The Return of Five for Friday

What a long week. Everyone in my office seems to be exhausted this week, and I'm right there along with the rest of them. This weekend will be all about relaxing and recharging. 


1. Have you heard about the McDonald's revamp? The fast food leader announced earlier this week that it's making moves to improve the nutritional value of their offerings. This will start with changes to the happy meals first, and the addition of nutritional messaging in all marketing to children. Then by 2020 (yes, 9 years from now) the company has pledged to "reduce added sugars, saturated fat and calories through varied portion sizes, reformulations and innovations." Lastly, McDonald's will increase access to nutritional information for customers and employees. I like that they're making information easier to find, that they're going to automatically include apples in happy meals, and they're going to reduce sugar, saturated fats and calories (who wants to bet they won't reduce prices when they reduce the portion sizes?) but there is still a lot lacking here and people will still be eating this stuff way more often than they should be. The thing that disappoints me the most about this is that Dara Torres has signed on to be McDonald's celebrity spokesperson. For someone in such good shape, this really doesn't seem like a smart fit for her.


If you want more info, check out these links:
McDonald's Press Release
Reaction from Small Bites
Slate's take on the changes
Marion Nestle's take

2. Next weekend there are a few cool things happening in NYC. The first is Escape To Yoga Island, sponsored by Lululemon. A day of yoga classes and music on Governor's Island, just off the southern tip of Manhattan. Grab your yoga mat, sunscreen, lots of water and healthy snacks, and a hat, then jump on the free ferry. There's a Facebook page where you can RSVP if you're going to attend.


3. On your way to the ferry, check out Summer Streets which starts next Saturday! I've written about this for the past two years because I think it's one of the coolest events in NYC and I love that it's continuing again this year. The city will close major streets in the city to traffic from 7am till 1pm August 6th, 13th and 20th, so people can run, bike, rollerblade, skateboard, walk between Central Park and the Brooklyn Bridge! There are events along the route each weekend including fittings for free bike helmets, free bike and rollerblade rentals, an REI adventure zone, a Whole Foods picnic and a lot more. It's a great time to get out and have fun with family and friends, and it is pretty incredible to run through the Helmsley Building at 42nd St! It's a great time, trust me. My parents will be visiting and we plan on showing them the fun!


4. You may have noticed that it's been pretty hot in most parts of the country lately. Whether you're doing yoga outdoors, running or just walking around, be sure to take it easy, stay hydrated and adjust your exercise to account for the high temps and humidity. Also, be sure to stay hydrated even when you're not exercising. Drinking plenty of water throughout the week is key to staying healthy. Check THIS out for Runner's World's tips on running in the heat.


5. I'm going to leave you with an amusing video. Woody is a fan of Tosh.0. I'm more often slightly offended by him than amused by him, and this clip from a recent episode is a combination.

Tosh.0	Tuesdays 10pm / 9c
The $150,000 Tosh.0 Marathon
tosh.comedycentral.com
Tosh.0 Videos Daniel Tosh Web Redemption

• What's on tap for your weekend?
• How do you get through training runs in the heat?

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Yesterday's workout -

35min bike

2x20 hip abductor

2x18 seated row

175 ab exercises

stretching

Today's workout -

none. much needed rest day.

Five for Friday

How is it July 1st already? Is my calendar right? I feel like the year just began!

1. This has been a crazy week. It seems to have flown by because we've been so busy! Getting back from Raleigh late Sunday night meant we had to do our normal weekend chores after work. Monday was laundry night and Tuesday was grocery shopping. Let's just say Trader Joe's is not the place you want to be after work; the line was L.O.N.G. All this meant we didn't eat dinner before 8:00pm either night, which is definitely not ideal. We used to eat that late on a regular basis, but have been trying to eat earlier over the past year or so. I guess two nights isn't bad.

