Holiday Gift Guide: Gift Ideas For Your Favorite Guys

We're a bit closer to Christmas and my list isn't any shorter than it was a few days ago when I shared six gift ideas I think most women would love to find wrapped up with their name on it. But now it's time to think about the guys and I still have a few things to get for my husband. While these ideas from last year are still solid in 2015, here are a few new ones if you're still shopping too.

This zip-up hoodie from Tommy John (1) looks so warm and stylish, I'd love for Woody to wear this from the gym to brunch on a Sunday morning. Speaking of Sunday mornings.... while Denver is known for great beer, we also have really amazing coffee from local roasters including Corvis Coffee Roasters; our current favorite is their Santa Barbara single origin (2) from El Salvador. Another great Colorado brand is TOPO Designs which offers a line of Colorado-made gear including this awesomely useful and great-looking Rover Pack (3) as well as a number of lower-priced accessories.

Woody has borrowed my headlamp enough times I think it's time to get him his very own Black Diamond spot headlamp (4). One thing he did get himself recently was a compact car jump starter and portable charger (5) - it seems like a tool MacGyver would have loved because such small thing can do so much.

This last one is my favorite idea - an airbnb gift card to inspire the guys in your life to turn off Netflix and go on a real life adventure in 2016!

What are some of your favorite holiday traditions?

HOLIDAY WELLNESS GUIDE: 5 Easy Tips for Surviving Holiday Travel

Many of you may already be on your way, or already arrived, at your destination for the holidays, but these tips can still help you enjoy your time and get home feeling refreshed, not frazzled. AAA has estimated that 98.6 million Americans will be taking to the sky, road, or rail between December 23rd and January 4, traveling more than 50 miles from home. That’s the most since they started keeping track in 2001 and with so many people crowding onto the highways and into airports, things are bound to get a little hairy. We’re faced with a conflicting dilemma every year with a strong desire to be with family and friends for the holidays, but then the stress that often comes along with the reality of traveling, not to mention the blending of multiple family’s habits and expectations, can quickly make the whole experience overwhelming and leaving you wishing you were home snuggled up on the couch with a mug of hot cocoa watching “Love Actually."

But, a whole lot of us choose to travel and so, I’ve narrowed down my holiday travel tips to five easy things you should keep in mind when you head out - near or far - to celebrate the holidays with your family and friends.

1. Be Prepared.
This comes to life in many ways and can be the deciding factor between an awesomely smooth travel experience and near disaster.

Snacks/Favorite Foods: When leaving home, it’s always best to take some of the foods you love and depend on with you, because you don’t want to have to depend on your hosts for them or go hungry because the only options where you’re going are going to steer you way off the path of healthy eating. Pack pre-portioned bags of homemade trail mix and fresh fruit for travel days, oatmeal for breakfasts, nutrition bars for pre/post-run fuel, and a selection of teas for relaxing. If you’re driving, fill up a cooler with bottles of water and green juice, yogurt, veggies and hummus. All great for snacking on the road and when you reach your destination.

Research: Whether you’re going someplace new or to the town where you grew up, spend 15 - 30 minutes researching local activities, possible day-trips, and restaurants around your destination. You never know when these details will come in hand!

Bag it Up: Have you ever been an hour from home when you’re hit with that miserable sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach? Your phone/watch charger is sitting on your desk? Find a cute pouch and throw all your chargers inside. Keeping them together will make them easy to find in your suitcase or carry-on so you can pull it out when you spot an available power outlet at that little mom and pop restaurant you stop at for lunch. And throw your Road ID in there for good measure if you’re planning to run while you’re on vacation!

2. Stay Healthy
Don’t let travel derail your health goals - but don’t let your goals dictate your experience, either. You’ve worked so hard throughout the year to fit in your runs and trips to the gym, maintain a healthy diet, get enough sleep, and drink enough water. There are only 10 days left until 2015, so now is not the time to throw them out the window! It is possible to enjoy family meals and lazy mornings while achieving your goals. Keep a bottle of water with you always, limit the hot toddies and glasses of prosecco at dinner and throw a baggie of clorox wipes in your carry-on to disinfect your airplane seat (any surface you’re going to touch - the airlines don’t clean them and there are people like this out there!) and the TV remote control at the hotel so you don’t come down with any bugs! There’s this great place that falls smack dab in between staying the course and not wavering from a routine, and throwing caution to the wind. Focus on finding a balance to stay healthy

3. Practice Patience
While the holidays are meant to be the happiest time of the year, in reality, things can get pretty hectic and strong opinions can clash - and that's all before you get out of the airport! If you start to feel the temperature start to rise or overwhelmed by all the people, step away, take a few deep breaths, and remember that it’s not every day that we only get a certain number of days with people during our lives, and they should be enjoyed, not spent worrying about little things. You’ll be back in your own home and to your own routine in a few days anyway!

4. Make Time for Yourself
You may be spending the holidays on the slopes in a condo filled with friends, at your sister’s house packed to the brim with multiple generations, or your in-law’s house with just a few people - whatever the case may be, be sure to carve out a little time for yourself. Heading out for a run or walk before everyone in the house is awake, finding time for a 20 minute soak in the tub, or even 10 minutes to write in your journal, these few minute on your own will let you recharge so you can keep up the energy for whatever might be ahead. I personally feel the need to be "on” all the time when I’m visiting someone else’s family, so these minutes on my own are crucial. I can relax and just be. Taking time for myself makes me a better wife, daughter-in-law and sister-in-law.

