Update June 16th to June 22nd and new goals

Recap is a day late- Sorry friends

but better late than never!

(and now the pictures work)

June 16th to June 22nd. 

Monday:  5:15 Boot Camp

Check!  Liz and I went and it was a butt kicker!

Also a little afternoon walk with the pups 

Tuesday:  6:00 3 mile run
Check!  But we were super awesome and did 4 miles of track speed work.

Wednesday: 5:15 HIIT

Check!  Sweaty class with the girls 

Then it was Scuba Wednesday-  60 minute dive with my friends :) 

This was the sunset as we were packing up 

Thursday:  6:00 5 mile run 

Woke up and it was POURING! 

 Did 3 miles on the treadmill, half mile outside with Olive.  Not what I had planned but I still got a workout in.

Friday:  5:15 Tabatta 

It was a great and tough class!

We stopped for coffees too.  

DD hazlenut iced coffee to start the day !

I also went for a 3 mile walk Friday night with my mom and the pups :)

Saturday:  Rest or Kayak  

3 mile run in 25 minutes with the pups!  

Wanted to get out there and run! 

Sunday:  Body Pump

Needed to sleep in and enjoy the morning at home so I subbed this with a 3 mile walk with the dogs, and then some strength training in the basement before spending the day at the beach with the dive girls.  

I really love setting the goals and updating them.  On days I don't want to do anything I remind myself I already told the world I was and I can't be lazy!  So while I didn't exactly do things as planned, I think overall I still "surpassed" my goals for the week and I am happy with that.
I also decided I want to include a non work out goal for the week,
(be more organized, clean my closet, pack- something small but something).

So last week in my brain I decided I was going to get dressed up more.  I fall victim to workout clothes and no make up because A- I workout every morning and B- I work a lone where no one sees me therefore dress up for what?

Some of my outfits for the week:

Cute fitted skirt with a white tee, and teal sandals

Saturday night:  Martini dress and pink pumps! 

NEXT WEEK'S GOALS
Monday:  Rest day- didn't take one last week

Tuesday:  3 mile run

Wednesday:  HIIT

Thursday:  4-5 mile run

Friday:  Tabatta
Saturday/Sunday:  One day workout, one day horse show.  
Options: Boot camp, Body pump, run, walk, kayak. 

Side Goal:
Work on moving details! 

Get That Body (on a Budget!)

Welcome to Friday.

You made it!  

A common excuse I hear as to why someone can't work out.

"I can't afford a gym membership". 
"I don't have time". 

I had to work both jobs last night 

(punch in at 8:00 am, out at 10:30pm)

Up at 5:30 Thursday to run,

Work that long day, in bed at 11:30 to sleep, 

just to wake up at 4:30am to make it to Tabatta Friday.  

So what I am getting at is...You make time.
And your excuse for time is not valid 

Lets move right on to $Money$. 

Well, welcome to Frugal Friday 

where I am going to take away that money excuse.  

No, Frugal Friday will not be a continuing thing, 

but I thought it was pretty clever, if I may say so myself. 

(http://yourfamilyfinances.com/)

Sometimes money is tight.

  Like living at home with your parents to save up for grad school tight.  

Yep- that's me. 

 If you are working to get that dream body on a budget,

 then here are some tips for you, you frugal fitness freak, you!

Running A Ragnar's Tips to Getting that

BODY ON A BUDGET! 

1.  Ditch the "gym"-  Bet you weren't expecting that right away!  But yep, I mean it!  Gym memberships are expensive, they usually have enrollment fees, high monthly premiums, and a contract.  Not only that but now what?  You have a fancy card to get in the building, but if you want instruction on how to use all of those contraptions, you will have to pay extra for that!  I hate traditional gyms-  really and truly.  Men grunting in the corner, and girls on their cellphones on the elliptical.  Just not a productive environment for me- and motivating?  Not at all.  I much prefer a crazy buff lay with a mic yelling at me to lift a bar over my head.

Cancel your gym membership and put that $$ in your savings account.

www.davidhill.co

2.  Free Classes:  So you have ditched the gym, now what?  Free classes baby!  Most gyms/studios/classes offer your first class free.  That's $15-20 bucks saved right there!  Go gym shopping, take a few free classes at a few different places and see what you like the best.  Also, check out your community centers.  Some community centers and places offer free classes.  Do some research and find out.  Some fancy studies will even offer free classes on a certain day.  