2. Wednesday night we attempted to see comedian Jim Gaffigan at SummerStage in Central Park. The show was free but we had no idea how early we should get in line. We left as early as we  could and that just wasn't early enough. If you know the park, the line started at SummerStage and went south on the sidewalk almost down to carousel! Yes, that long. Instead we grabbed a spot on the lawn outside the fence, laid down our blanket and decided to have out picnic and enjoy the show from there. Others were already there and many more joined us.

Our awesome view of the stage

We were pretty bummed out that we weren't inside and the people who talked through
the whole thing were annoying, but it was a beautiful night and we had a great time anyway!

We were not the only ones who didn't get in. Jim Gaffigan is a popular guy.

3. Last week I found an amazing little hidden spot near our apartment that I told you about. Well, yesterday I found one near my office! The weather was beautiful so I went for a little walk at lunch and stumbled upon this place.

There's only a small patch of grass, but there's a river view, some shade, and it's tucked away from the busy streets. I think I'll find my way back often.

4. Woody and I are staying put this weekend for the 4th of July. Part of me is sad we won't be at the cottage to celebrate, but I'm also happy not to be traveling with everyone else who lives in this city. The one thing we'll miss the most is grilling. We love to grill. If you're planning to grill and are still looking for some healthy ideas, HERE are some tasty looking recipes to check out. 

5. Here's a funny, patriotic video to get your weekend started! It's a few years old, but Muppets never go out of style!

• Who's your favorite comedian?
• What's your favorite thing to grill?
• Are S'mores not the best summer treats?
• What are your plans for the holiday weekend?

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Wednesday's workout -

35min elliptical

100 crunches

2x20 leg press

2x15 leg curl

2x17 leg extension

2x20 upright row

stretching

Thursday's workout -

None. Rest day.

Today's workout -

35min elliptical
100 crunches
2x35sec bridge
1x35sec plank
2x15 squats
monster walks
2x18 bent row
2x16 lateral arm raise
stretching

Five for Friday

1. Last night Woody and I celebrated our 4th Anniversary. It's both hard and very easy to believe that it's been that long. Even crazier, as of this month, we will have known each other for 10 years. That's literally a third of my life! It's strange to think of my life before he was in it. I feel like I was so young then. He has taught me so much and put up with so much from me along the way. Poor guy, he has many more years to come! Haha! We celebrated by having dinner at the Boathouse in Central Park. We've eaten at the Boathouse Cafe more times than I can count, but we've never eaten in the formal restaurant. It was quite an interesting evening because there were two thunderstorms while we were there and it was raining when we left. Thankfully there was a little break between storms when the sky brightened and we were able to enjoy the view. 

2. This week has been incredibly hot. Both Wednesday and Thursday were well into the 90s. I ran Wednesday morning but Thursday hit the gym. It's days like this when we have to remember to be very careful to stay hydrated, stay out of the sun, wear sunblock and not workout in the heat of the day. It's so incredibly important to be careful when it gets hot like this. Also, it's a great idea to check in on elderly people you know to make sure they're doing okay and have a cool place to stay. I'm very thankful that I don't have to work outdoors in this type of heat.


3. This weekend is the annual Big Apple BBQ in Madison Square Park. BBQ masters from around the country convene in the city to show NYC foodies what they can do. It's always a madhouse with long lines at each booth, but it's also fun and delicious! Click HERE for more information.

4. There are always tons of things going on in NYC. So many in fact, that it can be a little overwhelming at times. What to do?! I'm always on the lookout for guides that pull a lot of the events together in one place and the other day I found a great resource on Well and Good NYC. The great women at Well and Good put together a Summer Wellness Guide that lists great fitness and wellness events throughout the city (both free and fee). There's a .pdf version you can download and stick on your fridge for easy reference. I downloaded the pdf onto my phone so I have it anywhere I go! Check it out HERE.


5. If you read my post yesterday, then you know that tomorrow is the Mini 10k. I took a rest day today and plan on getting to bed early tonight because I have an early (for Saturday) wake-up call tomorrow. I need time to get up, have some tea, stretch and get uptown before the corrals close. I'll gladly accept any good vibes you want to send my way!

