Did You Know Today is a Holiday?

Well, kind of. It’s a holiday for me. Today is my Birthday.

I technically have the day off from work as last year management announced everyone would get their Birthday off from work (or a day close by if it lands on the weekend) but unfortunately I’ve been working for the last two hours. At least I got to sleep in, go for a great run, hit the gym, and work from home while eating breakfast and baking granola!

Hopefully soon I’ll be heading out to enjoy the beautiful afternoon!

After working till 9;30 Friday night, Woody and I met up with a bunch of other Spartans at Yankee Stadium to watch the Tigers beat the Yankees! It was a chilly but fun time!

Sunday morning we hit up the opening day of the New Amsterdam Market. Yes, I know you’ve seen a ton of pictures from this market before, but I love it so I’m going to share a few more! There was a special event Sunday to celebrate the start of the season – 15 local bakeries came with amazing breads. Most vendors only had one or two varieties, but this place was heaven for any bread lover! At least 15% of the grain used the breads are from local farms.

After the market and a long delay, we got in a ZipCar and headed to City Island. It’s an old fishing village in the Bronx that’s difficult to reach using mass transit. We’ve heard good things and have wanted to check it out for a while and now that we have a ZipCar membership we thought it would be a great idea. Well, I’m guessing it’s more vibrant in the summer. It was nice to get out of our part of the city for a bit and enjoy a good crab cake, but it wasn’t as quite what we were hoping for. We walked a bit around the island and then went to check out Orchard Beach. It’s a HUGE beach that was pretty empty as it was chilly and windy yesterday, but I can only imagine how packed it gets in the summer. Apparently back in it’s hey day (the 40’s) it was known as “The Riviera of New York City”

I capped the day off by meeting Grace for Sangria. Why did I get so many pictures of bread but no pictures of us enjoying Sangria at Coppelia!?! Sometimes I don’t understand myself!

• How did you spend the weekend?
• What’s your favorite way to spend your birthday?
• Do you love city beaches in the summer or stay away?

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Today’s workout -

• 30 min run
• 20 min elliptical
• 2x15 lateral arm raise
• 2x15 upright row
• 3x10 leg press
• 2x15 overhead tricep extension
• 100 ab exercises
• stretching

Weekend Recap (Not a Race Recap)

Well, I had my post all ready to go for this morning, but then something extraordinary happened last night. I really never thought we would get this news, that the man who made the decision to change millions of lives forever, who ultimately changed how everyone lives, is no longer. It's pretty amazing and I'm really curious/excited to see what the mood is like on the streets of this city today.

Okay....I had to say something about this, and now I have. So here's the post I had planned:

Today I wish I was posting a recap of the Broad Street Run race in Philly. Actually, today I wish Woody and I were in Philly with a day off from work and a chance to explore to City of Brotherly Love. But, that obviously wasn't meant to be. I'm not giving up on this race though. Next year....

I ended up working till 7pm Friday night, which wasn't absolutely ideal, but a co-worker and I had a major breakthrough on something that's been hanging over our heads for quite a while now. So, the late quitting time was somewhat worth it because we're in a good place to start the week today.

Saturday was my birthday and truthfully, it was kind of a day of ups and downs. I was really disappointed that I wasn't going to run the race, and this regret popped up every once in a while. I tried not to let it bother me, but I'm not going to lie, it did. The morning started with a great workout. I actually got on the elliptical after feeling good without crutches on Friday. I know I need to be smart about this comeback (again), so I only did 15 minutes at a really low resistance. I left the gym feeling great.

Then, it was time to get ready and meet the girls for brunch. And g-free cupcakes. As always, I had a great time! So relaxing and fun. Just what I needed.

  

 

Plans flip flopped a lot, but Woody and I went to STAND4 for dinner (I love their veggie burgers and the shakes are more than delicious). Unfortunately the picture of us from dinner didn't turn out well. We finished our meal with a few mini-shakes. The restaurant is selling these mini-shakes (any flavor) for $2 each, with 100% going to the Red Cross to help the tornado victims. When we heard that, we couldn't say no. Plus, it's a great way to try a bunch of flavors. While toasted marshmallow is still my fave, Saturday night, the mint shake - with real mint leaves - was the best!

