tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13559464123165933812024-02-18T23:46:39.837-11:00Fitness NYCMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265664103349060472noreply@blogger.comBlogger196125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355946412316593381.post-60223790187269580252008-12-20T07:33:00.000-11:002008-12-20T07:34:26.846-11:00Once again, I've moved!New blog <a href="http://www.fitnessnyc.wordpress.com/">www.fitnessnyc.wordpress.com</a>!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265664103349060472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355946412316593381.post-10946724885583623332008-11-13T16:42:00.005-11:002008-11-14T03:50:26.985-11:00Spaghetti Squash Two Ways<div align="center"><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>Spaghetti Squash Frittata</strong></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1IsIaer8_EKmSdxaIrFtOtj7mKg_rd-gUw_4SLX8v0ffYkcgXS5vjFLA055ceAg7KwWHjj1uV7vfMudH4R0G1xxa0LTQXThkyJBVaiJ8mjHpK9uVPCs9XK2ZyAgcC7M_9cvaD2gR9zkQ/s1600-h/100_1728.jpg"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268357673037526338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1IsIaer8_EKmSdxaIrFtOtj7mKg_rd-gUw_4SLX8v0ffYkcgXS5vjFLA055ceAg7KwWHjj1uV7vfMudH4R0G1xxa0LTQXThkyJBVaiJ8mjHpK9uVPCs9XK2ZyAgcC7M_9cvaD2gR9zkQ/s320/100_1728.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMXaSvyxVff85TyaQpplwkIrM09UxvSSrIvAfG_oo1ErY3uDEYwqHMz-7Si4NirrQyLH9BI6zpO1SJRiEv79WV4SypRbUyANMORwyv6fvDFgBYTN42d8KISq4O1XrgYz4diV7Ut1dUno/s1600-h/100_1729.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268357269818350786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMXaSvyxVff85TyaQpplwkIrM09UxvSSrIvAfG_oo1ErY3uDEYwqHMz-7Si4NirrQyLH9BI6zpO1SJRiEv79WV4SypRbUyANMORwyv6fvDFgBYTN42d8KISq4O1XrgYz4diV7Ut1dUno/s320/100_1729.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a>This recipe was inspired by the <a href="http://www.self.com/fooddiet/recipes/2004/09/macaroni-frittata">macaroni frittata</a> I saw in Self years and years ago and always looked good, despite this fact: I hated eggs until last year. Absolutely hated. I finally have learned to like egg whites in frittata form, and occasionally omelet form, but the texture sometimes gets to me.<br /><br />This is a pretty delicious frittata and easy too, high protein, low-fat, low-cal:<br /><br />4 egg whites, and one egg (I keep reading the yolk has good stuff, so I threw one in)<br />1 1/2 cups spaghetti squash<br />1/2 onion chopped<br />1 garlic clove chopped<br />oregano, parsley (dried)<br />1/3 chopped green pepper<br />handful halved grape tomatoes<br />1/3 cup Parmesan (grated for best melting quality)<br />salt, pepper<br />cold pressed olive oil spray<br /><br />Basically I just sauteed the garlic and onion in cooking spray with some salt to soften. Then added it to all the other ingredients and whisked everything except the cheese together and threw it in the oven for 30 minutes, I then topped it with parm and cooked another 5-10 minutes.<br /><br />4 large servings.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>Spaghetti Squash with Tri-Colored Peppers, Spinach and Onion</strong></span><br /><br /></p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CT12SqGqePQ/SRz0DKNcnpI/AAAAAAAABGg/Vgdgauf0_D8/s1600-h/100_1714.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268353999234178706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CT12SqGqePQ/SRz0DKNcnpI/AAAAAAAABGg/Vgdgauf0_D8/s320/100_1714.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CT12SqGqePQ/SRz0C_XV80I/AAAAAAAABGY/0ikF6YYh028/s1600-h/100_1713.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268353996322894658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CT12SqGqePQ/SRz0C_XV80I/AAAAAAAABGY/0ikF6YYh028/s320/100_1713.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Looks like capellini right? So delish and SO fast!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>1 1/2 cup cooked spaghetti squash strands</div><br /><div>3/4 cup frozen spinach (nuked)</div><br /><div>1/3 onion</div><br /><div>3 slices each, yellow, orange and red pepper</div><br /><div>oregano and basil (dried)</div><br /><div>salt, pepper</div><br /><div>parm and mozzarella cheese (grated)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I had cooked the squash for an hour at 425 over the weekend, separated the strands and stuck them in gladware.<br /><br />I then sauteed the peppers and onions with oregano and basil, I added the spinach and warmed through, tossed the veggies with the squash, sprinkled it with cheese and added salt and pepper to taste.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265664103349060472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355946412316593381.post-7364943178915736952008-10-24T13:19:00.001-11:002008-10-24T13:19:46.681-11:00In case you missed itI have moved to <a href="http://www.fitnessnyc.wordpress.com/">www.fitnessnyc.wordpress.com</a>!<br /><br />Gracias!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265664103349060472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355946412316593381.post-34368220872490673992008-10-11T14:37:00.003-11:002008-10-11T14:42:14.108-11:00I'm Moving!Well, it is not where I had hoped it would be, but I am moving to my new site <a href="http://fitnessnyc.wordpress.com/">Fitness NYC</a> at wordpress.com.<br /><br />204 posts at Blogger, and it has been fun! Hopefully, I will be able to find moments here and there to make the wordpress blog as great as I envision it. But please bear with me and please check out the new site. My <a href="http://fitnessnyc.wordpress.com/2008/10/12/sweet-100-list/">first post </a>is in honor of the greatest blogger in the blog-o-sphere, <a href="http://veggiegirlvegan.blogspot.com/">Veggiegirl</a>!<br /><br />xoxoMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265664103349060472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355946412316593381.post-63753708430951252262008-10-07T16:20:00.005-11:002008-10-07T16:54:27.219-11:00Playlist of the Week-Gonna Make it!You're Gonna Make it After All Songs<br /><br />Some motivational songs-plus a few of my current favs since this is a short one.