The yoga shop in Old Saybrook offers a free class every Saturday at 4:30.  

I bet some studios in your area do as well.

3.  Just Ask:  Seriously, I was amazed when this one worked. So you took your free classes at a few different places, and decide you LOVE the classes at Gym A the best.  Send them an email.  I just did this and it worked.  I was looking into fitness classes in Salt Lake City, and was really turned off by the $100 enrollment fee, plus $69 a month membership.  When I called the gym to ask about a class package instead of the steep $69 a month,

 they offered me a corporate/discounted rate of $49 a month instead.  

Not perfect, but that's still a savings of $20 a month.  

4.  Student discount. This doesn't apply to everyone, but if you are a student- milk it.  Even if their website doesn't specifically have a student discount, refer back to 3--Call and ask.  I am 26 years old and still rock my Quinnipiac University ID card  circa  2006 at JCrew for that student discount.  

http://www.imagesbuddy.com/

5.  Run or walk.  This one is a little obvious but important.  Running and walking is also free.  You don't need a treadmill, fancy gear, or even fancy shoes.  Start with what you have and slowly buy the things that will make you more comfortable when you can afford them.  If you have dogs or kids (or both!) this one is even better.  Throw the dog on a leash and little Suzie in the stroller and everyone gets some fresh air and a workout. 

6.  Groupon-  This is my favorite tip. You would be amazed how many amazing deals are on groupon in the fitness section.  Yoga, pilates, spin,  even crossfit --there is really something for everyone, and at crazy deals of 50-75% off the original price.  The other wonderful thing about groupon is it's "non committal"  When your groupon to one place ends, go buy one to another gym!  Not only are you saving money, but you are changing up your workout routine, and will be more likely to keep working out with that variety in your workout schedule.  I bought a few groupons for one gym, at $20 for 10 classes, and I am now at a different gym with a 20 class package for $70.   I also bought a few groupons for some Stand Up Paddleboard sessions.  Crazy deals, no enrollment fee, no commitment, and its something fun and different.

7.  Bloggers-  There are so many great fitness bloggers out there that offer so many amazing programs.  Some free and some not-so-free.  I have friends who use  a few different online programs, one specifically,the Tone It Up plans.  I looked into it for fun and found out that their nutrition plan costs $150 (but I will admit I would pay way more than that to look like those girls- smokin).  Realistically, that is steep for my budget for a nutrition plan (and I am also not self motivated..) so I kept looking around and skimming their site.  They do offer some freebies on their site (workout and meal plans and such) and have an email newsletter you can sign up for, for free, so be sure to head on over and see if it sparks your interest.  Another example is Gina over at Fitnessista.com  She has amazing meal plans, recipes, workouts, videos, and advice.  She even offers a "Summer Shape Up" plan that kind of reminded me of the Tone It Up Bikini Series- but Gina's is free!  She sends out weekly meal plans, shopping lists, workout schedules, and exercises - basically a personal chef and trainer delivered to you via email, and YEP absolutely free! 

So there you have it.  Some free options, and some inexpensive options. If you do have to shell out a little $$ to work out and eat healthy, remember a few things:  That $50 gym membership that has the classes you LOVE, well that's one night out of dinner and drinks with your friends.  So pass up on a few more nights out and there you have it, enough money for that membership. 

 I always yell at myself for how easy it is to head over to Marshalls, or meet a friend for happy hour, and then not want to pay for classes.  Money spent towards your overall health is always a good investment and money well spent.  

(www.stylecraze.com)

Spend a little on your health now, 

and you won't have to later :)

Let me know what kind of great deals you find! 

Happy Weekend!

Three Ingredient "Cookie Dough" Bites !

Simple, Gluten Free, Vegan, and Raw.  

Oh and lets not forget delicious.

I love dates- especially in the unhealthy yet decadent date pudding form (thankfully for my skinny jeans, I got the exact recipe, and then lost it).  But instead of heading to the River Tavern for their famous date pudding when I want something sweet, I decided to take my beloved container of medjool dates (anyone know how to pronounce that?) and make them into a dessert that is much healthier.  