Woody and I were looking forward to the first New Amsterdam Market of the year that was yesterday. It was a special May Day celebration though, as the weekly markets don't begin until June 1st. Still, it was good to have it back. There were some familiar vendors as well as new ones, and a lot of people! Thankfully the weather was beautiful.

It was a good weekend with lots of sun and no crutches (or pain)!

Congrats to everyone who ran a race over the weekend, I know there were many, I hope you had a great time!

• Do you know of a local business in your area raising money for the Red Cross or other non-profits helping the tornado victims? (let's spread the word!!)
• What was the highlight of your weekend?

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Saturday's workout -

15min elliptical

8 min arm bike

200 crunches
2x25 pushdown
2x20 overhead extension
2x15 lateral arm raise
3x12 leg extension
2x25 hammer curl
3x10 hanging reverse crunches
2x20 front arm raise
2x15 hip raise
2x40 sec superman
3x12 back extension
stretching
foam roller

Sunday's workout -

None. Another rest day. Although I did clean and do laundry.

Today's workout -
20 min elliptical
6 min arm bike
2x25 lat pull down
2x20 bicep curl
2x20 overhead tricep extension
2x15 weighted side bend
200 crunches
2x20 seated row
2x50sec supermans
stretching
foam roller

Women (Runners) and Leadership

Hi there! Sorry I've been MIA today. I don't usually skip a day mid-week, but today has been very busy from the start and tomorrow is looking to be the same. Most of you probably won't read this until tomorrow, but I most likely won't get a chance to post tomorrow, unless it's late in the day like today.
I had the great opportunity to attend a women's luncheon at the (amazingly beautifully) Waldorf -Astoria today hosted by the MSU Alumni Association. It was a great opportunity for women alumna in New York City to gather, network, and enjoy a great meal, while listening to the knowledgeable words of Joan Howarth, the Dean of the MSU College of Law, on women in leadership.

Howarth cited statistics from the White House Project showing how women still lag behind men in pay and executive positions, as well as the general public's attitude toward women in a variety of leadership roles. It still amazes me that there are very few women leading Fortune 500 companies and that the pay gap between men and women in law is actually increasing. One woman I met at the luncheon told me she was one of two women in the class of '66 to graduate with an accounting degree.

Whenever I attend a panel or read an article on women and leadership, I think about how women are setting such great examples in running. I know, kind of a far stretch to go from Fortune 500 companies to running, but I find female runners to be incredibly inspirational leaders. Both elites and amateurs, alike. Roberta Gibb, Kathrine Switzer, and Grete Weitz are three of the first world renowned female distance runners who set high standards and paved the way for the rest of us. Today, Kara Goucher, Deena Kastor,Paula Radcliffe and Derartu Tulu are at the front of the pack. I feel running provides women with confidence and assertiveness, two important traits of a leader. I feel women runners are leaders, setting an example through action for others who may need a little encouragement or support.

What I'm trying to say is that I think all of you amazing women who lace up your shoes and go for a run (it doesn't matter what your pace is) are incredible, inspirational leaders, just by doing what you do and I hope you never give it up. In a time when the nation is talking about childhood obesity, you are setting an example and being a leader for all the young girls who need encouragement and support to lead healthy and active lives. Society can learn a lot from women runners. 

Two great women runners: Paula Radcliffe & Kara Goucher

(source)

While I'm on the topic of great women, I want to wish my sister a very happy birthday! She's a beautiful, strong, amazing woman and fantastic mother. Stephanie, I hope the year ahead is the best yet and that they only get better! Happy Birthday!

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workout stats (for 5/19)

18mi bike

3x10 tricep extensions

3x10 weighted side bends (ea side)

3x10 tricep dips

3x10 straight-arm V raises

foam roller & stretching

They Say It's My Birthday!