<br /><br /><strong>It's My Life-Jon Bon Jovi</strong><br /><strong>I'mma Shine-Young Bloodz</strong><br /><strong>Fame-theme song</strong><br /><strong>I'll Be There For You-The Rembrandts</strong><br /><strong>Keeps Getting Better-Christina Aguilera</strong><br /><strong>Running Back to You-Vanessa Williams</strong><br /><strong>Walkin on Sunshine-Aly and AJ</strong><br /><strong>Gonna Get Through This-Daniel Bedingfield</strong><br /><br />What I am listening to now:<br /><br />Minute by Minute-Girl Talk<br />Sour Cherry-The Kills<br />Untouched-The Virgins<br /><br />You can now check out my "Gossip Girl, OC, Hills Workout Playlist" in the iTunes Music store at:<a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewIMix?id=292595664" target="1">http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewIMix?id=292595664</a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265664103349060472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355946412316593381.post-74366775160970345542008-10-04T06:43:00.004-11:002008-10-04T07:22:12.034-11:00A Tale of Two Races<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MedRNLwx9R85nR14M13V4pEJKcdp-4ovwbtvC816iryDyy9M2NAak_86p0CXX4dC1tYL86pVJzq0s_n0ECBR_mklX5dShQcjcw8TbRgSSVex87WWprgD5qQPaNFi5wxBx2RuYKvkkB0/s1600-h/obama.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253356490674976610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MedRNLwx9R85nR14M13V4pEJKcdp-4ovwbtvC816iryDyy9M2NAak_86p0CXX4dC1tYL86pVJzq0s_n0ECBR_mklX5dShQcjcw8TbRgSSVex87WWprgD5qQPaNFi5wxBx2RuYKvkkB0/s400/obama.jpg" border="0" /></a>Sorry sorry sorry for being so so so MIA! I have actually had responsibility at work, plus a full class load, and I just accepted the world's most perfect internship--that happens to require that I give up a full weekend day every weekend from now until June, plus lots of friends in town, trying to help friend find apartments, and become <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">mary</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">kay</span> ladies...you get the idea.<br /><div></div><br /><div>In any case today I ran Grete's Gallop Half Marathon. <a href="http://thelittlerunnerthatcould.blogspot.com/2007/10/long-time-no-blog.html"> I ran this race last year</a> and it was definitively, the worst race of my life. I stopped several time and wanted to cry a few times! I had never had this happen, but the humidity was around 90% and it was HOT and miserable.</div><div> </div><div>This year was a very different story. This morning it was COLD! Well, around 48 degrees when I left the apartment. I was wearing long black yoga pants, huge sweatshirt pants, my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">OBAMAthoner</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">dri</span> fit tee over a long sleeve waffle t-shirt, and a retro nylon <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">nike</span> jacket, and a scarf for good measure. I am ridiculous! I checked everything in baggage except my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Obamathoner</span> shirt, yoga pants, and fuel belt.</div><div> </div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>Miles 1-2</strong></span>-awful, I was stiff and my feet were sore from doing extensive walking around the city in heels yesterday, but that wore off after a bit.</div><div> </div><div><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>Miles 3-4 </strong></span><span style="color:#000000;">kind of awful, but not too bad. I was really regretting going out last night, but I hadn't seen one of my very best friends in months, and we had rescheduled like five times. So I had one small glass of wine and a few hours of great conversation. </span></div><div> </div><div><strong><span style="color:#000099;">Miles 5-6</span></strong>- finally hitting my stride, not feeling super energetic, but at least I was no longer seriously concerned that I was going to suffer for 8 more miles. </div><div> </div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Miles 6-7</strong></span>-Flying high! At around halfway I started to feel euphoric. I was running a very steady pace and generally joyful. I knew I could finish no question. </div><div> </div><div><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>Miles 8-11</strong></span>-still rocking it but I felt my first rain drop around mile 6. By mile 8 it was definitely raining...but at least no one had spit on me, like I thought with the initial drop. Nevertheless, I was kind of cold. However, the rain made me run faster and stronger. I wanted to finish before a downpour could start. Of course, it wasn't like I could do five miles in 15 minutes, so I knew I might have to be uncomfortable for around 50 minutes. Fortunately the rain stayed very very light. </div><div> </div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Mile 11-13.1</strong></span>-my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ipod</span> ran out of gas. I took the time to try and focus and run with my arms. I was annoyed because my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">playlist</span> was awesome and the battery was supposedly full charged! Luckily, it didn't really effect my run, even if it was less fun in silence. I continued running strong and got my best time ever for a half 2:10:15. Last year, I got 2:25:45, so clearly today was much better. </div><div> </div><div> I finished feeling awesome! So good, that really want to run a marathon this fall, but I need to start putting school first. I recently had an honest reflection about my future career, and I have been putting my social life and my job and time wasting activities first, and those really can not be my priorities. I can excel academically, but I have to work incredibly hard to do it. I have always been jealous of those who can do no work and get 4.0s. So for now academia must come before my beloved friends; my beloved, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">therapeutic</span> blogging; before my current job and job search; and before running marathons. However, I will still blog a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">few</span> times a week with new ideas, workout and deals. </div><div> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;"><strong>However, this race marks my 9<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">th</span> Road Runner Race this season....which means, I AUTOMATICALLY QUALIFY FOR the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">ING</span> NYC MARATHON 2009! Woo-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Hoo</span>!!!!!!!!!!