5. Be Adventurous and Have Fun
Breaking free of your regular routine and familiar surroundings provides the perfect opportunity to try new things and have some no-nonsense fun. A new workout with your sister, a break from the traditional dinner you’ve had every Christmas Eve since you can remember, spending hours digging through legos with your nephew, excursions to explore a nearby national park… whatever it is, use your holiday trip as an excuse to try something new. You never know what amazing memories you’ll make!

How do you keep the joy in holiday travel?

Spreading Holiday Joy

A few days ago the good people at Minted.com reached out to tell me about their new line of custom holiday photo cards and I didn’t hesitate to follow the link and check it out. You see, those who know me well (in real life), know that I have an obsession with greeting cards. I can easily spend 20 minutes perusing store shelves to find the right card for someone, only to come to the realization that it’s not there and I need to look somewhere else. I won’t settle for “okay.” I think it all started when I was young and I’d keep all of the cards I got in shoe boxes. Woody often doesn’t understand why he’ll find a card I received three years ago in a drawer, but each one I save means something special. In the sea of text message and Tweets, cards are a refreshing break from the norm. My spirit gets a boost when I receive a card in the mail, and I hope the same happens for those who get one from me!

While I’ll admit that I’ve never purchased anything from Minted (yet), it is one of the hottest companies around - its Founder and CEO, Miriam Naficy, landed the 25 spot on Fast Company’s  coveted “100 Most Creative People” list this year, they’ve expanded into art and home decor, and their products have reached more than 40 million homes (I guess that means I’m way behind on this).

What’s most striking about this company is that it is built on the idea of providing a platform for exceptional designers from around the world to get their products in the hands of consumers. Minted helps designers gain exposure through design challenges - each challenge has a theme, designers submit their work, the community votes and Minted then produces and sells the winning designs (and gives prize money and a percentage of sales + promotion support to the designers). It’s a pretty cool concept.

If you’re like me, you haven’t started sending out your holiday cards and by the time they go out "Happy New Years” might be the more appropriate greeting. Thankfully though, there are options. You might, for instance, want to think about enlisting the help of minted.com. Not only can you customize a card design, but you can upload your contact list and they will address the envelopes and get them in the mail! Sure, not the most personal way to go about it, but it works if you’re in a pinch. Many of the cards are available with “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Holidays,” or “Happy New Years” greetings, which is awesome for those who want to be all inclusive with their holiday cards.

While there are more holiday photo card options than I can begin to count, not to mention non-photo holiday cards and those for countless other occassions, below are just a few of the ones that caught my eye.

1. Modern Shimmer by b.Wise Papers
2. Watercolor Bunting by Wind-Up Key Press
3. Radiant Joy by Katie When
4. Winter Wonderland by Wind-Up Key Press
5. Modern Ombre Watercolor by Kaydi Bishop
6. Wrap Around Joy by Oscar & Emma
7. Banner Wings by Pandercraft

In a conversation with a colleague the other day I learned that she used Minted over the weekend to order her holiday cards and she loved the experience. She was able to try out a few options for the design she picked, and the photo, contact list and ordering process was a breeze. I saw a screenshot of the card she chose and it was super cute, featuring a photo of her dog!

Which reminds me, even though most of these cards show families or kids, you don’t have to have kids, or even be married, to send photo holiday cards! 

Have you sent out your holiday cards yet? * Do you send a year in review letter with your cards?

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Minted.com, however all opinions are mine.

HOLIDAY WELLNESS GUIDE: Gifts for the Active Guy

So we all know guys think it’s impossible to shop for women, but actually I would argue that the opposite is true. I mean, most women would be totally in love with a great bag, the latest colors of nail polish or a gift card to their favorite shop. Guys, on the other hand. Beyond a bottle of their favorite liquor or six-pack of beer, what do you get them? Well, with the help of my guy I’ve put together a few ideas. These are great for the guys who are like to work hard, play hard, and look good doing it.

To shop these items, check out THIS Pinterest board and have fun finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list!

How are you doing with your holiday to-do lists? Stay tuned for some fun drinks, DIY projects and healthy holiday treats!

HOLIDAY WELLNESS GUIDE: Holiday Gifts for Her

If you’re still looking for that perfect gift for the awesome women in your life, I hope that something on this list will fit the bill. As much as I love finding the things that I know (hope) my friends and family will use and appreciate, one of my favorite things to gift is an experience. Our lives are made up of experiences more than things, and so while I personally wouldn’t mind finding any of these things under the tree with my name on it, my favorite item on this list is #11 - a race registration! Wouldn’t it be fun to pick a race with your BRF (best running friend) that you’ll run together in 2015, then surprise her by registering the two of you? 

You can find links to all of these items (except the race registration - that’s for you to pick!) on my Pinterest board HERE. Stay tuned for ideas for the guys on your list!

How are you adjusting back to work and “real life” after the long holiday weekend?

