"Running Season" is coming!!!

Y'all -- March is fiiiiinally (almost) HERE! (praise the Lord -- the end of winter is in sight!) -- and for me, that marks the beginning of running season :) I couldn't be more excited about hitting the pavement rather than the...belt on the treadmill. One of my goals for 2013 is to also do a triathlon, so I guess for me it's also "tri season" :) I'm set for the Bay Shore in Traverse City May 25th, and I'm SO excited about seeing a new city this way. P.S. - I realize all the Texans have been able to run all winter, and I don't want to hear about it. It really irritates the shit out of me, as I sit in the freezing ass cold up here. 

I AM that crazy planner that prints out a calendar with my different runs/cross train/yoga days on it, so I can mark them off as I go. Some think that's weird, but it's my very own "pat on the back" every day when I can check DONE every day.

My apartment "gym" is a joke -- and Saturday I had to kill a huge spider (for those of you who know me, you know I don't do spiders. Ever). There's one treadmill that works, and one cross-trainer that works. Everything else is awful. They don't even have free weights. Ok, ok -- rant over. But, just to prove it, here's a pic:

Yeah, I wasn't joking. Pretty sure Jesus used to work out here.

I want to talk about my running Must Have products/eats and drinks, because I am just THAT excited.

Running Shoes/footwear:

- Asics or Brooks. All the way. I'm planning on trying Mizuno's next -- so opinion pending.

 Word of advice: GET "fitted" for  your shoes! Go to a specialty running store with a lot of shoe options (Like Luke's Locker in Dallas, or Playmakers here in Michigan) and ask someone to look at your stride to figure out what type of shoe you need. This is dependent upon what kind of feet you have (flat feet, high arch, or a neutral foot). I have to wear stability shoes. I'm currently running in Brooks Adrenaline 12, and this is my second pair. That means love.

Socks: Thorlos for regular temps. They've got extra padding on the balls of the feet, which I love. They fit perfect, and that's hard sometimes with midget-sized feet. Smart Wool socks have been a dream for my colder runs, but they make socks for all seasons.

Running Gear:

- I love my Nathans belt. Ok, fanny pack/belt/water holder combo. It's pink. And it holds my stuff without digging into my sides, and it stays put. Can't complain. My dad got it for me before my first half, and I appreciate it/him every time I use it :)

- Body Glide -- amazing when you sweat and chafe on long runs, which I did a lot before learning about the right materials to run in. You're welcome for all this extra info :) But seriously, it's saved me a few times.

- I love my Nike and UA gear, but as I've said several times, I'm a second-time student and have to be thrifty. Therefore, I have to say, old navy and Target have decent workout clothes -- I have several, super cute outfits from there that I've had for over a year and still look like new. Also, my friend Kelly recently told me about 6 P.M. -- they sell "past seasons colors" of name brand stuff! Love it. Also, Department of Goods is a good website with the same concept.

- GET A ROLLER. Like, yesterday. They are amazing. They soothe sore muscles, aid stretching, and increase blood flow/circulation. STRETCH STRETCH STRETCH (says the girl that doesn't stretch properly).

- If you run outside a lot, seriously look into getting a RoadID. They're great, especially if/when you want to run sans phone. You can get the bracelet or buy one that attaches to your shoes. My parents got me one for Christmas a few years ago, and I almost always remember to slap it on before I hit the road. They even make some for dogs, too!

- I have yet to find a great headband, but I know that Skinny Meg likes Brady Bands. Again, I've not tried them, and the ones I've tried in the past never stay on, which is why I don't have a favorite. Ordered some Brady Bands this week though to test these babies out on my big head! I love that 10% of proceeds go towards childhood cancer research. Sold.

- As for sports bras, I stick with the C9 ones at Target. I love them, and my ladies are regular sized, so I don't have any special needs in that department :)

- I just invested in a Polar Womens FT4F. I've heard nothing but good things about them. I was in desperate need of a heart rate monitor watch (wayyy past due!). And lately I've been loving pink, which is not like me at all? Weird. Waiting for it to show up in the mail!