</strong></span></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;"></span></strong> </div><div><span style="color:#000000;">This post is getting long, but I wanted to mention a couple cool things. </span></div><div> </div><div>First, I got my fabulous tee, pictured above at Jack Rabbit Sports. Where I have been 3 times this week, first buying my new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">amphipod</span>, and then some shot blocks, and then the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">OBAMAthoner</span> tee. It is really my very favorite store, the staff are so cool! Plus, 10% off every time I go! </div><div> </div><div>Second, the <a href="http://www.jackrbt.com/indoor_tri.php"><strong>Jack Rabbit Sports Indoor <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Tri</span> Series</strong> </a>is starting, sign up! It's so cool!</div><div> </div><div>Thirdly, did everyone see that Kelly <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Ripa</span> is once again talking about Physique 57 in a magazine? I love it but three covers? Shape, Fitness, and now Shape again.</div><div> </div><div>A fabulous reader let me know that in addition to the video of Kelly at P57 on the Physique 57 website, <a href="http://www.marieclaire.com/life/healthy/health-tips/easy-exercise-moves">Marie Clarie also has a few clips</a> straight from P57 founder Tanya Becker. She also mentioned that there is a new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">dvd</span> with a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">similar</span> workout called the Tracy Anderson Mat Workout based on Gwen <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Paltrow's</span> and Madonna's workouts. It could be worth checking out. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>All right off to clean and study study study! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">xoxo</span> </div><div> </div><div>Please excuse any errors. I was typing really fast.</div><div> </div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265664103349060472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355946412316593381.post-43854553747713722042008-09-29T10:06:00.004-11:002008-09-29T14:15:55.529-11:00Playlist of the Week: Guilty Pleasures<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvF1gTbVoxAgSDUGKsrtnq7ZruJP2jizT3qQUjnPAxgkLr4oyJsSY5VvaNNL9gydZ2qG7v3eAgIxU2nnBT0NwrmHaelh8qTKintaenwOQvrX4j_2dJaCbacAcGS6txjbs8fJ0EpaxOyA/s1600-h/gossip-girl19-thumb-500x363.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251556457970016802" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvF1gTbVoxAgSDUGKsrtnq7ZruJP2jizT3qQUjnPAxgkLr4oyJsSY5VvaNNL9gydZ2qG7v3eAgIxU2nnBT0NwrmHaelh8qTKintaenwOQvrX4j_2dJaCbacAcGS6txjbs8fJ0EpaxOyA/s200/gossip-girl19-thumb-500x363.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This list is a combination of songs from my favorite guilty pleasure shows: The OC, Gossip Girls, and the Hills. It could also be called the SoCali playlist or the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Schwartz">Josh Schwartz</a> playlist I guess.<br /><div></div><br /><div>While I was never really that into the OC. I loved that Schwartz was so into the music. I loved the many soundtracks and listening to the producer commentary on the music. Plus, it introduced me to so many bands and songs that I would have never heard of, the Dandy Warhols, Jem, Spoon, Rooney. They are just not played on the top 40 stations.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLanhlNPRbgStefTmVb0L7cNhFGc84zvCNlK1UvUSS5-D3gUxgy8unCz2lSdMBPY9imQwhIrhx2hk6Z0AYLsr8_Dr7TNYBH24NwV5JTnnM4bvc6eqqmsFuGue6i7R5SbLoUDLotpc6RIs/s1600-h/The_Cast_of_The_OC_141463a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251556466418486754" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLanhlNPRbgStefTmVb0L7cNhFGc84zvCNlK1UvUSS5-D3gUxgy8unCz2lSdMBPY9imQwhIrhx2hk6Z0AYLsr8_Dr7TNYBH24NwV5JTnnM4bvc6eqqmsFuGue6i7R5SbLoUDLotpc6RIs/s200/The_Cast_of_The_OC_141463a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>The same team that did the music for the OC, does Gossip Girl and Grey's. I also added some songs from the Hills because MTV also tries to promote new bands on its shows.</div><br /><div></div><div>It took me a while to edit this list, so there are a lot of great songs that may not be included for one of the following reasons:</div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUUWDe0ygpa8xi0o1uTwBT49tQKSEKcmeEEra5-2UWfGiYorujz7SZUbKz_nne7nysVzzV35sxcPoHRM3-dG8-O_quboLg84qH73HKV8ZXiWb0skTbxKDbzct8j_oHEGeqqJyMpq5JQhw/s1600-h/untitled.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251556477777884834" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUUWDe0ygpa8xi0o1uTwBT49tQKSEKcmeEEra5-2UWfGiYorujz7SZUbKz_nne7nysVzzV35sxcPoHRM3-dG8-O_quboLg84qH73HKV8ZXiWb0skTbxKDbzct8j_oHEGeqqJyMpq5JQhw/s200/untitled.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;">-Many of my favorite OC and Grey's songs (Dice, To be Alone with You) are really paced for cardio, so I omitted those and picked the best workout songs. </span></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CT12SqGqePQ/SOFGyJ-YZHI/AAAAAAAABAo/eykbRqXhnn4/s1600-h/greys.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251556467975677042" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CT12SqGqePQ/SOFGyJ-YZHI/AAAAAAAABAo/eykbRqXhnn4/s200/greys.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;">- I did hit a roadblock because it a lot of the songs aren't available on itunes, so I also omitted those. But if you are interested in these newer bands, all the songs played on Gossip Girl and the Hills are available online with a touch of googling. You can also hear more about the method of selecting GG music <a href="http://www.gossipgirl.tv/gossip-girl-music.html">here</a>. Bands that were played on all the shows included: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Kills">The Kills</a>, <a href="http://www.thevirgins.net/news/">The Virgins</a> and the <a href="http://www.thepiercesmusic.com/">Pierces</a>...Vampire Weekend is pretty hot now too. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#006600;">-I already had it listed on my Music to Keep You Moving list or another <a href="http://thelittlerunnerthatcould.blogspot.com/search/label/playlists">Playlist of the Week</a>. A lot of the really mainstream popular ones I figured you had already heard.</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">Okay here it is, please enjoy!