• What are you doing this weekend?
• If you know of a wellness guide for your area, share it with others by posting a link here!

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Today's workout -

none. rest day.

5 for Friday

After a week hiatus from Five for Friday due to the unfortunate Blogger Blackout of 2011, we're back and running this week!

1. Today is my big sister's Birthday. I feel bad because with all the rain I didn't get her gift sent until Tuesday; I hope it got to her in Minnesota for today! As the Mom of a rambunctious and super-smart three year old boy and an adorable 7 month old little girl who can melt your heart in an instant, she has her hands full day and night. My brother-in-law is leaving on a two week work trip today, but I hope she has an incredible Birthday nonetheless. She deserves it!

2. Tonight, assuming that it isn't pouring out, Woody and I are meeting after dinner and going to Madison Square Park for Madison Square Eats for dinner. The outdoor food festival featuring a wide variety of food, started May 6th and is happening every Friday through June 3rd, so we're going before it's over! We can't wait to see what there is! Oh, it's open from 11am till 9pm.

3. Saturday is the Brooklyn Half-Marathon. It's part of the NYRR Half-Marathon Grand Prix, the 5 race series of half-marathons in each borough. This was to be my first of the borough half-marathons; I was one of the lucky ones who registered before the it sold out in a matter of days. I've heard it's the best of the 5 because it starts in Prospect Park and ends on the Coney Island Boardwalk. As much as I wish I was running, I hope everyone who is out there has an incredible race! I also hope we have a break in the nasty rainy weather and it's a beautiful day! Good luck to all the Brooklyn Half runners and everyone else racing this weekend!!

4. Woody and I have decided that we're not going to let this summer pass us by. Can you believe that next weekend is the un-official start to summer?!?! It seems as though the seasons pass by and we haven't done half the things we were hoping to do. But not this summer. We've agreed that we'd rather be exhausted when Fall rolls around than have any regrets. So, we're starting a list of all the things we want to do and we'll check them off as we go along. Grace has already agreed to join me for the 'girl' stuff that Woody might not be so interested in, so I'm convinced that this will be the best summer of my life here in NYC! (Well, maybe aside from the summer when Woody and I got married!)

5. Since I've been posting videos all week, I'll post one more. This is just crazy....

• What's on tap for your weekend?
• What are some of the things on your 'must do' list for the summer?

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Today's workout -
None. Rest Day!

5 for Friday

Thanks so much for all of your support as I try to make my way back to running. I really appreciate all of your thoughts, suggestions and kind words. The support from this community is probably the best part about blogging.

1. First and foremost, Sunday is Mother's Day. Unfortunately I won't be helping my Mom celebrate, but I will be thinking about her all day (like every other day). My Mom is an incredibly amazing woman and I am so blessed to be her daughter. She is always at the ready to help. I have no doubt, that if I asked her to, she would travel the nearly 700 miles to be by my side and help me in a moments notice. She's such a strong and courageous woman and I can only hope she realizes how much I look up to her and appreciate her.

2. On May 20th, leave your car at home and skip the subway for National Bike to Work Day! Biking (or walking) is a healthy, green, and relaxing way to get to work. Check out the link to find events happening in your area, or to organize one. Transportation Alternatives in NYC is giving out free iced coffee and cliff bars at locations around the city. Let's just hope it's also a sunny day! If you don't live in the US, click HERE to find out when National Bike to Work Day (or week) is in your country.

3. Did you watch The Next Great American Restaurant on NBC? Woody and I did. While we liked a few of the concepts, we were really pulling for Jamawn and his healthy soul food concept. Partly because it sounded good and partly because he's from Detroit (and we like supporting Detroiters). We were thrilled on Sunday when he won the reality show contest; restaurants in New York, LA and Minneapolis. Right away we knew we had to go check it out since it's at South Street Seaport which is only a few blocks away from our apartment!

The restaurant is hard to find if you're not looking for it. It's not right in the middle of the Seaport, but kind of around the corner. 