 

*note I did not receive any of these items for the purposes of including them on this list. I have purchased some items myself and like them so much I think you’d like them too; others I don’t personally own but think they’d make great gifts!*

Countdown to 2014

Over the past few weeks things have gotten pretty crazy around here. The company I work for signed on two new clients, both requiring lots of time and attention in the last few weeks of the year; we have four PR plans to finalize for the coming year; my parents arrive this coming Saturday; we spent three nerve-wracking days investigating ways to get our hands on Rose Bowl tickets (yes, we’re going!!!!); Christmas shopping and planning to do and we’re trying to find time to enjoy the season. In the middle of this all, we had a ridiculously crazy cold snap in Colorado and went spent more than a week with temperatures below freezing. It wasn’t much fun to wait for the bus in -10 degree temperatures!

With only a little more than two weeks left of 2013, I’ve been thinking a lot about the new year and starting it off in good health, good spirits and generally feeling great. It’s been almost TWO FULL YEARS since I finished recovering from my last stress fracture, January 7th will mark the 5th anniversary of when I had my surgery and (a little more superficially) I am in a wedding in early March and hoping for a great year ahead of running and outdoor sports. So I’m doing my best to get through the holidays and start 2014 right.

So, here’s what I’ve been doing:

• Keeping up with my workouts – even if that means multiple days a week on the treadmill
• Mixing up my workouts by adding interval training and Jillian Michaels’ 30 Day Shred to the rotation
• I made a pact to myself not to take more than 2 days off in a row, including when my parents are visiting
• Drinking lots of water (or tea in its place when the heat was hardly working in our office during the cold snap)
• Limiting indulgences but not cutting them out completely!
• Getting enough sleep
• Singing along (loudly) with my Christmas music in the car, it’s good for the spirit!
• Trying to focus on one thing at a time and doing it the best I can, whatever it might be
• When I start to feel stressed, I take a deep breath and think about ringing in the New Year at the Rose Bowl cheering for the MSU Spartans!

^{Oh, the gym}

^{It’s a Christmas Pig!!}

How are you getting through the holidays feeling great? * What is your favorite holiday movie? * What do you love most about this time of year?

The Sunday Before Christmas

While many people are on the road or in the air on their way to visit family, Woody and I have been hanging out here in the city. Yesterday was actually pretty much like every other Saturday – a lot of chores, including a trip to Target, which was not the best place to be on the Saturday before Christmas.

Today we got up and headed to the gym. It was about 26’ and windy. Probably one of the coldest mornings so far this year. I love weekend workouts because they are often about twice as long as my weekday workouts. Spent 75 minutes on the elliptical – yes, I know that’s kind of a long time but when you’re watching episodes of Friends it goes by quickly. Plus, I’m trying to sweat out the cold that I caught the other day. The place is usually pretty quiet on Sunday but it was very quiet today! I didn’t mind much only sharing the gym with a few others. I rounded out my workout with some weight lifting (which I’ve been trying to do more of lately – my upper body strength is nil) and stretching. It was a good workout – glad I got another one in. We’ve definitely been enjoying some holiday treats.

On my way home from the gym I saw this guy playing Christmas music – with a jazz influence – on Wall Street. A long time ago I played saxophone too (not tenor though) and I just love the sound. He was so amazing when I got back to our apartment I grabbed a few bucks and went back out to thank him for adding some joy to our neighborhood. Who knew the acoustics there were just perfect? I wonder if he was a professional jazz musician at one time? Or maybe he still is!

After breakfast we headed to the New Amsterdam Market because, well, it’s Sunday and that’s what we do. Plus, it was the last market of the season – it won’t be open again till sometime in the Spring.

We picked up a few things – including some ice cream from The Bent Spoon. I so want to tell you about the flavor of ice cream we got because it’s amazing and so unique, but Woody wants my parents (who are coming to visit on the 26th) to try it before we tell them what it is. Just trust me when I say that I have never tried a flavor of theirs that I wasn’t absolutely blown away by.

As much as Woody and I L.O.V.E. ice cream, it is an indulgence for us and we try only to have quality ice cream – made in small batches by local makers mostly.

Even as cold as it was today a good number of vendors, and shoppers, made it to the market today. We also picked up some hand pies from Pie Corps for dinner and one gingerbread chocolate swirl cookie from Casue to split for dessert (I told you we’ve been indulging – this way we don’t indulge too much).

 

We also finally decorated our Christmas tree – which we got last Sunday. Yes, we’ve been a bit busy and lazy. So glad to have the lights on tonight though. Woody decided to put lights on the floor lamp as well.

Okay, my dinner is ready. Have a great evening and Happy Holidays!

• When you’re doing cardio at the gym, do you watch TV or listen to music?
  • As much as I love music I usually watch TV – the morning is when I catch up on the news. I’ve also been reading articles on the NY Times app recently trying to learn about current events I don’t know much about
• What’s your favorite holiday treat?
  • I love holiday cookies
• Are you planning to workout on Christmas or New Years day?
  • Truthfully, likely not on Christmas day, although we may go for a walk. I probably will workout on New Years Day though.

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Today’s workout -

• 75 min elliptical
• 3x18 lat pulldown
• 3x12 weighted side bends
• 3x10 hammer curls
• 3x10 squats
• 3x10 leg press
• ab exercises
• 1x50 sec plank
• stretching

How to Make it Through the Holidays

As much as we love the holiday season – getting together with family and friends, driving through neighborhoods looking at Christmas decorations, baking cookies, watching “Love Actually” and listening to Christmas music, it can be overwhelming. To increase your chances of getting through the holidays feeling good and renewed, I thought I’d share with you some of my favorite tips.

