She's a Little Runaway

Thursday my husband mentioned possibly doing something special over the weekend.  He was going to be off for the whole weekend (which doesn't happen often) and we didn't really have any unbreakable commitments.  (I missed the Al Gordon NYRR race, but it was well worth it.)  He apparently had planted a seed, because on Friday morning I decided that we needed to go away.

After a short conversation late morning from work, we decided that I would take a half day (boss was away so that was not a big deal) and we would head to the Poconos.  I got home and we packed like fugitives on the run.  We were checked in and relaxing at the hotel by late afternoon.  It was great!  We didn't do too much over the weekend because it was really cold but not really snowy enough for tubing, etc.  We spent some time by the hotel pool (which is always fun in the winter), game room and gym (for me at least).  Each day I worked out with Warrior Princess Lisa in Peekskill (via Skype) as part of the Passover-Lent Off.  Her classes are hardcore.  With her on my side, this challenge is mine!  (Insert evil laugh here)

It was a perfect weekend.  And I stayed on track with my eating and brought enough snacks to keep me and the kids happy.  My biggest challenge was finding something to eat for dinner on Friday (in Lent = no meat) in Red Robin.  No bread, low fat AND I don't eat seafood.  Solution: Veggie Burger (no bread) on a garden salad.  Winning!!

Ha Ha Mommy.  My hot dog is better than your veggie burger salad.

Hubby looking at chicken coops.  Yes, chicken coops.  Don't ask.

The boys in the Candle Shop.  Hubby reminiscing on life with hair.

Little Princess by the pool with her applesauce

Yummy.  Bread.  None for you Mommy!

Blurry bread

Yes, I was taking pictures of the bread, and the kids are the background. :)

This morning I started with some yoga and when I got to work, I had another victory.  I had oatmeal and it wasn't that bad.  Woo Hoo!  Finally!  Now don't get me wrong.  I didn't enjoy it, but I didn't have to swallow it whole without chewing.  My trick...  one Splenda and some big chunks of strawberry.  I told hubby and now he wants me to try salmon.  I have never eaten fish or any seafood in my 36 years.  I don't have any allergies, I just didn't grow up eating it.  I have tried a few things but I can't stand the consistency and the fishy smell and taste of most things.  That said, in keeping with my trying new things, I will try salmon steak.

Speaking of new things, I just signed up for my first obstacles challenge (or a date with a serial killer, not sure which one really), the Rugged Maniac in Brooklyn.  I registered for this last year before I was injured.  Anyone in the tri-state want to join me?  I'm doing the 10 a.m. wave.

What will you try this week?  How do you stay fit when you are away from home?

Game On!

Today is Ash Wednesday.  It is the start of Lent and the official start of the Passover Lent Off.  I started my day with some in-home yoga care of Gwen Lawrence.  She teaches power yoga to the New York Giants... and now to me via GaiamTV.  I woke up a bit late so I did upper body and core.  I skipped lower body since I plan to work lower body later today. (Either treadmill or kickboxing class)

I was instructed by Lisa, the warrior princess/fitness guru for the PLO challenge that I should be eating oatmeal.  In 36 years of life, I have never liked oatmeal.  Well, today I confirmed that I still don't like it.  But I did eat it.  Luckily with big pieces of strawberry to get it down.

Mission accepted....

And completed!

Per Lisa, I'll be trying to eat small meals every few hours so I also brought some snacks from home.  I am going to use this week as a trial to see what works for me and then I'll hit up Trader Joe's on the weekend to restock.

Oh yea, game on!

Do you like oatmeal?  How do you make it taste good?
What are you giving up for Lent?
Are you as excited about my challenge as I am?
What should I have for lunch?  

Fat Tuesday Today... Skinny Wednesday Tomorrow

Its been a week of preparation for me. Today, Fat Tuesday is the last day of my fat habits. I am kicking the fat girl inside of me out! Tomorrow, on the first day of Lent I am starting the Passover-Lent Off (PLO). This is a challenge that was put out by my friend Toni Senecal of Toni On! New York. Yes, the same Toni who just completed the Mamas Bootcamp. She kicked butt in that challenge and since that ended, she has been looking for some people who need a good kick in the butt. The goal of the challenge isbomlose the most body fat. Starting tomorrow, about 50 of us have been challenged to give up bread (Passover) and choose something else to give up for Lent (food wise) until the first day of Passover (April 6). The incentive, beyond weight loss and bragging rights, are some cool prizes. The grand prize includes a two-night stay at the Montauk Yacht Club!!!

So, Sunday I headed up to New York Sports Club in Croton-on-Hudson, NY for the first weigh in. It's about 90 minutes from my house, but I figured it was best to start this challenge as a group. My neighbor drove up with me (well, she drove) as she gave birth last summer and is ready to shed the weight that's left. We also met up with one of my BFFs up there as she is ready to make a big change in her life. I really wanted to be there to support her and well, size up some of the competition. (Kidding guys)

So, I know everyone is on the edge of their seats dying to know what I am giving up for Lent. I am giving up candy, and well I eat alot of candy. Probably more than most children and possibly as much as Janae of HungryRunnerGirl.com. So it's not going to be easy. And in case that wasn't enough, Toni decided that I should also give up alcohol. What?! No wine and no sour skittles?! Yup! Bring it on!