</span></div><br /><div>Shut up and let me go-ting tings<br />Just Dance-Lady Gaga </div><div>I Fell in Love with the DJ-Che Nelle</div><div>Crazy Bitch-Buckcherry</div><div>Untouched-The Veronicas</div><div> Hook and Line-The Kills </div><div>Nice Sweet Sexy by DIFX ft.Imperio & Cru </div><div>Here It Goes Again-OK GO</div><div> Candy Store-Miss Eighty 6 </div><div>Rich Girls-The Virgins </div><div>Knock Knock-Lyrics Born </div><div>Fernando Panda-The Virgins<br />Bittersweet World-Ashlee Simpson<br />Diamond Boy Hipster-Washington Social Club<br />Beautiful Love-The Afters<br />I Just Wanna Live-Good Charlotte<br />Damaged-Danity Kane<br />We Used to Be Friends-Dandy Warhols<br />Whoa Oh-The Sickest Kids<br />As-Har Mar Superstar<br />Freakshow-BSpears<br />Let It Go-Kari Kimmel<br />Passion-Kreesha Turner<br />Rock Star-Prima J<br />Jezebel-two hours traffic<br />Sexy Mistake-The Chalets<br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265664103349060472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355946412316593381.post-16281548968650774632008-09-29T02:55:00.002-11:002008-09-29T03:03:28.108-11:00Weekly Workout Wrap UpSuperquick wrap-up<br /><br />Monday-rest<br /><br />Tuesday-30 minute run, lots of walking<br /><br />Wednesday-1 hour 15 minutes elliptical, stay slim on the road workout from Fitness Mag<br /><br />Thursday-can't remember, maybe nothing!<br /><br />Friday-80 minutes elliptical<br /><br />Saturday-1 hour elliptical<br /><br />Sunday-<br />12 mile run-<em>conquered my fear of the Queensborough Bridge (aka 59th Street Bridge), ran to Central Park did a loop with a friend and ran home. And yes, I did put on Feelin Groovy by Simon and Garfunkel for the occasion. </em><br /><br />Spinning class<br /><br />This week was lacking strength work!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265664103349060472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355946412316593381.post-61172761110412230012008-09-26T06:01:00.006-11:002008-09-26T09:27:31.543-11:00Inspiration, Spring Marathons, Links, Products and MoreHere is the usual Thursday mish mosh round up:<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Runspiration</span></strong><br /><br /><br />Do you want to kill yourself after 30 minutes on the treadmill? Dean Karnanzes recently ran <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/48hours/index.html">48 hours </a>and 212 miles on a treadmill. <a href="http://rundangerously.blogspot.com/2008/09/dean-karnazes-48-hour-treadmill-run-on.html">He didn't break the Guinness record, but man</a>!<br /><br /><br /><strong>MOVIE:</strong> If you need more inspiration, I highly recommend the <a href="http://www.marathonmovie.com/newscreen.html">Spirit of the Marathon movie</a>, check for local screenings! You don't even have to move, how easy is that?<br /><br /><br />Top secret announcement--the upcoming <a href="http://www.teamintraining.org/nyc/">NYC Team in Training Chapter </a>will be training for three fabulous Marathons:<br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">Rome Marathon (Run/Walk) - March 22, 2009 - Rome, Italy</span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">Country Music Full & Half Marathon (Run/Walk) - April 25, 2009 - Nashville, TN.<br />New Jersey Full & Half Marathon (Run/Walk) - May 3, 2009 - Long Branch, NJ</span><br /><br /><br />If you live in NYC, I can personally assure you that TNT will make it your marathon experience magical! However, I am sure all chapters of <a href="http://www.teamintraining.org/">TNT</a> seriously rock, so see if your what your local chapter is training for. If you don't do groups, think outside the box, there are marathons in the most incredible locations: Rome, <a href="http://www.parismarathon.com/marathon/2009/us/index.html">Paris</a>, <a href="http://www.great-wall-marathon.com/">The Great Wall Marathon</a> (China), <a href="http://www.polar-circle-marathon.com/">The Polar Circle Marathon</a> (Greenland), <a href="http://www.big-five-marathon.com/">The Big Five Marathon</a> (South Africa), just to name a few!<br /><br /><br />To <strong><span style="color:#006600;">properly fuel yourself,</span></strong> check out <a href="http://www.vitaljuicedaily.com/2008/09/24/fall-produce-picks/">Vital Juice Daily's fall produce picks</a>, replete with some yummy recipes.<br /><p><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">PRODUCT FINDS</span><br /></span>For some fuel on the run, I just tried a Chia Spice Kardea bar <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250380542946740386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMstlpyAXRvbLF1dl86GY0cG_pXNjhMt8NgTO92fgVmbs32qVKvWvz_Obw2HyDkaxF65FRyYqRC6GtMRqNmT31x64SbZtDX1t6UZ-SFlbHqug3gqY72nqFRW8yf_tHLC3knpsWe6tONjs/s320/AGIL-0103-Chai_Spice-720460.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250380541504202466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg660KVSPrS3JdFk2b0kD008fZUEc0QjWM3rhVSwRc1Wa6IwITG4Ul8PpJyypbP0spjX6DzuicNml_xjRS1YlTflJ__KDgAJxb5es7QEg37HrYxd8QtgxjJE67Cw_8vX471_jnzqFhnlD4/s320/kardeachainf.jpg" border="0" /><br />I am really trying to eat only all natural bars. Ingredients are far more important to me than fiber, fat or calories. Even my beloved Kashi Golean Crunchy Chocolate Caramel bars, have too many weird things (<em>Mechanically Fractionated Palm Kernel Oil?</em>) in them for me to feel good about ingesting them. These were offered to me by Kardea, and after checking out the stats online they seemed to be pretty good. These bars have a few items that seem to be added to punch up the fiber, like psylium husch and chicory root fiber, but overall everything seems like it came from the earth not a factory. Inside they look like nuts and grains stuck together with maple syrup or honey. However, they are not too sticky or too sweet, although I wish the first ingredient wasn't Brown Rice Syrup. And I love that agave, a low GI sweetener was included, as it is expensive for companies to add. Overall 9 grams of sugar is not bad at all, and at modest 150 calories these provide a tasty and satisfying snack perfect for taking the edge off the 4PM hunger call. Despite not being a fan of chai tea--but love cinnamon, these were really good. And not so sweet that they made me crave sweets all afternoon. A keeper. </p><a href="http://www.amphipod.com/">The Amphipod</a><br /><br />I have really been needing something to put stuff in while I run, and I think the <a href="http://www.amphipod.com/080/080.html">Amphipod Micropack Land Sport</a> may be my answer. It clips on to your pant or shorts with just enough storage for your credit cards, id, keys, mp3 player and money. This way I can stop being a bra stuffer...btw metrocards are sweat resistant up to 12 miles :). Most shorts and pants don't have the proper storage for things besides gus and gels, but this looks great for when I don't want to bring my bulky fuel belt!