I'm really not a big Birthday person (although I do think that everyone should get their Birthday off from work, it's a personal holiday!), but I will celebrate today in honor of my parents. Because obviously, if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be having a birthday!

I've put my parents have been through so much during the last 20+ years and I really should thank them every day for all they've done for me. My mom just reminded me that when I was born, it was such a cold Spring that they took me home in my sister's snowsuit! Today it will be almost 80 degrees and tomorrow close to 90! (Global warming?!) I wasn't a troublemaker and I didn't rebel as a teenager, but I was definitely high maintenance. They have encouraged and supported me throughout the years in many endeavours. They have been by my side through exciting times, stressful times, and pretty scary times too. No matter what comes my way, they are there for me, and now my husband, too, and I know they always will be. I can say with 100% confidence that they certainly take this parenting thing seriously!

I love you Mom & Dad! Thanks for everything!

Okay, enough with the sappy stuff!

Last night I tried something new for dinner. I mentioned Wednesday that I picked up a package of Italian Style Sweet Chicken Sausages from Trader Joe's. I never buy stuff like this, but the ingredients were very simple and the nutrition label looked pretty good (although the sodium is a bit high) plus, I wanted to do something a little different and warm weather always makes me think of grilling! We don't have a grill, but we do have a grill pan! I found a long pretzel roll/loaf at a local grocery store yesterday and thought it would be interesting twist rather than regular hot dog rolls! It was definitely a hit with Woody. Well, the whole dinner was, actually.

Chicken sausage on a pretzel roll with sweet potato 'chips' and asparagus (fresh from the farmers market!). I did also get a red pepper spread with eggplant and garlic to go on the sausages instead of ketchup and mustard, but I wasn't so thrilled with it. Woody used it on the sausage, but I opted to a little bit with the asparagus.

No Phone Zone Day
Have you heard about this? It's a campaign started by Oprah to get people to turn off their phones while driving. We're all busy and connected 24/7, but driving while talking on the phone, and worse, texting or emailing is incredibly dangerous - as much as, if not more than - driving drunk! According to Oprah.com, Nearly 500,000 people are injured and 6,000 are killed each year because drivers are talking, texting and e-mailing behind the wheel. That's insane and completely preventable. What's really scary to me, is that it will probably only get worse as more kids, who have grown up with a phone practically attached to their hands, start to drive. If parents aren't setting a good example, the kids are more likely to do it too. This really is something that needs to be paid attention to. As runners, we always have to be on the look out for possible dangers while running - whether it's a pothole in a sidewalk or road, loose dogs, other runners, bikers, and especially drivers. Distracted drivers can be a big problem for us! Check out Oprah.com for more information about the No Phone Zone campaign and sign her pledge while you're there.

If you have a car, do you find it hard to put your phone down?
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Workout Stats -
16mi bike
3x10 hammer curls
3x10 bicep curls
3x10 side arm lifts
3x10 single arm row (each arm)
2x hundred
stretching & foam roller

Hello Spring!

I know, yesterday was the first day of Spring but today is the first full day! And it's another absolutely beautiful day in NYC! I am definitely sorry for all those in Colorado and other places that are being hit with snow and rain storms today. I hope they end quickly and Spring arrives.

Today is also my nephews 2nd Birthday! He's such a smart cutie and I wish we could be in Minneapolis to help him celebrate with his parents (my sis and BIL) and my parents. I'm sure he's having a blast and that they're all running around to keep up with him. It's only a short matter of time until he's on the ice playing hockey!

Happy Birthday Cutie!!