If you’re traveling by air:

• Check-in from home and print your boarding passes before leaving for the airport
• Put a piece of paper with your name, contact info and the address of where you’re going inside your suitcase in case it gets lost. If your tag somehow comes off, you’ll have a better chance of getting your luggage back this way
  • Make sure your luggage tag has the address of where you’re going – so it will get to you wherever you are
• If you’re checking bags, check them with the skycap at the curb rather than waiting in line at the counter. The $2/bag is well worth it when you save 20 minutes standing in line!
• Take healthy snacks with you for the airport and flight
• Stay hydrated - take an empty water bottle with you to fill up when you’re passed security
• Dress in layers – best way to stay comfortable whether the plane is cold or hot. Plus, a scarf, sweatshirt or sweater can also double as a pillow or added back support in those crummy airplane seats!
• Wipe down your seat, armrests, seatbelt buckle, tray table and anything else you’ll touch around your seat with a disinfecting wipe. Those planes are not cleaned often. We do this on every flight
• If you’re on a long flight, be sure to get up and walk around at least once to keep the blood flowing and stay loose

If you’re traveling by car:

• Pack healthy snacks like whole fruit and nuts. If you have room, pack a small cooler with cut up veggies and yogurt
• While you’ll likely want to get where you’re going as quickly as possible, don’t forget to take a break or two along the way to stretch your legs. I’ve even gone for a quick five minute jog – helps me stay awake (I can fall asleep within 5 minutes of being in a car. 100% true) and gets the blood flowing
• Put together a new playlist to listen to and sing your hearts out! Have fun and let loose!

For everyone:

• Pack your running shoes. To keep on track with your running or workouts, and you can also get your family together to go our for a family jog or walk to get some fresh air!
• If you’re going to a gathering where everyone brings a dish, be the one to volunteer the healthy dish. Easy enough to put together a crudités platter, a spinach salad with clementine or tangerine slices, or roasted root veggies
• Celebrate the season but beware of the eggnog and countless other festive beverages. As much as we wish it to be true – drinks don’t become calorie free during the holiday season. Same goes for sugar cookies
• Be sure to make some time for yourself, especially if you’re going to be with a large group for several days straight when you’re not used to it. When you’re used to personal space it can become overwhelming fast. Easy to do – wake up a little early and head out for a half hour run, find a quiet spot and read that new book you got as a gift for a few minutes, take a mug of hot cocoa out to the porch and enjoy some fresh air. Then you’ll be ready to go back and join the fun!
• Don’t let others’ expectations or personal preferences stress you out. You’re perfectly amazing the way you are – you should be proud of who you are, what you do, and how you do it. The holidays are a time to have fun, relax, celebrate and look forward to the new year ahead. If something starts to get to you, just let it roll off. Life is too short to let little things ruin what otherwise could become great memories

I’m heading into the office tomorrow, I think I’ll be one of like 5 people there. While we aren’t traveling we will be hosting my parents for a few days starting the 26th so of course I’m desperately hoping we have beautiful weather and can be out touring the city while they’re here. A one bedroom apartment can feel like a shoebox quickly and I have a few museum exhibits I want to check off my ‘must see’ list.

If you’re off to your holiday destination or just logging off of the blogosphere for a few days to enjoy family, I hope you have a wonderful time and make memories to last generations! Take care of yourself and the ones you love. That’s really all that matters.

• What are your favorite holiday travel tips?
  • Your turn
• What’s your favorite holiday movie?
  • “White Christmas” is by far my #1 (even though the song “White Christmas” originated in the film “Holiday Inn”) and “Love Actually” is a close second
• Where are you spending the holidays?
  • Right here

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Today’s workout -

• 50 min elliptical
• 3x10 upright row
• 3x10 core twists
• 3x10 hammer curls
• 1x50sec plank
• ab exercises
• stretching

Traveling on Thanksgiving. Oh, Nuts.

First, the good news. If you read my post from Sunday after the race, I did not break my foot! The wonderful staff at the Women’s Sports Medical Center at Hospital For Special Surgery was able to fit me in Monday morning to see my doctor and after x-rays and an exam, she declared I had simply sprained my ankle! Such a huge relief! It’s feeling so much better now and aside from the bruise on the side of my foot, it’s almost back to normal. I am taking it a little easy at the gym though, just to be sure.

We’re flying to Michigan tomorrow morning. My hope is that we’ll miss some of the holiday travel craziness. Last Thursday the episode of “Up All Night” was all about not traveling on Thanksgiving. Hopefully our plans will go smoothly! I feel like a 6am flight should be fairly immune to delays.

I haven’t been home on Thanksgiving since 2003. I remember my first Thanksgiving here. Woody didn’t arrive from Michigan until mid-day, so H, a friend/colleague who lived down the street, and I went into our office and hung out with a bunch of our other colleagues and their families watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade go do the street in front of our office! Definitely an interesting view – the balloons were at eye level with us! Later in the day I cooked a turkey breast and made most of our Thanksgiving dinner in my teeny-tiny kitchen. Thankfully H joined us for dinner and brought a few things with her. To this day I’m still not sure how I was able to make so much of the dinner in that kitchen that only one person could stand in and was equipped with a half-oven. I think there’s a picture somewhere – before I got my first digital camera, so it’s probably lost forever. Oh, NYC living!