Eats:

- Gel/juice/etc: Gu. Love the brand. The texture still grosses me out (think room temp pudding, yum?) but they're easy to pack and they do give me the extra boost once I up my mileage. If I'm running more than 7 I will take one with me to "eat" (AKA slurp up) around mile 5. Directions suggest every hour. When I did my first half I took one at mile 5 and mile 9. The blocks are okay, but hard to chew when you're getting your run on. There are several other brands, but I prefer Gu.

- I also stick with one water bottle and one gatorade with my long runs, especially when it's hot out. Or if you sweat like a man, which I do.

- Make sure that you are taking in enough protein and complex carbs. If not you could feel sickly or binge eat. I love my sweet potatoes, and regular potatoes piled with veggies/salsa.

- Running gives me some sort of IBS. I'm not joking -- I used to do a loop so I could either stop off at home mid-run (around mile 5-6) or make sure there were bathrooms that I could jet into. And y'all -- sometimes those portapotties are awful. So, I've learned to take some sort of anti-diarrheal medicine pre-long runs (just once a week). It helps and doesn't mess me up otherwise.

- tips: i get irritated when I buy running jackets or expensive tops that don't have pockets -- this may just be me -- but I've learned to double check before buying stuff. Pockets are necessary in my opinion.

- if you're training for a big(ger) race for the first time, i highly recommend Hal Hidgon's training plan (for halfs) and have heard a lot of success stories about the Couch to 5k program for beginners. Also, a lot of specialty running stores do training groups if you need the extra motivation, or join a running Meetup group like I did :) Seriously improved my pace late last summer/early fall.

Hopefully I didn't bore anyone to tears with my running talk (: Feel free to comment below with your running must haves! Please know I am no expert, just someone who gets excited about Spring and running here and like hearing myself talk. Ok, love hearing myself talk.

Toodles! 

Mix it up Monday & New Music Tuesday

Ok, second go-round! 

MIX IT UP MONDAY: I tried ThinkThin protein bars. Since starting My Fit Pal (or should I say, re-starting), I really need to reduce my sugar intake -- all my sugars are gone early in the day due to my morning fruits. Anyhow -- I wanted to try the ThinkThin bars because Mama Laughlin loves them, and they are one of the few that have 0 sugar -- and 20 g of protein! I will be upping my protein as soon as I up my mileage in preparation for "running season" (see upcoming post about this) so I like that it has a higher protein content (: I had it with my afternoon Spark! It was tasty! The Spark and the ThinkThin bar (: Additionally, I did two workout's today! Not necessary a first-time thing, but definitely not the norm! Every bit counts!

Easy E and I had a little mani/pedi sesh -- so fun. Except getting an almost-two year old to not move her piggies or fingers is impossible. Just not gonna happen. Ever.

*TADAH!* Look at those little toes!

Hot yoga -- R-O-U-G-H. 90 minutes in a hotter-than-hell (although I won't ever know this for sure haha!) steamy room doing yoga is not easy.  Apparently I burn between 800-900 calories in there (according to this website that seemed legit, but who knows). EL Hot Yoga has awesome intro offers ($20 for two weeks of unlimited classes and student discounts). It's really helped me beat these February winter blues. If you're interested in the benefits of hot yoga just click the link. :) 

So Tuesday -- class. Every week. Except next week -- Spring Breakkkkkkkk. Too bad it's still going to be cold, and I'm not going anywhere. Or doing anything. Adult Spring Breaks are NOT as fun as freshman/sophomore/junior year SB. *sigh* Onward...

NEW (to me) MUSIC TUESDAYYYYY

So, new to me is Alt-J. OMG. Why have I not been *on* this train before now? I heard it on 88.9 The Impact (MSU student radio = bomb), and immediately downloaded it on Rhapsody.  So, currently, I am loving:
Alt-J's song Breezeblocks. His voice is so unique. He's featured on the Silver Lining Playbook soundtrack, so some may know of him already.

Another new-to-me song found on The Impact: The Lower 48 - The End. I love it. It's cute and folksy. 