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250380541073789218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CT12SqGqePQ/SN0ZSM5TkSI/AAAAAAAABAA/oda1XYoYcOs/s320/080.gif" border="0" />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265664103349060472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355946412316593381.post-39382188449651834082008-09-26T05:34:00.001-11:002008-09-26T05:34:58.018-11:00New Britney Spears SongThoughts?<br /><br /><a href="http://z100.elvisduran.com/pages/news/britneyspears/">http://z100.elvisduran.com/pages/news/britneyspears/</a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265664103349060472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355946412316593381.post-3971126693194585172008-09-24T16:12:00.003-11:002008-09-24T17:01:05.399-11:00The Joy of Running (and Walking)<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CT12SqGqePQ/SNsCmCsnGJI/AAAAAAAAA_4/EniaIjee2hg/s1600-h/mfm.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249792643212712082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CT12SqGqePQ/SNsCmCsnGJI/AAAAAAAAA_4/EniaIjee2hg/s320/mfm.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />*<em>Sorry for no "workout to try" yesterday. Work has been insane lately! But here is a new suggestion, get a massage! Nothing will aid recovery and get you ready to go again as if magic, like a good massage. It is a luxurious treat for sure, but so worth it! Especially during this marathon season, you deserve it! All those aches and pains will melt away and your body will release toxins, leaving you feeling relaxed, balanced and calm, yet invigorated and ready for anything.</em><br /><br /> Long before I ever thought I would run a mile just for fun, I loved walking. I walked and walked for years before I finally committed myself to learning to run--as I have mentioned running does not come naturally to be--AT ALL. Obviously, I managed to somehow overcome my mental and physical (running induced asthma) barriers with running, and I now enjoy it--<em>usually</em>. <br /><br />However, running and walking serve very different purposes for me. That is why I like the book <u>Marathoning for Mortals: A Regular Person's Guide to the Joy of Running or Walking a Half-Marathon or Marathon.</u> Super long title, but it makes marathoning (or half-marathoning) so accessible. <br /><br />For me, running is a great social exercise. There is nothing like spilling a week's worth of built up gossip over a long run. When I am alone, I like to day dream, create to do lists, think about post ideas--sadly many of which never make it to the blog, go over conversations in my head, revel in the joy of my music. And of course, the best think about running: how good it feels to stop. I do love that high!<br /><br />But walking is my true joy, particularly in this short period of perfect walking weather, where the oppressive humidity of summer in the city as slipped away into cool, refreshing weather that is just a few degrees above jacket weather. For me, nothing clears the mind like a good long walk. That is why I make an extra effort to walk to work from Grand Central as often as possible. I often turn off my ipod so I can truly experience what is going on around me. I actually take notice of the little girls with American Girl dolls tucked under their arms (few scenes can warm my heart like the sight of that), the person walking 7 dogs, the delicious smell of the bakeries in the morning, the beautiful produce in the fruit carts, and the gorgeous flower stalls that bedeck even the most hole-in-the-wall delis. <br /><br />Moreover, walking gives me the chance to deal with the personal issues going on in my life. I can't seem to do that while running. Walking seems to be a much better time to sort out emotions, think about goals and aspirations, and detox from the stresses of the day.<br /><br />Great quote of the post, from Audrey Hepburn, who I used to be freakishly obsessed with to the point of intervention. I would say, I am now at the obsessive, yet functioning fan level.<br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">"I'VE NEVER BEEN FOR A WALK IN THE MORNING BEFORE. I'VE WALKED UP 5th AVENUE AT 6:00, BUT AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED THAT'S STILL NIGHT." Holly Golightly, Breakfast at Tiffany's</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Sad news! The NYU Biathlon was canceled, so I didn't get to test my skills. However, it may have been a good thing because it happened to fall on the last day of my 3-day juice cleanse, probably not the best time to be sprinting. I really think all things work out for a reason. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Oh yes, the new website, slowly but surely coming along. By next Wednesday for sure. Lots of product reviews, training plans and FAQs await. </span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265664103349060472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355946412316593381.post-1520304715489578312008-09-22T04:54:00.002-11:002008-09-22T05:18:18.155-11:00Playlist of the Week:DMB!Okay, I am a huge Dave Matthews Band fan! I grew up in Saratoga and summer Dave concerts at <a href="http://www.spac.org/">SPAC </a>were kind of non-negotiable--as was being a fan.<br /><br />I really like Dave as a pop alternative, especially for the ellip. or biking.<br /><br />Pretty much the entire <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everyday_(Dave_Matthews_Band_album)">Everyday album</a> rocks for working out, but here is a list with a bit more variety. Generally in warm up to fast to cool down order.