Anyway… we’re excited to go home and get out of the city for a few days. I think we need a change of scenery and a family holiday that involves a crowd. We’ll enjoy a Thanksgiving feast at my Great Aunt and Uncle’s house as they throw great parties. I want to contribute to the gathering but it has to be something I can make here and take on the plane. Not so easy. Then I thought of roasted nuts. I know, not so exciting, but basically everyone loves to munch on mixed nuts before a big meal. Probably not the best idea, but they do have some health benefits!

I found THIS on Pinterest but had to do a test run. Since our post-storm fridge still is not fully equipped with all the necessary condiments, we didn’t have the maple syrup the recipe called for. We did have honey though, so I decided to give that a try.

Honey Roasted Mixed Nuts

• 1cup mixed nuts (I used raw almonds and cashews; next batch will also have peanuts)
• 1tbs honey
• .5tsp cinnamon

1. Pre-heat oven to 350’, cover a cookie sheet with tin foil
2. Mix honey and cinnamon well in a small bowl
3. Add nuts and coat well
4. Spread nut mix on cookie sheet and place in oven
5. Bake for 20-25minutes, stir half way through
6. Let cool then enjoy!

Verdict: Very tasty but also really sticky. Probably not the best snack to munch on at a party. Well, unless you want to greet someone with sticky hands.

So, I did some shopping and now we have maple syrup.

Maple Roasted Nut Mix

• 1 cup mixed nuts
• 1tbs maple syrup
• .5tsp cinnamon

1. Pre-heat oven to 350’, cover a cookie sheet with tin foil
2. Mix maple syrup and cinnamon well in a small bowl
3. Add nuts and coat well
4. Spread mix on the cookie sheet and place in the oven
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stir half way through
6. Let cool slightly then enjoy!

Verdict: Much better! This tastes great and doesn’t make your fingers stick together. Definitely the winner.

Both are fine the next day, or a few days later. If you’re able to stop eating them before they’re gone, put them in an air tight container and save for another time!

This is what I’m taking on the plane to share tomorrow – 5 cups of nuts!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

• How are you spending Thanksgiving?
• Do you Turkey Trot?
• What’s your favorite part of Thanksgiving?
• What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving?

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Today’s workout -

• 45min bike
• 3x10 weighted side bends
• 3x10 lateral arm raise
• 3x10 lat pull down
• ab exercises
• stretching

The Holidays Snuck Up On Me

Question for you. How is it possible that we are only 5 days from Thanksgiving? This year has flown by and it’s really starting to freak me out a little. The holiday lights are popping up all over the city. I’ve heard people say that they years go by faster as you age. I’m starting to realize that the saying is true.

The holidays are a crazy time. We’re all rushed to get ‘things’ done. Things like gift shopping, gift wrapping, cookie baking, turkey roasting, going to parties, holiday card sending, traveling. I feel like we’re often so busy that we sometimes forget to stop and think about why we’re actually doing all these ‘things.’ And we get caught up in the hustle and bustle and we forget to take care of ourselves. We forget (or just can’t find time) to workout, to eat right, to sleep.

This year, with things so busy at work it will be easy for me to get lost in the craziness. While Woody and I don’t have any kids, which undoubtedly add an entire other level of craziness to the holidays, I just want us to be able to enjoy the season and not let it pass us by.So I decided I need to set some (easy) goals to make sure I take time to enjoy the season. Here’s what I have in mind:

• Workout 6 mornings a week (this keeps me feeling strong and healthy)
• Focus on eating healthy (see above)
  • Save the holiday treats for special events, not just because there are cookies in the office kitchen
  • Plan out meals at the start of the week – easy but healthy options
• Before December, schedule at least one day off of work before Christmas to use my last personal day (mental health day and time for holiday shopping so I don’t cram it all into the weekends)
• Do everything in my power to leave work at a normal time (ie before 7pm)
• Go to Rockefeller Center with Woody to see the Christmas Tree (NYC holiday tradition)
• Take a walk in Central Park (Calming way to enjoy the city)
• Send holiday cards & take time to read all the ones we get then respond to the senders (an attempt to stay connected)

Okay, so this looks like a lot but I think it’s doable.

I have a race tomorrow morning. Should be interesting since I haven’t raced since the 5th Ave Mile on Sept 22nd and I’ve hardly run since then. My run last Sunday was pretty good though, so hopefully tomorrow will be too. The other reason why I think it’ll be interesting is because this is the first race weekend for NYRR since the marathon was cancelled. Check back for my race report to find out if make it to the finish line!

• How is your holiday season looking? Crazy busy or smooth sailing?
• What are your tips for making it through the holidays without stressing out?
• Do you ever reach out to people after getting a holiday card?
• What is your favorite activity to do during the holiday season to soak in the spirit?

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Today’s workout -

• 65min elliptical
• 3x12 seated row
• 3x12 weighted side bend
• 3x10 leg lifts
• 3x15 bridges
• 3x10 lat pulldown
• ab exercises
• 2x50 sec plank
• stretching

5 for Friday: Goodbye 2011

If you’re looking for a ‘Best of’ list, sorry, you’re not going to find that here today. BUT, I can point you to THIS mother of all mashup ‘Best (and worst) Of” list from Fast Company. It’s seriously genius.