If you want a simple, healthy, recipe to ease your sweet tooth without tipping the scales, this recipe is for you.   I made these Monday night, and put three in a baggie to save in the fridge for a sweet treat after lunch and a little boost :)   I bet they would be just as tasty in the freezer as a chilly treat on a hot day.  They taste JUST like cookie dough and are just so darn delicious.  I know you don't believe me, so you will have to make them and see for yourself.  Oh, and when you do, I dare you to just eat one.  

The recipe is from Mind Body Green.  When I make mine, I add a few "extras" -- I like the addition of unsweetened coconut flakes, and if I am feeling really crazy, a dash of vanilla extract.   

(Photo Credit:  Mind Body Green)  

3 Ingredient Cookie Dough Bites

Makes approximately 15 tablespoon sized balls

Ingredients

1 cup raw organic cashews

1 cup fresh medjool dates, pitted

2-3 Tablespoons raw cacao nibs, or vegan chocolate chips

OPTIONAL:  handful of unsweetened coconut flakes, and dash of vanilla extract. 

Directions:  Put the cashews into a high-speed blender or food processor and blend until they are very small pieces. Then, add in the dates and  (vanilla extract if you add it) and blend to combine. If using a high-speed blender, you may need to stop the blender to stir the mixture, making sure the dates get diced into small pieces.

Take the mixture out of the blender and place in a bowl. The mixture will be sticky. Use your hands to fold in the chocolate chips (and coconut flakes if you add them) so they spread evenly throughout the mixture.

Take a tablespoon of the cookie dough and roll around in your palms, forming a ball. Repeat until all of the cookie dough is used.

Binges, Boot Camp, and Track Workouts

Today Liz and I ran 4 miles together on the track.  
We were both "coming back"  after a weekend of some serious binge eating
 that left us feeling Blah. 
We vowed to drop that and focus on the future, 
but it really got me thinking and reflecting.
What I can do to keep moving forward in this little
"Be Healthier" journey.

I am going to hash out a few thoughts here for a moment.  

So take a seat and have a listen.  

Would love to hear your opinions as well.

We seem to have this funny notion in our head.  That we can eat what we want as long as we "get a few miles in".  I thought this theory as well.  During my first marathon training attempt in 2012-2013, I was an un-educated-20-something-runner, trying to run a marathon to lose weight and round off my bucket list.  While training, (slacker program 3-4 days a week mind you..) I rewarded myself with pizza and pasta, burgers and fries, and cookies and cakes because hey, I earned it... I worked that off.    But my friends...

 that idea of earning is a slippery slope.  

I spent 3-4 months with this theory and you can probably guess what happened.  I gained weight.  Whoa whoa whoa, a big reason I am running this damn thing is to have this big goal, motivation to run, therefore more running, therefore more shedding of the pounds.  If I am training and gaining weight than what the hell is the point!  Well an injury stopped me at the mile 18 week of my training so I took some time off, swore of running, and sat back and reflected.  

Fast forward to round two:  I learned from my mistakes.  I integrated yoga and body pump into my running program, I stretched more, I stopped worrying about speed, and changed my diet.  I ate smart to better fuel my runs, instead of running long distance and then shoveling pizza down my throat.  

It is a big change in mind set to sit down and say  "I am going to eat better to help my body run better" than "I ran 10 miles today now I celebrate with pizza".  After my first half marathon I mocked Jill for eating a salad after.  Jill enjoyed a chicken salad while I housed a supreme pizza.  Well now I get it Jill.  

Well the second time around I finally ran my marathon, 26.2 miles injury free-  feeling GREAT, and about 15-20 pounds lighter than the first attempt.  

Fast forward again to post marathon, casual running, and more focus on full body workouts.  I have a 4:30 or 5:30 alarm set every day to make sure ---4:30  get to a 5:15 gym class or 5:30, make sure I meet Liz for a 6:00 run.  

At these classes, we work our asses off.  Like sweat pouring from your face, not-sure-I-can-do-another-burpee-ever-again hard.  

I have made it a habit to track my workouts.  When I get home and look at this long list of my workout, it dawns on me.  "I worked so hard.  SO HARD- and I got up SO EARLY".  Is it really worth eating crap after I worked so hard to make my body better?   What was the point of sweating and ass kicking if I am going to go down a few hundred cake pops.   Might as well just sleep in and eat the cake pops.   