<br /><br />-<span style="font-size:130%;">So Much Too Say</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">-The Best of What's Around</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">-Everyday</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">-What Would You Say</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">-Dreams of Our Fathers</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">-Hunger for the Great Light</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">-I Did It</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">-So Right</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">-If I Had it All</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">-Where are You Going</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">-Say Goodbye</span> (my fav DMB song, and interestingly about the very same topic as my favorite Christina Aguilera song, <em>Get Mine, Get Yours</em>...weird)Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265664103349060472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355946412316593381.post-40562670881451630652008-09-22T03:00:00.002-11:002008-09-22T03:10:50.135-11:00Weekly Workout Wrap UpLo siento! Estoy aqui! Estoy muy occupada! <br /><br />Monday: rest day, walked to and from work-4 miles.<br /><br />Tuesday: test run (3 miles for speed, as discussed in post last week), 25 min. ellip, 10 min rower, arm flow series+flow push up, slim down on the road workout<br /><br />Wednesday: stay slim on the road workout--this always makes my abs sore!, 4 mile run, 2 mile walk to work<br /><br />Thursday-no workout :(<br /><br />Friday: walk to work, 30 minute treadmill run+arm flow workout<br /><br />Saturday-5 mile run<br /><br />Sunday-5th Ave Mile race (1 mile lol, it's a NYC marathon qualifier, so I couldn't pass it up);<br />spinning class<br /><br />Playlist to come. <br /><br />Tened una semana buena!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265664103349060472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355946412316593381.post-89483216874572466272008-09-18T15:36:00.002-11:002008-09-18T16:02:02.072-11:00Good news and bad newsOkay, so I was hoping that I wouldn't have to miss any posts and could just make a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">grandiose</span> announcement, but that isn't the case (bad news). I am in the process of moving to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">wordpress</span>, which will be wonderful. I have been annoyed that blogger has not made it easy for one to have multiple pages, and I just can't wait for them to get with the program any longer, so hopefully by mid-next week, I will be all set on the other page.<br /><br />Once I am all settled in, I promise it will be wonderful, detailed training plans, workout ideas, FAQs, more posts about nutrition, workout and product reviews, restaurant reviews, and maybe even some recipes from my pure kitchen. So that will be wonderful. As you may have noticed, I dropped the crack from crack fitness <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">nyc</span>, it was really an inside jock about the addictive qualities of a certain yoga studio, but it doesn't really make sense for the blog title, especially considering I have never done a drug in my life. Well illegal anyways.<br /><br />So I will post here, at a slowed pace until I can make the my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">wordpress</span> blog presentable.<br /><br />For a little more bad news, no workout today. I had to be at a work meeting early (and in a suit), and class ran late, past 9, so I didn't even make it to <a href="http://winningfriendswithsalad.com/">Kate's</a> b-day party...huge bummer. I have a lot of reading and cleaning to do, so I think I will take a gym <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">rain check</span>, my second this week!<br /><br />In better news, this morning I finally had the confidence to try on a pair of pants that I have been afraid to try on for 11 months! (I don't deal well with rejection, even from clothes.) And they fit...zip, zip hooray! I am not sure if I have added tighter muscle or the 3<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ish</span> pounds I have lost since starting <a href="http://onebodylifechance.wordpress.com/">Chandra's Challenge</a> made that much of a difference, but I will take it. I mean they don't fit they same way did when I bought them with the suit 3 years and 7 pounds ago, but I was pretty excited. That suit was really expensive, which is the only reason I didn't throw them out with all my jeans from college! Thanks for your constant inspiration C!<br /><br />I also must report that my obsession with Girl Talk is so out of control, I feel like a music missionary. I can only imagine the way I feel when I listen to Girl Talk is the way people feel on speed or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">adderral</span>. I literally sprint up the 90<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ish</span> stairs from the 7 in Grand Central to the 6 train. I can be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">sausaged</span> on the subway with like 3 <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">millimeters</span> of available personal space on any side, and I will be utilizing every micrometer of that bubble to bop around. I am officially a crazy New Yorker.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265664103349060472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355946412316593381.post-20821733869708023592008-09-17T05:34:00.004-11:002008-09-17T07:42:16.707-11:00Training Update: The Test<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CT12SqGqePQ/SNExqIieAgI/AAAAAAAAA_I/kcdOBdlYryw/s1600-h/test-pencil-school-400a061807.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247029640779661826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CT12SqGqePQ/SNExqIieAgI/AAAAAAAAA_I/kcdOBdlYryw/s320/test-pencil-school-400a061807.jpg" border="0" /></a> So I have two one mile races to run, a biathlon and the 5th Ave Mile for Road Runners. So I decided to, once again, take the TNT test. As I mentioned yesterday, I did this test for the <a href="http://thelittlerunnerthatcould.blogspot.com/2007/07/fast-times-at-team-in-training.html">first time in July 2007</a>, it is interesting that it was way harder for me then.<br /><br /><strong>Goal and Description per my former coach:</strong><br /><br /><em>Run from the S to the 1 Mile mark at a 'good speed'<br />You will do this 3 times. (that means you will run 3 x 1 mile fast , yahhoooooo !!)