I will be posting more details about my diet and exercise during the challenge. It's mostly for accountability but also I'll need help with food choices and workout suggestions. There will be virtual workouts and new food choices and the best part is that I have a bunch of close friends and family doing the challenge so it should be interesting.

On that note, bring on the PLO Challenge!!

Day of Love and Exhale

Happy Valentine's Day!  Today is one of the only days of the year that I wear red.  I don't really look good in it because I have red undertones in my skin.  I feel a bit like Santa when my face gets red.  However, I'm a girl who likes holidays so on V day and Christmas, I do rock the red.  (Truth: I have one red sweater.  I wore it for both holidays.)


I started my day with Core Fusion.  Yes, I can check off my new thing for the week.  The other day I bought a voucher from Gilt City for three Core Fusion classes.  I was anxious to try it out since I have heard all good things from fellow bloggers.  I took the 6:15 a.m. class because hubby was taking the kids to school.  I was up at 4:45 a.m. and out the door at 5.  (Yes!  I will likely be asleep under my desk by 2:30 p.m.)  I got to the Exhale Spa in the Gansevoort Park about 20 minutes early and met the instructor, Adrienne.  She has a 6 month old (not that you would know by looking at her.  You go girl!) and we discussed the juggling act of motherhood and fitness.  There were about 9 girls in the class and even though the room seemed small-ish to me, there was plenty of space.  We even moved around the room from the center to against the wall and to the front of the room.  All the movement definitely kept it interesting.  The moves themselves were challenging but Adrienne assisted me and others (mostly me) as needed.  It was definitely different than other classes that I have tried in the past.  Dancer-type variations to classic strength and flexibility moves.  I enjoyed it and look forward to my 2 other classes.  Note: If you decide to try it, wear socks.  That's one thing they told me several times.  

Me Before Class 

Now, a day of work followed by an evening with the kiddies.  I am going to try to stay up for hubby but I don't know if that will happen.  Remember, I was up at 4:45 today.


What's on your agenda for Valentine's Day?

My Tri (something new) - Run, Yoga, Spin

Friday I got home from work on a mission. I needed to start getting some order in my house. The obvious starting point, my boy's room. It's not all his fault though, his furniture leaves little room for storage or playing. Plus he had misplaced his $300 video game (yes, he's super spoiled and I take full responsibility for it.) We spend a good three hours purging his closet and under his dresser. He pulled out a big pile of toys for "the kids who don't have toys." At the end of the evening, as he laid in bed, I stuck my hand in the pocket of one of five million backpacks, I found the video game. Woo hoo! Saint Anthony, powers of attraction, dumb luck, call it what you want. Regardless, we were all happy that it was found.  Who knows what we'll find if I keep up the momentum.

Saturday morning I had set my mind to try something new. I want to a local yoga studio for my first ever yoga class. I was nervous but tried to stay relaxed. As I predicted, all my yoga videos did give me a background, but it was so much better to have someone correcting your form. The instructor, Karen owns the place. She was very nice and extremely helpful. Whenever I looked lost (probably 45 minutes of the 1 hour class), she would come over and help. At times, she even had someone demonstrate the
more difficult moves. It was a small class (allegedly people don't like to get up for 8:45 on Saturdays?) so the individual attention was as great. If you are ever on the island of Staten and looking for a yoga class, go see Karen at 5 Boro Yoga. The first class is free and she'll also give you a free class on your birthday. I will definitely be going back!  They are even having a special kids yoga class on 2/25 from kids between 5-11.  I'm hoping to bring my son.

So, now in the last few months, I feel like I went from just a runner to an injured runner with a much more well-rounded schedule including spin, yoga and more emphasis on strength training.  Unfortunately I do miss running consistently.  I am trying to be smart though.  Starting this week, I will be running twice a week.  I want to build a good solid base.  Keep in mind though that I am a punk this year and there will be very little running in the cold.  The treadmill and I can be friends until Spring has sprung.

It was too cold to run on Sunday.  Yes, I'm a punk and I'm okay with that. 

Monday is here.  I hope you all have a great week ahead.  And I hope you all try something new.  I know I
will! :)

My dog will try to stay awake more than 2 hours a day.

My nephew will try not to eat his books anymore.  Even though they are so yummy.

My princess will try to keep her headband in all day. 

What will you do?

Ditch the Negativity, Try Something New

I just finished reading The Secret, which was a huge victory for me.  It was it the first book that I have actually finished since I had my now-two year old daughter.

Mommy!  Play with me, don't read! :)

It really changed how I look at things.  Without getting too deep into the book, it teaches that you have to use the "laws of attraction" to get what you want.  And to be honest, even if you don't fully buy into that, it consciously makes you think about your thoughts and feelings.  It keeps your thoughts positive and that is exactly what I needed.  For example, if you think you will be late, then you will.  Instead, visualize yourself being on time.  It has helped with my anxiety level and my overall outlook. Hoping I can stick with it.