Woody had the baby-back ribs with collard greens, wild rice salad and whole wheat roll

I chose the herb baked chicken, sweet potato salad, black-eyed pea salad and chose the cornbread waffle (which I gave to Woody)

It was all delicious, but Woody said he'll go for the chicken next time. It's nice to have another healthy restaurant in FiDi. I just hope it's open on the weekend!!

4. I don't usually like sharing what I got for my Birthday with others, I think it's a little self-centered, but this is cool. Woody has been keeping one of my gifts a secret but he had to spill the beans last night. He had blocked out Tuesday evening on my calendar and only told me that we had to leave work at 5pm to be somewhere by 6pm. Then yesterday after work he told me that he has to go out of town for work next Tuesday and he had to try and reschedule. In the meantime, he told me what it was just in case he couldn't switch it and I could invite a friend. He enrolled us in a knife skills class at Brooklyn Kitchen!! I'm very excited for this! I know he gets annoyed by how I use the knifes when cutting veggies, so it's kind of for him, but I think it'll be fun and after a couple hours I hope to be a pro with a knife!

5. Have you read the May issue of Runner's World? There's an article about form that I read on the bus to work yesterday and found really interesting. Specifically this quote: "Ours is one of the only sports where the technical aspect has been the skeleton in the closet," stated by physical therapist Phil Wharton. It's such a true statement. We get out there and run. We focus more on what jacket we're wearing, what kind of fuel we're taking with us, what kind of run we're doing, but we it's only recently that people have been talking about how they actually run. How our feet hit the ground, and how our arms swing. I had only been running a couple years when a few of my co-workers and I started running after work together in Central Park one night a week. I hadn't read the proper way to run, I just did what felt comfortable till then. But I will always remember my friend C, who ran cross country in high school, tell me as we were going up Cat Hill one night to shorten my stride and pump my arms harder when going up the hill to help push me up. He's also the one who kept me in check so my arms didn't cross my body in the slightest. I think those nights were the first times I thought about form. I'm still learning and think about my posture as I run, but it's so odd that running is one of the very few sports that you can do without thinking about how your body is moving as you do it.

• What's one of your favorite memories with your mom?
• Have/do you ever bike to work?
• What's your opinion of a soul food restaurant without fried chicken?
• What are you most skilled at in the kitchen?
• Do you pay attention to your form when you run?

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Yesterday's workout -

Rest day: On Wednesday, just after writing my last post, I found out I'm not yet ready to run. I had to catch a bus (or wait for 10 minutes in the rain) and I felt it the rest of the day. My leg hadn't hurt in the slightest bit for more than a week and then by not-quite-running about 20 feet. Bam.

Today's workout -

One more rest day. I'm not going to let my recovery get off track!

5 for Friday

This week has gone by soooo slowly. Am I the only one who thinks so?

I have a few ideas why.....

1.  I've been very excited about the Royal Wedding, unable to get my fill of predictions, documentaries, photos, and other craziness. Yes, today was a rest day for me, but I still woke up at 5:30am and quietly turned on the TV while Woody slept, to watch the Kate arrive and the happy couple wed. I really have no idea why I've been so intrigued by this whole thing, I just am. Some things just can't be explained. They look incredibly happy!



source: msnbc.com



source: msnbc.com



 

 

source: msnbc.com



source: The Times UK

source: ABCNews.com

 2. I've been waiting and dreaming about today. My first day attempting to go crutch-less since I was presented with them two weeks ago. I'm going to take it slowly and be careful to not spend too much time on my feet and walking around. My leg is feeling really good and as much as I still believe crutches are completely annoying and frustrating, they were obviously what I needed. Two weeks ago, my leg ached almost constantly, now, not at all!! It's a good reminder that sometimes we just have to suck it up and deal with it if we want to get better!