1. It’s so hard for me to believe that the year is just about over. It’s gone by so quickly! While I wasn’t able to achieve many of the goals I had set at the start of the year due to multiple stress fractures, I still got to do a lot of incredible things and made fantastic memories! So, all in all, it was a pretty good year. Every year we have is a pretty good year.

2. We enjoyed the most laid back Christmas ever. Even with Woody’s Mom in town for several days, we made sure to balance the activities with a healthy dose of relaxation! While I did miss being with my family on Christmas with all the hub-bub of lots of people, stories, and little kids running around ripping open presents on Christmas morning, there is something to be said for a relaxing day at home. We did actually leave the apartment on Christmas day though, to take a walk to the new pier near South Street Seaport.

3. I only had to work two days this week. There was hardly anyone in the office, but I was working on a big project that we were just assigned the week before and was due EOD yesterday. It was pretty intense since there were only a few of us available to work on it, but it was actually a fun assignment and allowed us to do some creative thinking.

4. I’m still going to PT, my left leg is feeling pretty good, the tight ITB is loosening up, I’m building up time on the elliptical and my right foot is still hurting with just about every step. I’m glad I’m in PT cause my therapist, Amanda, spends some time working out the muscle along my shin that’s causing all the trouble. It was feeling a lot better after the session yesterday, but not 100%. I really hope to get rid of this soon; there is plenty I want to do! Like yoga.

5. So far I haven’t come up with my goals or resolutions for 2012. Given my inability to reach my goals this year, I’m kind of weary to write anything big down for next year. I guess my real goal is just to stay healthy, or get healthy, more like it! Aside from that, Woody and I want to keep traveling. We already have a trip to Charleston, SC, planned for his Birthday weekend in a few weeks! Then I’ll be spending President’s Day Weekend visiting my parents. Other than that, we don’t have anything planned yet, but hope to soon. I love having a trip to look forward to and new places to explore.

• What have you been up to while I’ve been MIA?
• How do you like to celebrate the holidays – big parties or small gatherings?
• What is your favorite memory from this holiday season so far?
• Do you have any goals or resolutions for 2012?

Why I Love My Physical Therapist and Other Musings

Why I love My Physical Therapist…

Tuesday I had a great workout. I did some strength training, 35 minutes on the bike and a good stretch session. When I left the gym I was feeling pretty optimistic about where I was and looking forward to PT after work.

Fast forward an hour and I’m on my way to work. All of a sudden my right foot started hurting. Like really hurting. With every step. I’ll admit it, I kind of started to panic. All day it continued to hurt and I talked to my PT about it that evening. She took a look, iced it, and we modified my exercises a bit. She thought it might just be one of those freak aches and pains that come and go. So I was to ice it at home the next day and let her know Thursday how it was feeling.

Wednesday, the pain was still there when the alarm went off so we skipped the gym. Later I realized the pain had moved from the base of my toes to the top of my foot. It hurt all day. I stretched Wednesday night and iced it. Thursday I was determined to get back to the gym and while it didn’t bother me on the bike too much, I was walking really slowly and deliberately. All of my leg muscles were tense. It hurt all day Thursday.

I got to PT and told my therapist what was going on. By this point I was feeling pretty helpless with my mind going directly to thoughts of another stress fracture and not understanding how in the world I could get a stress fracture from walking to the subway! My PT was not happy to hear it was still hurting but thought it was a good sign that the pain had moved, as a stress fracture wouldn’t do that. She confirmed the only cardio I’ve been doing outside of PT has been the bike and after checking out my swollen foot and poking around the muscle along my right shin, she determined that the muscle had tightened up because I went from hardly ever riding the stationary bike to riding it nearly every day and the circular motion and up and down of my toes were tightening the muscle. She worked on it for at least 5 minutes then worked on the muscles on the bottom of my foot as they had also tightened up. After about 10 or so minutes I tested it out and while the pain wasn’t completely gone, there was definitely less of it. We did alter my exercises a bit but I got through the rest of my session and left with a few extra stretches to do and orders not to get on the bike for a few days. Because I’ve been doing well on the elliptical during my sessions, she gave me the okay to do 15 to 20 minutes on the elliptical instead.

To say that I’m relieved is beyond an understatement. Thank goodness I’m in PT now and she was able to determine this without me worrying like crazy for days and possibly going to a doctor just to find out I need to switch up my cardio and do some stretches!

It did hurt a bit this morning when I woke up, but I spent a few minutes massaging the spot and stretching before heading to the gym. I also did a lot of stretching while there, and it seemed to help!

Other musings….

I am not working today, yet we still woke up at 5:30am to go to the gym. Something is wrong with us.

I am in denial that Christmas is in two days. Perhaps it is because I’ve been so busy at work these last few weeks. Or maybe the fact that not only is there no snow, but it has been over 50 degrees the last few days. It’s felt more like Easter than Christmas.

My mother-in-law is known for her sugar cookie recipe which she used to make for team gatherings when my husband and his brother were in high school. Woody even admits to splitting up the batch (and a batch is about 60 cookies) and keeping half for himself and taking the rest to the team cause he liked them so much. Well, the first time I tried making them I quickly realized my bowl wasn’t nearly big enough and my little hand mixer broke. We had to go out and buy new of each. Once I finally got things set it took me a whole day to bake an decorate the cookies. No joke. I haven’t made them since. She’s bringing some for him today when she arrives. Some things are just better when they come from your mom.