<br /></em><br /><em>How to run this Test? </em><br /><br /><em>This workout it's all about How fast you can run 1 Mile, simple as that !! </em><br /><br /><em>Of course, most of you never tried to run a fast mile, so You need to understand that when I say "1 mile as fast as you can", doesn't mean SPRINT for 1 mile, there's no way you can sprint for 1 mile. </em><br /><br /><em>You will need to figure out how far a mile is, and find out what's the effort you can maintain for that distance. And that brings us again to our 'breathing' use your breathing as your guide. </em><br /><br /><em>You know how you felt during the Effort level workout last week? Well…. you should feel/breath about the same or even a bit higher today. </em><br /><em></em><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">E1(effort 1, also known as recovery) and E4 (effort 4, anaerobic threshold)</span></em><br /><em><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">-E1is a really slow jog, the main goal of the E1 is to bring the heart rate down a quick as possible, so you need really bring down the effort </span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">-E2 will be a little higher Effort than that, it's more or less what we call our 'Easy' pace, the pace that we usually run when we go for our 3-4 mile run.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">-E3, will be a little higher than that, feels like you are kind of in the 'edge' of your 'comfortable' pace.<br />-E4 is definitely a challenging effort, you should not be able to talk much at all, maybe a couple of words here and there.</span><br /></em><br /><em>You have 3 attempts to get a good mile. Use you first mile to figure out things a bit. If during the 1 st you died/slowed down/crawled , you know you need to start the second one a little slower, on the other hand, if you are not breathing heavy by the time you cross the finish don't be shy ! push a bit on your next one. </em><br /><br /><em>You'll find out more or less how fast you can run 1 mile…<span style="color:#000099;">my addition: this can be important as if you ever have to run for your life, you will know how fast you can anticipate moving. </span></em><br /><br />Here were my results:<br /><br />I did this on the treadmill, so it is not as pure as if done outside, but hey.<br /><br />Mile 1: 8:05<br />3 minute walk at 3.8mph<br /><br />Mile 2: 7:40<br />3 minute walk<br /><br />Mile 3: 7:59<br /><br />Not bad, considering how much<span style="color:#ff0000;"> I hate to get out of my comfort zone.</span><br /><br />I did that on my lunch hour.<br /><br /><br />After work, I hit the gym for a regular workout ( I went to the other school gym, 'cause I really know how to live it up):<br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;"><strong>25 on ellip.</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>10 on rower</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>Arm flow weight series</strong> <em>(based on Physique 57 arm series)</em></span>, 20 of each of the following with out rest: alternating bicep curls, double bicep curls, alternating curls palms facing in, double BCPFI, bent over tricep extensions, 20 pulses with arms straight out behind you. Return to upright standing position, bring arms straight in front of you bent at 90, open to look like a football goal post, in and out for 20, pulse up for 20, upright row with weights, transition to overhead press with weights, transition to overhead tricep extensions, put weights down and transition to <a href="http://thelittlerunnerthatcould.blogspot.com/2008/09/if-push-ups-could-be-fun.html">flow push ups</a>.<br /><br />Then I did the <a href="http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/express/5-minute/stay-slim-on-the-road-express-workout/">Stay Slim on the Road Workout</a> with a couple extra ab moves.<br /><br />After that I promised myself a manicure for a job well done, showered, dashed to Sephora to do my make up and then meet up with friends for a party.<br /><br /><br />Tonight I have a <strong><em><span style="color:#3366ff;">running date</span></em></strong>! (Just a girlfriend who will literally chat me through 4-6 miles, my favorite way to run!)Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265664103349060472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355946412316593381.post-21030200567530276932008-09-16T06:29:00.003-11:002008-09-16T06:56:56.533-11:00If push ups could be fun...Move to try: Awesome Arm Workout<br /><br />This is a flowing arm circuit, so it is done at a fun, fast pace. However, you may need to read it a few times to visualize it before you begin.<br /><br />Stand up with feet wide apart. <br /><br />Reach hands to the ground and walk out to push up position.<br /><br />Push hips back, so you are in a downward dog position, with feet apart.<br /><br />Pulse back twice and then move body forward into push up position and do one push up. (Hands never move)<br /><br />Continue to double pulse back , one push up series for 8 push ups.<br /><br />Then do one pulse, one push up for 8 reps.<br /><br /><em>Advanced</em>, do one pulse, two push ups for 8.<br /><br /><strong>Drop knees to ground and bring legs together.</strong><br /><br />Push back to child's pose.<br /><br />From here, pulse back for two, move forward and push up for one.<br /><br />Now pulse back two, come forward to push up and at the same time lift right leg into air behind you. Repeat with left leg. do 8 reps on each side.<br /><br />To finish, drop to one pulse back, one push up forward. 8 reps each side.<br /><br /><em>Advanced</em>, one pulse, two push ups, 8 reps each side.<br /><br />Have fun!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265664103349060472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355946412316593381.post-25548517963850037152008-09-15T02:40:00.003-11:002008-09-15T03:16:37.993-11:00POTW: The One that Will "Change Your Cardio Life"<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CT12SqGqePQ/SM5t0zky0iI/AAAAAAAAA_A/6qiyPHUSivc/s1600-h/untitled.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246251369898365474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CT12SqGqePQ/SM5t0zky0iI/AAAAAAAAA_A/6qiyPHUSivc/s200/untitled.bmp" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>Playlist of the week</strong></span><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></strong><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></strong></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">Okay, so I got three recommendations for music...and they were all the same suggestion! In addition to these three amazing ladies (who are not bloggers--yet) Kate (who we all know (on some level) and love) also highly endorsed:</span></div><br /><div></div><div><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Girl Talk: Feed the Animals.