3. Tomorrow is my birthday. The big 3-0. Yes, I admit it, I will no longer be a 20-something as of tomorrow. It really doesn't bother me, I've heard so many times that the 30's is a great decade, and to tell you the truth, I'm kind of excited about it. Now I just have to act like an adult. Since my original plan to run the Broadstreet Run in Philly on Sunday was scrapped, I made other plans: brunch with three amazing women then later dinner and a movie with Woody. What movie are we going to see? This one

4. Sunday is the first New Amsterdam Market of the year! I wrote about this market at the old Fulton Fish Market quite a bit last fall after we moved to FiDi and discovered this gem only a few blocks away! Unfortunately, this Sunday's market is their Floralia Celebration (celebration of Spring) and the weekly markets don't start until June 5th. But, it sounds like a good number of vendors will be selling their goods, and I can't wait to check check it out! Local is good.

5. This has nothing to do with why the week has gone so slowly, but I have to share it with you. A friend of mine posted THIS LINK on Facebook yesterday. Have you ever become really annoyed with someone on Facebook or Twitter who absolutely can not spell at all? Even if you haven't, you still need to check this out. I was reading it as I was waiting for a meeting to start and it was all I could do not to laugh out loud! Hilarious. (and a little disturbing, because it's all real)

• Did you watch the Royal Wedding? I did!
• Are you a birthday party person? I, most definitely, am not.
• Have you heard of a way to make a donation to help the communities in the South devestated by the recent tornadoes? I haven't had a chance to look yet.

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Yesterday's workout -
10 min arm bike
3x12 back extension
2x20 lat pull down

2x25 seated row

200 crunches

3x12 reverse crunches
50 leg raises, each side

2x40sec superman

foam roller
stretching

Today's workout -

None! Rest day!

PopChips Winner!!

So last night I went to another great Step Up Women's Network panel featuring executives from companies including Bravo Interactive, Yahoo!, MORE Magazine, Revlon, Bank of New York Melon and Time Warner, Inc. It was an impressive lineup of strong, independent, risk-taking women. That was actually one of the key messages from the event, that the hallmark of a successful woman is taking risks; in work and in life. This is definitely one thing I need to do more of.

A random quote I found intriguiging: "We're born with two fears: loud noises and falling down."

The PopChips winner is

Congratulations Stephanie Anne! Look for an email from me soon!

• Are you a risk taker?

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Today's workout -
10 min arm bike
2x20 cable pushdown
2x20 lateral arm raise
2x20 upright row
2x25 bicep curl
200 crunches
2x40sec superman
2x20 weighted side bends
foam roller
stretching

NYC Running Show Pt 2

So, I know, more from the running show? Yep.
Yesterday I left off with the Preventing Common Running Injuries talk.

After the talk, Grace decided she wanted to get her running form analyzed at the New Balance booth. Grant Robison (who talked about running form) is working with New Balance to teach good form and they set up a cool system that analyzes runners form as they run on a treadmill and are filmed. It goes beyond the normal gait analysis that some stores provide.

Grace, who came ready to run, jumped on the treadmill and got going.

The camera filmed her running and the New Balance guy played it back on the computer.

After taking a look, he brought out his iPad and showed us the playback pointing out different aspects of her form. She had really good posture (!) but she tends to strike with her heel and lands too far out in front of her body. So, he suggested that she increase her cadence to shorten her stride and that should help with both points. He then printed off a copy of her analysis for her to take home and emailed the link to her, with the video! How great is that!? I love it. Unfortunately they're only doing this at expos and it's not available at any stores. Such a great idea and use of technology! We were both blown away. I really wish I had been able to try it out myself.

Next we went back to the Zensah booth because we wanted to try on their sports bra and tank. We both tried them on and I fell in love with the tank immediately! It seemed to be exactly what I've been looking for! Stay tuned for a real review soon!

Then it was soon time to grab seats for the next speaker. Matt Long, author of The Long Run.

If you haven't read my review of the book, you can read it HERE. If you've read it already, then you know I loved the book. Long is incredibly inspirational and as soon as I saw he was speaking at the show, I knew I had to see him.