Yesterday I volunteered at the NYC Half Marathon Expo and was stationed at the number distribution table for 4hrs. It was a roller coaster of intensity, I got to help out a lot of people with a wide range of experience. From first-timers to local elites. Rocco Dispirito's bib was in my bin, but alas, he never showed up. I suppose he's off somewhere fantastic cooking and eating delicious foods! His loss! I met some cool women who were volunteering for their credit towards marathon qualification for next year. One of whom ran the Disney Marathon in January and is running San Diego later this year. If I was a runner, I'd be a bit disappointed in the Expo, especially compared to the NYC Marathon. It was extremely small with only a handful of vendors and booths, plus, the location is far out of the way for most people, but as far as I could tell, the process was very smooth and we did our best to figure out any issues as quickly as possible. I hope it was a good start to the weekend for all the runners!

This morning I headed to the park to check out the race for a little bit.

men's leaders

Deena Kastor leading

In the end, Peter Kamais from Kenya finished first in 59:52 and Mara Yamauchi from Great Britain won the women's title in 1:09:17 (both unofficial times). Turns out Haile Gebrselassie dropped out of the race after mile 9 due to an asthma attack. I personally can not even begin to imagine running that quickly! It was completely intimidating and awe inspiring as they blew past me knowing that they had only run 7 miles and the amount of energy they were exerting was incredible! I am so impressed by these runners!

After checking out the race I headed for the gym since the park was a bit insane. Truthfully, my foot was bothering me a bit so I thought it would be best to fit in an elliptical workout today. Had a great workout and the gym wasn't to crowded, which is always nice!

Then, I came home and made this delicious breakfast. Changed up my usual yogurt breakfast a little and added a toaster waffle to the mix. Yum!

I have entered into a new love affair with Chobani greek yogurt. It's simply amazing. I usually stick to the non-fat plain, but today I spiced it up a bit with non-fat vanilla. I love the thickness of it as well as the high amount of protein and low sodium. Yum!!

I have a bit of Spring cleaning to tackle today and a STATE basketball game to watch this afternoon. With Kansas out of the picture now, looks like a major roadblock has been cleared but the team has to get through today first! One game at a time. Oh March Madness!!

Have a great day! Can't wait to read all the race re-caps tomorrow!

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Workout Stats:

7.15mi elliptical

2.5mi stationary bike

3x12 side bends

3x10 upright row

trad planks and side planks

75 bicycle crunches

stretching

What? Healthy Cookies?!

Yes, it's true!! There are things such as healthy cookies! Well, at least "healthier."

I wrote earlier about a post-holiday cookie exchange I took part in. Well, Lisa, my cookie exchange partner, received her cookies yesterday so I can now write about them! Lisa is a kickboxing instructor and enjoys healthy foods and treats. Since I have one hyperactive sweet tooth, this was a great opportunity for me to seek out healthy cookie recipes.

It was a little difficult, but I managed to find a couple tasty options. My husband and a few former colleagues were also able to benefit from this experience and were pleasantly surprised.

I decided to try two recipes since they were both new to me and I had no idea how they'd turn out. Two options are better than one, right?

The first was this Tasty Trail-Mix Cookie:
This one starts with a traditional Betty Crocker oatmeal cookie mix but uses egg whites, ground flax seeds, wheat germ, a small amount of canola or vegetable oil, dried fruit, walnuts and dark chocolate chips. Unfortunately, I couldn't find dark chocolate chips when I was on my shopping trip. The semi-sweet worked fine, but I definitely think dark would be better.

Yum.

Next was Nikki's Healthy Cookie:
This is awesome because the base is mashed banana! There is also olive oil, rolled oats, almond meal and more dark chocolate! I added a little ground flax seed and wheat germ to these too, to bump up the nutrition factor! Even though our smoke detector kept going off again while baking these, I loved the final, moist, result!

If you try either of these, let me know what you think. I'd also love to hear about any healthy cookie (or brownies) recipe you have!

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Here's a picture from Woody's birthday dinner. We tried Turkish food for the first time and went to Turkish Kitchen. I had thinly sliced lamb over eggplant puree, with a tomato and light tomato sauce. Along with his glass of Turkish red wine, Woody chose the Sis Kabob with lamb chunks, peppers, onion, traditional rice and potatoes. We had a great time and ate great food! The staff was helpful and made great suggestions.