Last night I was not in a happy place.  I made the decision to go to the gym and I put on my gym clothes.  I waited until the little princess went to bed and I headed out the door.  Hubby and the boy were playing video games so I knew that I would not be missed.  It worked out well because I had been given a challenge by my dear friend, Toni that I needed to tackle.  Last week I was having a discussion with Alicia (one of Toni's mamas from Bootcamp) about the Stairmaster and how 40 minutes on it would kill me.  Toni decided that I needed to do 45 minutes on it.  Well, last night, instead of being aggravated at home, I went to the gym and felt accomplished (and exhausted).  By the way, 45 minutes on that thing is insane!  I lost 560 calories and I gained some clarity.  Win - Win!

That's me in the mirror (nerd!)

Victory PLUS an extra 2 minutes!

I also decided this morning announced on Twitter that I will try something new every week, in fitness and in other parts of my life.  And if you post it on social media, you have to follow through, right?  I have a couple of  ideas on new things that I would like to try:

1. Yoga (at a studio - I've only done videos at home.)
2. Core Fusion (I scored a Groupon for 3 classes yesterday.)
3. Museum (Of course, I've been to museums, but it's been a while)
4. Hiking (When the Spring hits maybe)

Ok, I have only 4 ideas.  Anyone got anything else for me?  

WARNING: Happy New York Fan Post below

Yup, after the nail biting fourth quarter, the Giants are Superbowl champs.  I also learned a few other things during the SuperBowl:

1. Madonna is still awesome, although Nicky Minaj is NOT!
2. Eli is way cooler than Tom Brady.
3. Ferris Bueller will always be funny.
4. As is a dog fetching beer.

Yup, I'm the typical commercial watcher.  It's probably the only time I ever watch commercials actually.  (Thank God and/or Fios for DVR!)

Some of our SuperBowl feast included:

Tangy Pulled Beef 

Spicy Chili

Cocoa Krispie Treats

All the deliciousness was care of my neighbors and a yummy ziti from hubby that disappeared before I could get a picture.  It was good times.  Unfortunately there were some sad fans, including my adorable nephew who's being brainwashed into following that OTHER team.

Don't worry Oliver, Aunt Jen will get you a Giants jersey!

Feel free to follow the Giants' lead NY Yankees and make it our year!!!

Salad and Yoga

So, last night I was in charge of dinner with hubby away.  

The kids decided on mac and cheese and spinach for them.  Okay, well I picked the spinach, but they agreed and ate it (and the princess even wore it... see her cheek).

I went with a Smart Ones chicken flatbread which really wasn't that bad.  I had some of the spinach and made a yummy salad.

Which wouldn't have been complete without my new obsession....

My sister had this dressing in her house and after I tried it, I had get some.  It is so yummy!!!

I started today with an hour of yoga via GaiamTV, which did I mention is awesome?  I did three 20 minute sessions of Fit Body Yoga with Gwen Lawrence.  It was an interesting set up.  Visually she went through all the routines quietly but she also did a voice over with instructions.  I did the upper, lower and core/back.  Each was around 20 minutes.  As someone new to yoga, it was easy to follow, and yet a good challenge.  She also offered modifications whenever possible.  I would recommend it and will definitely do it again in the future.

From then until now, smooth sailing.  I am loving this positive energy.  I will leave you with my princess' positive energy this morning.

Fruit Loops make her dance (not Captain Morgan). :)

Have a great day!

Like a Ray of Sunshine

Warning: I am in an unusually good mood right now.  This is especially odd since I waited 30 minutes for a bus this morning and got to work late.  However, I started reading The Secret and I am all about the positivity right now.  It doesn't hurt that I also worked out with Jilllian Michaels this morning.  No, surprisingly enough she wasn't at my house.  But, I do have Gaiam TV, which may I say is pretty awesome.  It's an online collection of workout videos, yoga, wellness movies, etc.  They have everything!  They also have a 10-Day trial offer which I recommend.  What do you have to lose?

Jillian in my livingroom :)

So, this morning I tried Jillian's Extreme Shed and Shred video.  There are two levels and she recommends you do both together.  She, however, doesn't have to get two kids ready and off to school.  So, I did level 1 only.  It was a good workout with some fresh, varied exercises you don't see in some of her our recent videos (Ripped, Shred). I was using a 5 lb weight but I would definitely use an 8 lb. next time for some of the exercises.  And if I had more time, I would likely try to do both levels. (If I had a dollar for every time I said "if I had more time"...)

Work out complete

This morning I also tried a new cereal, Special K Multigrain Oats & Honey.  I usually eat the regular Special K with fruit.  This was much more flavorful.  Sometimes I fear the cereals with "extra flavors" because they tend to taste artificial and too sweet, but this actually had oats and honey.  Two thumbs up. :)

With that, I am off.  I hope you have a fabulous day.

My nephew is having one! :)

Ever tried Gaiam TV?  What's your favorite Jillian workout?  Favorite cereal?