He started with an incredibly emotional video that told his story for anyone who didn't already know. This isn't the actual video he showed, but since I can't find that one, this will have to do:

 

He talked about his experience, where he had been before the accident, what his life was like in the hospital, how his mom 'smacked' him (he made sure people knew it was a verbal slap) and woke him up, and how he stopped saying "I want" and focusing on what he had before, and started saying "I will" and focusing on the future. He had stopped moving forward in life and had to change that. He stressed how important it is for us to set goals, push ourselves, and achieve those goals. This really hit home as I've been facing this latest injury and how I've gotten caught up in the feeling of hopelessness a few times. I have to take his advice and look to the future and find ways to accomplish my goals.

Matt Long is such an incredibly strong soul, it's impossible not to be moved by his story, confidence and perseverance. 

After the speech he had prepared, he took questions from the standing room only audience. Of course, the first question was from a woman asking if he is single! (he's not). Apparently his nephew, Matthew, thought he needed to put a shirt on for the cover art. Two kids in the audience had recently written book reports on his book. (the first he had heard of) He's currently on leave from the FDNY to travel for book tours and speaking engagements as well as spend time on the I Will Foundation, which he started to help people overcome adversity caused by life altering illness or traumatic injuries. When he's hurting during a run, his mantra is "I Will."

It was a great way to finish the day and I'm so thankful we were able to hear him speak!

I had hoped to go back the next day for the Women's Running Health panel, but it was raining pretty hard then and the crutches and rain are not a good pair! If you went to that panel, I'd love to hear about it!

If you came here today hoping to see who won the PopChips giveaway, I decided to extend it one more day, so there are a few more hours to enter! I'll post the winner tomorrow.

• Do you have a running mantra?
• Have you had your form analyzed?

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Today's workout -
10 min arm bike
2x20 lat pull down
3x20 overhead tricep extension
200 crunches
3x10 reverse crunches
3x10 leg extension
3x10 back extension
2x30 sec lying leg lifts
foam roller
stretching

NYC Running Show

Welcome to a new week! I hope you all had a great weekend. Overall mine was pretty good; I just wish it was longer (but when is that not true?!).

I started writing this post yesterday and realized that it was going to be pretty long; so, I'm doing part one today and part two tomorrow. I'm also extending the PopChips giveaway till tomorrow night! (Go enter if you haven't!)

As I mentioned Friday that I had taken the day off for a mental health day and I definitely needed it. Before meeting up with Grace, I stopped off for a little pampering and got a manicure and a 10 minute chair massage, which really helped loosen the tight muscles I've gotten from using the crutches for a week! I went with Essie's Nice is Nice purple for my nail color, what do you think?

Then Grace and I met at Jack Rabbit's NYC Running Show, the first running expo not associated with a race, in NYC. I loved the idea of it and was excited to check out the running gear and hear some good speakers.

The show was held at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea. There was plenty of space to move around between booths (even on crutches) and an easy flow. Since we were there early afternoon on Friday when most people are at work, it wasn't too crowded and we had plenty of time to look at everything and talk to people. The top brands represented were Brooks, Asics, Adidas, Mizuno, Saucony, and Vibram. (notice, Nike isn't on the list) Others there included New Balance, Nathan, Zensah, CWX, Feetures, and more. We were surprised by the lack of clothes available for sale, but that kind of fits with Jack Rabbit stores, as I feel they don't devote a lot of square footage to clothes.

We found seats and listened to some interesting speakers.

First was Grant Robison, a member of the 2004 Olympic Team, talking about good form. Here are a few pointers he gave us (audience participation was encouraged):

• Posture: bend knees, keep arms loose & don't swing across body. Everything else works best if arms are working efficiently. To 'reset' posture, reach arms above head, clasp hands and stretch.
• Foot fall: the heel isn't stable on it's own (try balancing on your heel, it doesn't work well) so the mid-foot, including the heel, is the most stable way to land.
• Cadence: most people hit the ground approximately 75 to 80 times per foot per minute, but 90 is much more efficient. It keeps your stride shorter (less likely to strike with your heels) and you lighter on your feet.
• Lean forward: lean slightly forward and let gravity help move you forward. Don't sit back or lean back, you're working against yourself!