Was all that champagne and cupcakes reallllly worth it?

Never is.  

Monday I did that ass kicking work out, and after, I didn't celebrate with cupcakes, I celebrated with good healthy stuff.  

This morning Liz and I did a 4 mile workout on the track.  

  

I have worked hard to lose weight, 

and I want to keep working at it.

I am a true believer you cannot outrun a bad diet.  

And while exercise is important, healthy eating is the base.  
And before you get mad- no- I am not telling you to cut out everything "bad" in your diet. I am just saying I need to allow a treat and really cut out these BINGES.

Cheers!

(but I am cutting back on the champs 

so lets raise our carrot sticks instead) 

June 9 to June 15th recap and goals

I had a wonderful weekend this weekend, 

like.... the best.  

I needed a horse-show-less weekend, after a stressful show last weekend. 

Instead of showing, I filled my weekend with a wonderful mix of:

family, friends, sunshine, food, drink, and relaxation.

Friday night:  I went out for dinner with my parents to Whitfields, on the green in Guilford, Connecticut. After dinner I finished a few bridal shower crafts. (Lots of delicious but high calorie foods!) 

Saturday:  Saturday we hosted a bridal shower for Liz.  It turned out about 100x better than I expected.  All of Liz's bridesmaids came together and did an amazing job throwing Liz a picture perfect bridal shower.  It looked like it came right out of a pinterest page (post to come soon!).  The only issue is I ate drank and chowed A LOT.  I mean, if I had to pick two words to describe the weekend it would be champagne and cake pops.  Which sounds (and was) wonderful, but it left me feeling heavy and blah.   We ended the day with more champagne on the beach, watching the boats go by and throwing sticks for Olive into the river.

Sunday:  Sunday I went diving with some friends, laid by the pool, walked, trail ran, napped, grilled, drank, and slept.  Perfect relaxing day.

Sunday evening I had some remorse from my glutinous evening, but, what can I do about it?  Absolutely nothing.  So- all I can do is focus on the future.  Sunday I went to bed early, and met Liz for 5:15 boot camp this morning.  I was up at 4:27, before my alarm, and had a great workout at boot camp.  I was home in time to relax, have breakfast out on the deck, and just set my Monday off on the right foot.

I was feeling great this morning, 

driving in to work blasting Alicia Keys "Girl On Fire"
 ready to tackle the week.

On that note, lets get back to the schedule week review 
and set some new goals, Shall we?

PLANNED=Bold

Italics= Actual 

Monday (6/9):  5pm HIIT class

I could not wake up in time for boot camp

 so I tried the afternoon class  It was a sweatter! 

Tuesday (6/10): 3 mile run

Liz, Olive and I hit the pavement for our planned three mile run.

Wednesday (6/11):  5am HIIT class & Scuba!

Met Hannah and Tori for 5am HIIT.

Great class but....  

Did not go diving-  

thunderstorms were looming so 

no Wednesday night dive last week.

Thursday (6/12): 5 mile run

Liz, Olive and I went for a 5 mile run down to the boat launch.  

Gorgeous morning for a run. 

After work I took my "new to me" bike out for a spin- 

8 hilly miles around the lake!

Friday (6/13):  Tabatta

Liz, Tori, Hannah and I made it to 5:15am Tabatta.  

workout with a great instructor and play list- 

Great way to start the weekend. 

Saturday (6/14): Lizs shower- day off- maybe evening kayak

Beautiful shower, amazing day, and an exhausting one!
Used this as a "rest day" and boy did I need it!

Sunday (6/15):  8 am Body Pump 

I had planned on diving Sunday, 

but it happened to be earlier than I thought.  

We met at 8:30am so that meant no body pump.  

I went for a 40 minute dive (lots of swimming), 

went for a 3 mile walk with mom and the dogs, 

and a 1 mile trail run with Olive in the woods behind my house. 

This Week's Goals 

June 16th to June 22nd. 

Monday:  5:15 Boot Camp

Tuesday:  6:00 3 mile run

Wednesday: 5:15 HIIT

Thursday:  6:00 5 mile run 

Friday:  5:15 Tabatta 

Saturday:  Rest or Kayak  

Sunday:  Body Pump

How was your weekend?
What are your fitness goals for the week?