Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Global Warming is Real

If it isn't real, why would it be 85* today? I mean, seriously, it's summer in April. Yes, it'll be 57* on Saturday and back in the 60's next week, but this is crazy! Not sure about you, but I wasn't quite ready for such heat. I hope it's a little bit closer to 'normal' on the 19th for all the Boston runners!

The May issue of Runner's World finally showed up in my mailbox yesterday and I was reading a bit of it at the gym this morning. I love checking out the reader questions in the "Ask Miles" section because there is always at least one or two humorous questions. This month was no different and it made me think of the summer running season:

Q: Is there such a thing as too short when it comes to running shorts?
A: Oh, definitely yes. To paraphrase the old definition of obscenity: You know "too short" when you see it. And then you wish that you hadn't.

I hope the right people (both male & female) read this and take it to heart. For the sake of all of us out there on the road and path this summer!

There is also a great article on easy ways to boost the nutritional values of foods we eat often. One that stuck out to me is something I do almost every day, and will especially do this summer. You've probably noticed I tend to stick to two types of breakfasts - oatmeal or a yogurt mess. I do love omeletes, but only have them every once in a while. Back to the point, I find yogurt, fruit and granola to be very refreshing and cooling in the warmer months. Oatmeal just doesn't work for me when it's 80+ degrees outside and after I just finished a tough workout.

Runner's World says that chia seeds are the perfect boost for yogurt. A few weeks ago I picked up some chia seeds from the bullk bins at Fairway and since we've run out, I refilled yesterday. If you haven't tried them yet, I highly recommend that you do. They are rich in Omega 3's, calcium and fiber, but don't need to be refrigerated or ground like flax. With a nutty taste and crunch, they can be added to yogurt, cereal, baked goods, granola, and more. In both water and the stomach, the chia seeds swell and form a gel which slows down digestion. Some people add them to water before mixing with yogurt, but it's not necessary to do. Your call. Just give them a try and see what you think!


Do you have a favorite summertime breakfast?

************
Workout Stats -
4/6 cont.
3 mile walk

4/7
19mi bike
100 crunches
3x25sec planks
3x10ea side bends & weighted twists (each side)
long stretch and foam roller session

9 comments:

Katie @ Health for the Whole Self said...

I'm thinking I might need to look into a Runner's World subscription!

Quick question for you. When you work out first thing in the morning, do you do so on an empty stomach, or do you have a small bite beforehand and then your real breakfast when you're finished?

Lisa said...

I LOVE my Runner's World subscription (esp. when it arrives on time)! Thanks to Jenny Cole for introducing me to it!

Great question! Depending on what I have planned I'll have 1 or 2 akmak crackers, either plain, with a little honey or a little pb. I'm not hungry that early in the am and can't deal with too much in my stomach.

misszippy said...

I'm with you--please keep the shorts to a reasonable length! Inevitably, though, we'll see some offenders out and about this summer. I've gotta try the chia seeds!

Christy Ashley said...

I was always told "If you have to ask if too short is too short, the answer is probably yes."

But I can't complain about the 85 degree weather today...when it hits -9 in Boston, you'll take anything you can get!

Robyn said...

Lately I've been on yogurt mess kick with Chobani, pumpkin granola, flax seeds and berries. So good! I go through phases of eating the same thing every day though so I get sick of my choices relatively quickly. I've yet to try the Chia seeds though.

Ali said...

Yes shorts can be to short.

My favourite breakfast is fruit and granola, smoothie or on the weekend poached eggs.

Unknown said...

It was 86 degrees here in Florida today to... not complaining, but glad I got my 6-miler in before the mid-day heat! Jenny ran the Miami Half Marathon once and she said a girl was running in a thong and carrying her pants. Now that might be "too short!" HAhaha

akjenniekt said...

I love the Ask Miles section too- there are some great Q&A there.

I have been really curious about chia seeds- wonder if they would be good in my morning smoothies (which is my go to breakfast)?

Lisa said...

I don't make smoothies myself, but I think chia seeds would work in them. They might keep their shape though, because they're so small, but if you don't mind a little crunch in your smoothie, I don't see why it wouldn't work!

Let us know what you think if you try it!