After taking a break and heading out to grab a snack, we came back in time to check out a few booths before our next talk: Preventing Common Running Injuries (I needed this a few months ago!).

Dr Jordan Metzl, of Hospital for Special Surgery and a 28-time marathoner, spoke along with Heather Williams, a marathoner, Physical Therapist and co-author of Run Metrics. I took a lot of notes, but I'll share just a few with you now

• Dr Metzl sees far fewer triathletes in his practice than runners because they build muscle balance through the mix of training
• Goal setting is incredibly important for runners/tri-athletes and it needs to take into account the athletes current level of fitness, physical attributes and background. Most importantly, the goals need to be realistic.
• overuse injuries are the most common in runners, usually due to running to far and/or too often without enough preparation or buildup.
• pylometrics training is incredibly important to build power needed for running
• strength training to build a strong core is also key; high reps with low weights. Running is an endurance sport and being able to complete a lot of reps helps increase endurance.

Dr Metzl writes columns for Triathlete Magazine and has also created a library of videos. They can all be found on his website HERE.

Okay, I think that's enough for today. There's more to cover but I'll post that tomorrow! I'll just leave you with this: Woody and I tried a new restaurant for brunch on Sunday - Coppelia. It's a South American restaurant on West 14th St and it was delicious! They don't have a liquor license until the end of May and in a few months they should also have a back garden. The atmosphere was relaxed, the food fantastic. The pastry chef is forward thinking Pichet Ong. Woody doesn't like me taking pictures of food at restaurants, so I just have this one to post (there are more HERE).

I definitely recommend this place if you're looking for somewhere to eat in the area!

• How was your weekend?
• What's your favorite Spring nail color?
• Peeps or NO Peeps?

************

Saturday's workout -

10 min arm bike

200 crunches

3x15 reverse crunches

3x10 flys

3x12 weighted back extensions

3x20 lat pull down
3x30 superman's
50 ea side - lying leg lifts
stretching
foam roller

Sunday's workout -

None! Rest day!!

Today's workout -
10 min arm bike
2x20 hammer curls
2x20 cable push-down
2x20 front arm raise
150 crunches
2x35 sec superman's
stretching
foam roller

5 for Friday

One week down, one week to go! There is an end to my crutch-aided life.

1. News flash: I'm taking a mental health day today! Yes, I need it and deserve it. I'm taking the day off to sleep in, go to the gym (arms and core only) and spend the afternoon with my Grace.

2. Did you know today is Earth Day? While this one day is called out each year, it's really important to think about the earth every day and how our actions effect our environment. Whether you believe in global warming or not, it's just not cool to litter or pollute. The little things we do, like carrying re-useable bags with us, do add up and made a difference. No change for the better is too small.

3. Today is also the first day of the NYC Running Show. That is where I'm spending the afternoon, so if you are there, just look for the girl on the crutches! I am looking forward to checking out the vendors and a few speakers, including Matt Long. I have a feeling I'll be exhausted by the end of the day, but hanging out with Grace and talking running all afternoon, that should keep me going!

4. Speaking of running, next Wednesday is another NYRR YPC event. This time it's a fun run and happy hour! These are always a ton of fun and great way to spend an evening. Runners of all levels are encouraged to join in, of course, and you can choose between a 3 mile and 5 mile route. This is a fundraiser, so tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Go HERE to buy your ticket!

5. I realized I haven't been talking about food very much lately and I need to do something about that! Lately I've been eating pretty simple, easy to prepare meals that aren't very special, so I haven't been sharing. Last night was a perfect example. It was very healthy and really easy though.

Dinner was a bowl of Trader Joe's low sodium butternut squash soup with walnut pieces along with a mixture of lentils, carrots, zucchini and onion, and a pear. It was really simple but a really tasty combination, too.

And now I'll leave you with this Easter picture from my past.