While the dessert tray looked wonderful, we opted for Turkish coffee and tea to finish up our dinner and stopped by Buttercup Bakeshop for cupcakes!

It's His Birthday

Today is my husband's Birthday. We are not the type of people who enjoy big parties. The thought of renting out a bar and inviting every person we know in the city, like many here do, really doesn't appeal to us in the least bit. It's quite a bit of an odd thing to us actually. We much prefer celebrating our Birthday's with a nice brunch or dinner out. Just the two of us or with family or close friends. This Birthday is somewhat of a 'big' one though, so we decided to do something special. Our trip to San Antonio was his Birthday trip and he thoroughly enjoyed it. Sure, a Spartan win would have made it better, but we didn't go expecting that. To celebrate today he (well both of us) is taking the morning off from the gym and we are going to a nice dinner out tonight, just the two of us. He's so incredibly important to me and I wish him the best Birthday so far with many, many, many more to come.

Happy Birthday, Woody!

Under The Weather

Today is my mother’s Birthday. She is one of the most amazing people I know. She has always done everything she could for me and I know she always will. Not only is she my mom, but she is my friend and an inspiration. I probably don’t say it often enough, but I love her and appreciate everything she does for me, her family and friends. I hope she has a wonderful Birthday and a great time up north this weekend!

*****

I stayed home sick today. I have a pretty nasty head cold that started with a sore throat on Wednesday. After feeling pretty lousy at work yesterday, I decided the best thing for me (and my colleagues) would be to stay home today, sleep in and rest so I could kick this thing quickly and get back out on the road and to work. I was supposed to run 5 miles today, but that didn’t happen. Yesterday I only got in 4 miles before I had to quit. It was, and is, disappointing. Sunday is supposed to be my second 20 miler, although I’ve signed up for the NYRR 18 Miler Tune-Up. I HOPE that I can get through volunteering for Step Up’s fundraiser tomorrow and feel well enough to run Sunday. I am SO nervous that I won’t be able to run. It’ll be a huge setback for me and I don’t want to face it. Trying to come up with a solution, if I have to miss the run I think I’ll do it on Monday morning before work. Yeah, that means I’ll get in a little late to work, but I think it will be okay if I start at 5:30am. Oh, I hope it doesn’t come to that.

My diet today hasn’t consisted of much. For the most part, when I’m sick, I lose my appetite. Fruit is the best thing to eat when you’re sick. It’s clean, fresh, healthy, and doesn’t weigh you down. I’ve had an apple, tangelo, a Cold Buster Jamba Juice smoothie and half a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for a little protein. Have you ever noticed how many people drink the HUGE Jamba Juice smoothies? It’s pretty incredible how many calories they’re consuming. Yeah, there’s fruit in there, but so many of their smoothies have juices, dairy, sorbet, frozen yogurt…. Someone can consume enough calories for two meals with one smoothie! And then, some people even eat them WITH a meal. Wow. But, if you check out the nutritional facts, what is really going into the smoothie, and keep to the 12 oz version, you’ll probably do pretty well there. I think today was the 2nd time I’ve ever had a smoothie from Jamba Juice. I hope it helps bust my cold!! I still plan to have an apple, tangelo, and pomegranate seeds today. Yum. I really hope I can get rid of this cold quickly. It's such a beautiful fall day today, so it's especially hard to be sick when the sun is shining so bright!

*****

If you haven’t seen this yet, I encourage you to check out the current issue of Newsweek or Newsweek.com. They spent quite a long time ranking the biggest 500 companies according to how ‘Green’ they are. The ability for a company to be Green definitely depends on the industry they are in – some inherently have an easier time turning Green than others – so they’ve taken many factors into account. I definitely think it’s a good idea to pay attention to how environmentally conscious a company is when you are purchasing their product, so this is another good resource. A few of their rankings and/or reasoning seem a bit off to me, but it still provides some interesting information and insight. I definitely recommend that you check this out when you have time.

Do something fun and healthy with your friends and family! Have a great weekend!