ACTUAL new stuff out today:
10,000 Maniacs - Music from the Motion Picture. Sweetsy-acoustic sound. Never heard of this group before, but they've been around since the '90s and were a big part of the Lillith Fair school of music (fun fact). Some of the songs I don't like, but I DO like I Don't Love You Too and Gold. Mellow sound.
Atoms for Peace - Amok totally different than my typical style, but i like it. Kind of...Thom Yorke-esque.
Ivan & Alyosha - All The Times We Had - indie-pop, I like it. Reminds me of summer tiiiime. Enough said.
*******
Other news: I have an interview for my internship on Friday at 11:00 AM with the MSU Counseling Center. Prayers would be appreciated :) I am nervous.

Until next time,
Enjoy your day, wherever you are and whatever you're doing. 

Friday and my fridge

Who doesn't love the weekend? Even people that wait tables have their own weekend at some point (or should, if they don't) -- and I don't know one person that says,"Oh man I can't wait for work on Monday." (: If that's you, please let me meet you. I'd like you bottled, please.

I've been battling some food issues -- like wanting to eat everything. At 10 PM. How do I successfully NOT gorge at night? I simply don't have those foods at my apartment. Before going home for Christmas, I cleaned out my fridge and "pantry" (yes -- pantry is "pantry" because I don't HAVE a pantry. I have a bookshelf, that has food instead of books. Therefore, "pantry") so that when I got home, I wouldn't even have that stuff available to me. 

So, this is what my fridge typically looks like: 

Minus the booze (I'm over 21 - I'm entitled), its mostly veggies and fruit in here. I hit the store (Horrocks -- AMAZE. One of my favorite things about Lansing, Michigan! Indoor farmers market-style with super affordable produce) So, I stocked up. I am a leftover QUEEN (hello -- I'm a grad student nanny. Like I have a choice), so I've always got stuff to munch on quick, which keeps from getting HONGRY (so hungry I get mean and overeat something, usually something bad for me). Keeps me accountable!

So, today I woke up to....snow. I wish I was excited about this. Adios winter -- you've worn out your welcome. I think we got like 3-4 inches. That's 3-4 too many...Andddd of course, the sun doesn't want to make a special appearance. Not even once. Ugh. Oh well -- Spring will get here, eventually. And I will bask in the sunlight and lack of snow. I sucked it up, did my workout (indoors, duh. I am from the South, and we don't run when it's in the teens outside. We just don't), and went to see Identity Thief with Natasha -- loved laughing throughout the movie when no one else was. Yes, we were those girls. And I snuck Cuties and almonds into the movies. I would feel bad about this...but they don't have healthy snacks available at the movies. And again, I'm a grad student nanny. Sorry 'bout it!

I totally missed the memo on National Margarita Day, but I'll have some vino instead. Margaritas are super sugary/sweet/high cal. So, I'm ok with that :) If I'm gonna drink them, I better be at Mi Cocina. MMMMM Mambo Taxi!

Maximize the weekend! :) Until next time,
Stay warm, Mi.
Stay beautimus but don't brag, Texas. :)

Mix it Up Monday and New Tunes Tuesday

Mondays are my *official* hot yoga day (shout outttt East Lansing Hot Yoga) -- however THIS week I forgot my stupid wallet at home and didn't have time to grab it -- needless to say I was really annoyed. But, I did Insanity instead :) Working for my summer bod, and Insanity is always my go-to workout if I'm not hitting the pavement/treadmill.  I will forever praise Shaun T haha!

I'm trying to do something new every Monday to mix it up, so for dinner I made acorn squash for the first time ever! It's so good. I'm a HUGE fan of spaghetti squash but acorn squash is more buttery and rich. Needless to say, it was delicious. Just cut that baby in half, drizzle with oil and s&p, and cook for 40 minutes at 375. BAM - in your belly. A one cup serving packs:
115 calories
9g fiber
2g of protein.
*If that's not good enough for you, 1 cup has over 30% of the daily recommended dose of Vit C. Score.