• Am I the only one getting Royal Wedding fever?!?!
• What are some easy things you do every day to help the earth?
• What does your weekend hold?
• Have you entered my PopChips giveaway yet?

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Yesterday's workout -
10 minute arm bike
250 crunches
2x10 hanging reverse crunches
3x10 upright row
3x10 lateral arm raise
3x10 back extension
3x10 leg lifts

Today's workout -
10 minute arm bike
3x12 cable push down
3x10 overhead tricep extension
3x10 weighted side bends
3x12 seated row
3x12 hammer curl
200 crunches
3x10 hanging reverse crunches
stretching
foam roller

5 for Friday

The NYRR YPC nutrition event Wednesday night was a huge success. Lauren Slayton, nutritionist and owner of Foodtrainers, was the speaker and provided some incredible nutrition tips that I can't wait to share with you. But, there's too much to share on the "Five for Friday" post, so I'll have to wait till next week! So, stay tuned for that!

Onto the regularly scheduled program.

1. If you're in the tri-state area and love to cook (or would love to learn how to cook), then head over to the James Beard House at 167 W. 12th St (at 7th Ave) on Saturday for a massive cookbook sale, with new & old books starting at just $3.00!! (No, that's not a typo. Three dollars) All proceeds go to the James Beard Foundation.

2. Back in 2002, the inaugural Tribeca Film Festival was held in lower Manhattan. Founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff after the attack on the World Trade Center, was meant to bring people (and money) back to the area. "The Festival’s mission is to help filmmakers reach the broadest possible audience, enable the international film community and general public to experience the power of cinema and promote New York City as a major filmmaking center." Since that first year, the festival has grown by leaps and bounds, with screenings all around the city and expanding beyond the April event. There are incredible films of all types. Woody and I like going to at least one film each year and have seen some really interesting ones over the years. Tickets are on sale for AmEx cardholders now and go on sale for the general public on the 18th. If you can, check it out.

3. The iconic (and tacky) Tavern on the Green in Central Park closed last year. Last I heard, control of the venue was still in limbo, but the Central Park Conservancy has found some gourmet food trucks to hang out at the site and sell delicious foods. To start the season off right, the four trucks: Ladle of Love, Pera Turkish Tacos, Rickshaw Dumplings and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, will be offering free samples from 2pm - 4pm on Saturday (rain date is Sunday). Sounds like a delicious way to spend the afternoon.

4. The other day Woody and I finally bought our plane tickets for our summer trips and I couldn't be more excited! It's official that we're heading to Raleigh, NC in June and Seattle in July! I can't wait to explore the Raleigh area and then run a women's only half marathon with incredible women like Mel (who's running Boston on Monday!!)! We love exploring new places and while our trip to Raleigh will be quick, we're going to get to know Seattle really well by the time our trip is over! Thank goodness for credit card points because we're getting 5 free nights at the W Hotel in Seattle with them!

5. If you haven't heard, Monday is Patriot's Day. Which really means, it's the 115th running of the Boston Marathon. Because I'm realistic about my abilities, I have never had any dreams about running Boston, but I do respect the tradition and excitement of the event. I know how the NYC Marathon takes over this city at start of November each year, so I can only imagine what Boston is like. While there has been quite a bit of controversy about this year's running, there are still over 26,000 people who have trained hard and sacrificed a lot to get ready for this one day and they deserve a ton of respect. I wish everyone running in Boston on Monday, London on Sunday, and any other race of any distance, tons of luck and lots of fun. That's what running should be about, right? Fun.

I see the doc this afternoon and learn my fate. I hope it involves the city of brotherly love and a street named Broad.

• Do you have a favorite cookbook? What makes a great cookbook for you?
• What's your favorite film genre? Favorite movie?
• Are you running Boston on Monday? Have you run it or do you hope to one day?

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Yesterday's workout -
50 minute elliptical
3x12 leg press
3x12 lateral arm raise
3x12 front arm raise
4x10 versa-loop side squats
100 crunches
1x25sec plank on stability ball
foam roller
stretching

Today's workout -
None. Rest day!