make sure I make progress!! I usually do 3 sets of the same reps and weights but I decided to change it up and go up on the weights and down on the reps each so we'll see how sore I'll be tomorrow!!

Plan Plan Plan

Life has been crazy busy lately. Even though I got married 8 months ago, started my first real job about 3 months ago and started a second part-time job 2 months ago,  I'm still getting used to life as an "adult." Throw being a perfectionist and introvert into the mix..it has been a bit of a whirlwind. Cooking, cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, taking care of cats, working and finding time to exercise. Plus, being an introvert I need time to recharge myself. I can only go go go for so long.

Working out has definitely taken a hit. Props to all you "adults" and parents who find time to stay fit. What is your secret? I know I know, just do it. Don't have time? MAKE time. No excuses. I thought for a while I could just play it by ear-just work out when I have time. Ehh. Wrong answer.

So from now on, I'm going to post my weekly workout schedule. Yeah, it might end up changing but at least I'll have something to go by.

Workout Schedule: April 27-May 3

Saturday (today)-Run at the local metro park. Attempt for 7 easy miles. We'll see how my knee feels about that.

Sunday- Bridal shower at 1. Plenty of time to get early, go to the gym upper body

Monday- Rest

Tuesday- Easy 4 mile run

Wednesday-  Lower body and abs

Thursday- 7 miles if my knee  feels good

Friday-3 miles

It's official

I am signed up for the Niagra Falls Marathon 2013! Let the training begin!! Sub 4 here I come :)

My version of texas caviar

• 1 can corn (no added salt)
• 1 can black beans (reduced sodium)
• 2 medium sized tomatoes
• 1 medium red onion (or to taste)
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 red bell pepper

Seasonings:

• lemon juice
• guacamole
• cilantro 
• Garlic Expressions dressing
• Add to your liking. I used about 1/4-1/2 cup guacamole 
• Be creative...add green onions, or vinegar or idk...some jalapenos! I can never just follow a recipe...I always end up changing something to make it my own!

 I put it on a FlatOut wrap with spinach for lunch. It also goes great with nachos or pretzel chips!

VegFest 2013

Yesterday the largest vegetarian/vegan expo in the country came to a city near me. My two best friends (who are doing the vegan challenge with me) and I went for the first time! It was full of free samples of great food. And the best part....

My best friend, Kaleigh, Scott Jurek, and Me!

Vegan ultramarathon runner Scott Jurek came and spoke. I also got my book, "Eat & Run" signed by him. I don't really get too excited/nervous about seeing "famous" people but man, this guy? Running races that are 100+ miles and training runs that are easily 30? When I downloaded my Garmin workouts today I had only ran like 40 miles this whole MONTH. Mad, mad, mad respect. And so down to earth, so humble.

 I got an awesome shirt by him as well that I still need to take a picture of. It reads "Pain only hurts." Ughh..perfect. It is going to be my new feeling down, pick me up, never quit keep going shirt. 

Veggie Muffins

I love sautéed vegetables. 

I made these vegan veggie muffins the other day inspired by bettycrocker.com. I have a tendency to find recipes and make a bunch of changes while I'm using them. To make this recipe vegan, I had to. I experimented for the first time replacing eggs with flax seed. I think I may have cooked the vegetables in a little too much oil and it caused the bottom crust to be soggy (which is made out of Bisquick- and yes, it's vegan!!) I will post the recipe soon :) Once I perfect it I can definintely see it being a quick and easy party dish!

Boston Marathon 2013

I've been struggling a lot lately with the horrible things that happen in the world. My heart goes out to those who suffer. How can I be happy when there are people so many people out there going horrible tragedies in their lives? I feel guilty for being so lucky. I try to appreciate everything I have and be grateful for how blessed I am. 

My eyes filled with tears when I heard the news. My throat has a lump as I watch the news. I just don't understand how someone could be so selfish and hurt innocent people. 

My thoughts and prayers are in Boston tonight.

Upper body

I've taken a little break from weight lifting because I was doing a lot of yoga. The past couple weeks I started lifting again and danggg it feels so good. I also lifted heavier with shorter reps. Note to self: record sets and reps so I can track my progress!!

I need to find an efficient plan. I want to lift no more than 2-3 days per week..I just don't know how to split it up. Any good websites for lifting programs?

The ABC's of Michelle

The ABC’s of Brittany:

Addictions: Marshal and Lily, running, House Hunters, cooking, weight lifting, nature, Vampire Diaries...to name a few

Bed size: Queen! My husband and I slept in a twin bed when he would visit me in college...not so comfortable.

Chore you hate: Is it weird that I LOVE doing housework? Hand me a vacuum and I'm a happy girl. I will say I don't like laundry..well drying to be exact. Either the clothes get too dry and shrink or not dry enough and you have to hang them up...too bad in a one bedroom apartment there isn't any room for that

Dogs or cats: need I say more?

Essential start of your day: Breakfast! Usually cereal with rice or soy milk, fruit or pb and j. Sometimes left overs if I'm feeling sassy.

Favorite color: GREEN. Like the grass and the trees. I'm obsessed. If I could I would live in a forest with a house made of windows.

Gold or silver: Gold. I'm very into natural colors...dark green, dark blue, grey, black, brown yada yada and I feel like gold goes a long with that color scheme

Height: I always thought I was 5'4" and about a month ago I found out I was 5'5"! I have been trying to have better posture and doing a lot of yoga lately!

Instruments you play (or have played): Unfortunately none at the moment (unless you count playing jingle bells on the piano) but I got a guitar for my birthday so I'm going to start learning in a couple weeks

Jobs titles you’ve had: babysitter, dining room attendant, stocker, hostess, front desk associate, and my favorite, clinical dietitian :)

Kids: Can't wait to be a mama! But we are...not for a few more years

Live: Michigan...my entire life. All of my family is here so I'll never leave for ever but I would love to live somewhere else for a few years...somewhere warm where it isn't 30 degrees in the middle of April!!

Mom’s name: Sue

Nickname: Chilidawg...I know, I know. Inspired by my maiden name, Scarchilli

Overnight hospital stays: None so far. Only a few ER visits for my nut allergy 

Pet peeve:  Tailgaters. Because riding my ass is really going to get you where you're going that much faster right? Also, close minded people. Don't even get me started. 

Quote from a movie: Not a movie but a show..."Which kind of bear is best?..." If you know where thats from I'll love you forever

Right or left handed: Righty

Siblings: My sister, Maria, and my brothers, Mike and Matt.

Time you wake up: For work between 5 and 5:30, weekends between 7 and 8. I really dislike sleeping in, I feel like it wastes my day.

Underwear: Whatever is comfortable and on sale! 

Vegetables you dislike: Try as I might, I have not gotten myself to like kale. If it is in a recipe, fine but not as a side.

What makes you run late: Misjudging the time, thinking I can get ready as fast as a cheetah when I'm usually more like a turtle.

X-rays you’ve had done: Just routine teeth x-rays at the dentist. I've been pretty injury free...knock on wood.

Yummy food you make: Uhhh...everything? Lately it has been vegan chocolate peanut butter muffins. My vegetable soup came out pretty good and my husband loves my breaded chicken. I also made a potato casserole that was a hit at thanksgiving.

Zoo animal: Llama and alpaca!! They are so stinking cute.