For breakfast Tuesday I had protein-packed oatmeal --- as a self-professed oatmeal lover, I CANNOT believe I'd not heard of this before. You make quick oats (not the packaged kind but the homemade regular oats) -- and right when the milk is almost absorbed by the oats, add two egg whites and stir stir stir. Makes it stick to your ribs! I love this because you can make it however you want! Oh how I love choices :) I modified the recipe from The Healthy Foodie -- Here's a pic of mine:

So glad I ate this because my cold, snowy, windy walk to class was better with a warm and full stomach :) 

NEW MUSIC TUESDAYS! I live for Tuesdays. I get so sad when there isn't any good music out on Tuesdays -- it's literally the first thing I do Tuesday mornings :)
This week:
LIVE Mumford and Sons takes the cake -- The Road to Red Rocks
Lady A  - Downtown

Last week, I discovered Thao and The Get Down Stay Down with their new album We The Common --- in loveeeee. Seriously. Check them out. If you don't love them, don't tell me.

Eats: Post Work Out

Ok, so... I love waiting until after my workouts to eat, if I'm doing a quick one (less than an hour). So, I whipped up these banana 'pancakes' for my post workout breakfast this morning. I LOVE these.

You'll need:
Eggs (2)
Baking soda and baking powder (1/2 tsp each)
Milk (of your choice) I use Almond, about 3/4 cup)
Flour (I used whole wheat, but you can use almond, coconut, or regular-- 3/4 cup)
Oil for the pan (I use coconut)
A ripe banana.
Optional ingredients I added:
Vanilla (splashed it -- no measurements, sorry)
Nutmeg and cinnamon
Oats (about 1/4 cup for extra texture and an extra umph)
Unsweetened coconut (I'm obsessed with it these days)
Honey and walnuts on top.

1. Mash your banana. MASH it -- my arm was hurting a little afterwards :)
2. Add your optional spices/vanilla. Mix it up.
3. Add eggs and oats (if you want them).
4. Add the almond milk, the baking powder/soda, and flour. Mix some more.
*You might need to add more milk, depending on the consistency you want. Mine looked like this (kinda like an organic nut butter consistency) --

5. Heat the pan and add your choice of oil. They will work like regular pancakes, and start to bubble at the edges when they're ready to be flipped.

6. I drizzled them with honey (instead of the traditional butter and syrup) when they were done, and stacked 'em high. I almost forgot to take a picture of the finished product because i was devouring them.

The addition of the coconut was a fabulous last minute choice. added a little extra crunch. So, throw in whatever you've got!

Sidenote -- it is BEAUTIFUL outside today. Cold as frick -- but so pretty.



Yes, that's Michigan. No dreary clouds? Sunshine, is it?! YES! Happy Sunday :)

Back from the Dead

 Wow -- it's been SO long. I almost fell off the (blog) planet. :) 

So, as most of you know, in May I moved from Dallas, Texas to Lansing, Michigan. Yes. That happened. It didn't happen how I thought, but has ended up being one of the best lessons in life and love and prayer and diligence. "Everything happens for a reason" -- many say, and some people actually mean it. Well, I actually do. While my life here is TOTALLY different than I imagined, it's also better than I imagined in a lot of ways. Sure, I have hard days (as you'll see exposed here) -- but I force myself to love this journey I'm on.

New things about me since my last post --

I'm a student -- AGAIN. I'm finishing my first year in a part-time LMSW (Master Social Work -- or The Master Social Worker, as I like to say) program at Michigan State University. Go Spartans!


I'm still crazy about eating right, fun crafts, clothes (although my budget keeps me in check :)), and fitness. I'm currently in LOVE with Advocare (holla at me!), and am still doing insanity and running sporadically (it's still cold here).

 
Running in Michigan has been a struggle -- the cold has DEFINITELY been an adjustment :) I'm doing another half in May (the Bay Shore -- one of the most popular races here) and that will be my third one since December of 2011 -- yes, I'm allowed to brag about it. The race above was the Chicago Half in Sept of 2012 -- one of my most memorable races, as I registered in April before my move to give me something to look forward to.

As I'm a student and I work pretty much full time (for these AMAZING littles that I adore) -- my posts will probably be on fun and easy healthy recipes/cheap eats with the occasional craft -- I'm busy. It will be a random mix of all things Kat -- get excited.