The rest of my family is in Minneapolis at my sister’s house. It’s always an off Christmas for me when I’m not with them. I’ll be thinking of them though.

The heat in our building went out yesterday. Apparently a steam pipe blew. We still have no heat. Thank goodness it was 56 degrees yesterday but it’s getting colder. At least we have hot water though!

If you aren’t following @30RockTree, you should be. It’s hilarious!

I wish the holiday season was more about showing people how much we care than just buying stuff to buy it. This video is a little hilarious and a little disturbing. But the little girl who likes her mom’s cooking… has the best line of all!

And on that note…. I hope you all take some time to relax, have fun and just enjoy life over the next few days! Live up the last days of 2011!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

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Today’s workout -

• 3x15 Pulley ab twists
• 2x17 weighted side bends
• 10x10sec wobble board balancing
• 2x18 seated row
• 125 ab exercises
• 17min elliptical
• 2x35 sec planks
• 2x15 back extension
• stretching

Shopping, Friends, Oysters, and Christmas Trees

A few highlights from an exhausting 3 day weekend getting ready for the holidays…

Lord & Taylor’s holiday windows

Christmas trees made for NYC apartments

 

 

 

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Getting out of Macy’s alive (still not sure how I let Woody convince me to go there) and enjoying the light show at the Time Warner Center

I made a big pot of chili after traipsing around the city all day.

Sunday morning we met up with my friend J, from home, her husband and their son. Not so long ago they celebrated their son’s 1st birthday and this was the first time we’ve met him! I definitely don’t get to see my friends often enough and it was great that they were able to come to the city while they were in New Jersey visiting family. We met for brunch and then Woody and I introduced them to the New Amsterdam Market!

The market was celebrating its 50th market by showcasing local fisheries. The market’s location is where the Fulton Fish Market was for decades, so it only makes sense! While I will enjoy my life just perfectly without ever trying an Oyster, Woody decided to have a few.

It was the last market of the season, so we hit up our favorite vendors. So sad to say goodbye, but we’re glad they don’t have to stand out in the cold anymore!

We had a great time visiting with J and her family, just wish it had lasted a little longer. After we parted ways, Woody and I headed over to Battery Park City to get our Christmas tree!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a good weekend, we got a lot done (including three good workouts over 3 days) and I’m feeling a bit more prepared for Christmas!

• How did you spend your weekend?
• Will you be traveling for the holidays?
• What’s your favorite gift to give?

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Today’s workout -

• 100 ab exercises
• 1x35sec plank
• 35min stationary bike
• 2x15 weighted side bends
• 2x16 lateral arm raise
• stretching
• PT exercises

A Moment to Reflect

This week a lot of people have been talking about what they’re thankful for. The chatter is all over twitter, Facebook, the news, and conversation. It’s great that people are thinking about it, but it also makes me wonder why we don’t do it more often. Why it takes a National Holiday for so many of us to do it. I wonder what the Occupy Wall Street protesters are doing today. Are they thinking about the things they have to be thankful for? I’m the type of person who believes that everyone has something to be thankful for, no matter how small it might be. Maybe I’m living in a fairy tale, I don’t know. But I think life’s too short and I’m trying hard to focus on the good things rather than get caught up in what’s hard or disappointing.

I know I have quite a lot to be thankful for…

I have an amazing, and healthy, family that cares about me

A comfortable apartment with a cozy place to sleep and plenty of food in the kitchen

A good job

Great friends

(Relatively) good health

The ability to watch the sun rise and set every day

Opportunities to travel and experience amazing things

I get to live in a city with endless opportunities

I was able to run one of the half marathon’s I had set out to run this year

That I went to the gym for the first time in over a month this morning!!! (even if it was only a mini-workout)

And so much more…

What are you thankful for?

Woody and I stayed home for Thanksgiving, as we’ve done every year, but our hearts are with our families today.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

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Today’s workout -

This was my first workout after more than a month off due to a stress fracture. Because I need to ease back into working out, and not re-injure myself – the first few workouts will be on the shorter side with little cardio. Our gym is closed for the holiday so I used the fitness room in our building. So far, I’m feeling good, no aches or pains, but I could definitely tell it had been a while since I had stretched or done any strength work!

• stretching
• 125 ab exercises
• 2x15 weighted side bends
• 2x15 overhead tricep extension
• 2x15 lateral arm raise
• 2x15 hammer curls
• 2x16 bicep curls
• 2x16 upright row
• 12 min stationary bike

It Just Snuck Up on Me

I realized yesterday that the holiday season starts a week from today. Well, as far as I’m concerned the holiday season starts with Thanksgiving, although it started about two months ago for most retailers. Please tell me I’m not the only one who’s totally annoyed by how retailers skip holidays and put out the Christmas decorations before Halloween. I mean, we’re always in such a rush to get through life, shouldn’t we enjoy it a little?

Woody and I had a really great time in Denver over the weekend! It was nice to get out of the city for a few days and …. go to another city! Seriously though, we stayed with my aunt and uncle who showed us all over the city. They know the best restaurants and sights, and they can definitely grill a fantastic salmon! I wish I had been able to run as there are running trails everywhere! While it was too windy for a visit to Vail on Sunday (I had no idea they get 100mph winds there!) we did take a trip into the mountains with a stop in Estes Park for lunch and fudge and a little turn through Rocky Mountain National Park. I think we would have been perfectly happy to stay another week, although by then I’m also sure we would have worn out our welcome. Still, we had a fantastic time and I hope I get back there again soon.

In the lobby of The Stanley Hotel (apparently they filmed a movie here?)

Elk by the side of the road in some guys front yard!

I really need to start taking more pictures on our weekend trips. I love to travel, and if I have anything to say about anything, we’ll be doing a lot of it over the years. And I want a good record of our adventures. 2012 Resolution: Take more pictures

We are staying in the city for Thanksgiving, like every year, and since the holiday apparently snuck up on me I’ll be spending this weekend figuring out our first gluten free Thanksgiving and cooking a dish for my company Thanksgiving potluck on Monday!

Because this is still a running blog and you’ve read this far in the post, I have one piece of running news for you. Penny, from Splits59, a women’s active wear company, is sponsoring two women to run the LA Marathon in 2012. Two winners will be chosen on December 1st, to receive not only paid registration for the race, but also gear from Splits59. If you’re interested, click HERE to register for the drawing.

• Are you the one in your family and group of friends who always has a camera at the ready or do you sometimes miss capturing memories like I do?
• Are you staying home or traveling for Thanksgiving?
• What’s the one Thanksgiving dish you can’t go without?

Five for Friday

1. My friend Grace is hosting a new monthly women’s networking event, Sweet Talk, here in the city. Because it’s bound to be a huge success, I want you to be able to get in on it right away (before it becomes so popular there are wait lists)! The first one is next Saturday (Nov 5) from 5-7pm at The Fulton, a hot new restaurant on Fulton St downtown. Check out here blog [HERE] for all the details!

2.  I’m thinking about changing my Twitter handle from @EarlyMorningRun Why? Because I tweet about more than just running, and want it to represent my professional side as well. Most Twitter handles that include my name are already taken, so here are a few that are possibilities. I need your advice!

@Lisa_EMR @LisaA_EMR @LisaA_NYC @LisaAlcorn @LisaAlcornEMR @LisaAlcorn_EMR

Thoughts? Other suggestions?

3. We all know the NYCM is coming up. Fast. Here are a few interesting articles that have popped up recently:

Grete Waitz, Fred Lebow 1st inductees into New York Road Runner Hall of Fame (Washington Post)

Road Runners to Attempt Sports Social Media Milestone at NYC Marathon (Mobile Sports Report)

How To 'Endure' the Taper: Countdown to the New York City Marathon (Huffington Post)

Now, NYCM is not the only marathon happening. The Marine Corps Marathon is this Sunday in our nation’s capitol! I’ve heard fantastic things about this race.

4. Two weeks from today Woody and I will be on a plane to Denver!! I’m so excited about our trip, even though they got a few inches of snow Wednesday and was 18 degrees there Thursday morning (crazy)! We’re actually visiting my Aunt and Uncle who I rarely get to see, so it’ll be great to catch up and explore the city.

5. Unless you’ve jumped a few holidays and are focused on Christmas like most retailers have, you know that Monday is Halloween. I was thrilled a couple weeks ago to find out that the woman in the cube next to me also is not a fan of Halloween. I think in this city we’re in the minority group on this one. While I’m not big on costumes however, I do love the candy! If you’re g-free like me, here is an extensive list of g-free candy from celiac.com

• What should I change my Twitter handle to? Have you ever changed yours?
• Do you love reading about marathons and big races? Are you racing MCM or NYCM? Or another race coming up?
• If you’ve been to Denver, do you have any suggestions for our trip?
• Are you dressing up for Halloween? What’s the most creative costume you’ve worn, or seen?
• What’s your favorite candy?

Have a fantastic weekend!

Happy 4th of July

Woody and I started our celebration of the 4th of July by heading up town for a sweaty run in Central Park. The park was pretty quiet when we arrived but coming to life when we left about an hour later. It was a good run and my knee was much less achy today than it has been for a while. Things are definitely looking up on the running front!


When I think of the Fourth of July, I always think about our family cottage in Northern Michigan. It's been in the family for half a century and holds a special place in my heart. I haven't been there on the Fourth for quite a few years now, but hope to get up there again soon for the holiday. Specific things always stick out when I think of celebrating the 4th at Mill Point.


Family. Laughter. Board games and 500 piece puzzles. Sand. Tubing and water skiing. Sailing. Ice cream socials. Garden Tractor rides and camp songs. The blueberry patch. Walks in the woods. Deer sightings. 'Camp outs' on the porch. S'mores. Fireworks. Talent shows. Go-cart rides. National Cherry Festival. Swimming. Strawberry jam. Bug spray. Hot chocolate. Pancakes. The climbing tree. Porcupines. Sunblock. Sitting on the raft.

This was a long time ago. Can you guess which is me?!

without the numerous campers and tents

• What are some of your favorite 4th of July memories?

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Saturday's workout -

4.68mile run

100 crunches

2x15 leg curls

2x17 leg extensions

2x20 upright row

2x15 resistance band woodchops

stretching

Sunday's workout -

40min elliptical

2x20 hammer curl

2x18 weighted side bends

150 crunches

2x40sec plank

2x20 cable pull pushdown

2x15 leg curl

2x15 leg extension

stretching

Today's workout -

~4.5mile run

monster walk

stretching