</strong></span> </div><br /><div></div><div>I was assured that this will "change my cardio life"...and boy were they right. I can not believe I have never heard of <a href="http://www.myspace.com/girltalk">Girl Talk</a> before! </div><br /><div></div><div>Literally, the music is amazing. Gena was sweet enough to burn me Night Ripper and I downloaded Feed the Animals (the newest album). It is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girl_Talk_(musician)">a DJ who will mix </a>like 25 songs on one track, you might hear <em>Biggie, Kanye, Little Mama, Elton John, Dexy's Midnight Runners, Prince, Salt and Pepper, the Village People, Smashing Pumpkins and Faith Evans</em> all in one song. Great hip hop and rock beats are overlaid and underlaid to create amazing, and very familiar songs. I am not a huge remix fan, so don't freak out if you like purity!</div><br /><div></div><div>I literally can not get enough, I have been walking down the street with my ipod, grinning like a <span style="color:#ffcc00;">cat who swallowed a canary</span>. I attacked both my roommates, and since we share itunes, pretty much demanded they listen immediately. </div><br /><div></div><div>So you can't buy the albums itunes. But you can pay what you wish on <a href="http://74.124.198.47/illegal-art.net/__girl__talk___feed__the__anima.ls___/">illegal art</a> for <strong><span style="color:#33ccff;">Feed the Animals</span></strong> and listen to and buy <span style="color:#3366ff;">Night Ripper</span> on <a href="http://www.rhapsody.com/girltalk/nightripper">Rhapsody</a>. I just love when you hear one of those great cheesy rap lines like: watch out for my medallions my diamonds are restless, it feels like a midget is hangin' from my necklace.</div><br /><div>Okay, because that was not a playlist, more of the most enthusiastic recommendation of all time.</div><br /><div></div><div>Here is the actual <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">playlist of the week</span></strong>. </div><br /><div></div><div>So I mentioned that my friend gave me her ipod. Well 800 or so of the 1024 songs were country--and had to be removed immediately. No offense to country, but I can't work out to it. So while she hates hip hop, she is an amazing hip hop dancer and Crunch asks her to be in their DVDs all the time, so she occasionally downloads hip hop and pop to practice to. </div><br /><div></div><div>After serious scouring, I was able to find a few songs to make a pretty stellar playlist. I added the new Pink and Jessica Simpson songs just because I like them now. I forgot I can't access itunes at work, so I will add the link to the mix later..and make sure the playlist is correct! But if you want you can find it by <em>searching itunes in the isport mixes for Fitness NYC</em>.<br /><br />37 minutes total</div><br /><div>Warm up: <strong><span style="color:#000099;">Don't Stop Believin-Journey</span></strong></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>Fighter-Christina Aguilera</strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>So What-Pink</strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>Tell Me-Diddy</strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>Dip it Low-Christina Milian</strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>Pass that Dutch-Missy Elliot</strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>Break It Off-Sean Paul and Rihanna</strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>It's Like That-Mariah Carey</strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>Fighter-Christina Aguilera</strong></span></div><br /><div>Cool Down: <span style="color:#000099;"><strong>Come on Over-Jessica Simpson</strong></span> </div><br /><div></div>Sorry for the random photo, I needed something, and Sam's a DJ.<br /><div></div><div> </div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265664103349060472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355946412316593381.post-76583198329409652102008-09-14T11:29:00.003-11:002008-09-14T11:55:17.726-11:00Weekly Workout Wrap UpAnother week in fitness<br /><br />Monday: <a href="http://thelittlerunnerthatcould.blogspot.com/2008/09/rock-your-body-challenge-3s-and-5s.html">3s and 5s interval run</a> 5.2 miles--I think<br /><br />Tuesday:<br /><br /><span style="color:#330099;">60 minutes elliptical</span><br /><br />This workout was conquered Sean Covey Style (7 Habits), I began with the end in mind because I was feeling kind of blah. By 15 minutes in, I was enjoying myself. Sometimes it's <a href="http://thelittlerunnerthatcould.blogspot.com/2008/06/goal-setting.html">good to have a plan</a>.<br /><br />Wednesday:<br /><br /><span style="color:#333399;">2 mile walk</span><br /><span style="color:#333399;">30 minute elliptical</span><br /><span style="color:#333399;">15 minutes assorted crunches</span><br /><br />Thursday:<br /><br />40 block <span style="color:#000099;">sprint walk</span>--I was running late<br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Crunch Fat Burning <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Pilates</span> DVD</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Zumba</span> Special K Dance DVD</span><br /><br />Friday: <br /><br />I did my <a href="http://thelittlerunnerthatcould.blogspot.com/2008/09/rock-your-body-challenge-3s-and-5s.html">3s and 5s interval run</a>, but reversed the interval sprints and tempo runs, so it looked like this:<br /><br />1st Set<br />3 minute sprint interval (sprint 1 minute , jog 1 minute, sprint 1 minute) (7.5, 6, 7.5)<br />3 minute tempo run (6.5)<br />3 minute sprint interval (sprint 1 minute , jog 1 minute, sprint 1 minute) (7.0, 6, 7.0)<br /><br />Recovery: 3 minute walk or jog (4)<br /><br />2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">nd</span> Set<br />5 minute sprint interval (sprint 1 min., jog 1 min, sprint 1 min., jog 1 min., sprint 1 min.)(8, 6, 8, 6, 8)<br />5 minute tempo run (6.8)<br />5 minute sprint interval (sprint 1 min., jog 1 min, sprint 1 min., jog 1 min., sprint 1 min.) (8, 6, 8, 6, 8)<br /><br />Recovery: 3 minute walk or jog (4)<br /><br />3rd Set<br /><br />3 minute sprint interval (sprint 1 minute , jog 1 minute, sprint 1 minute) (7.5, 6, 7.5)<br />3 minute tempo run (6.5)<br />3 minute sprint interval (sprint 1 minute , jog 1 minute, sprint 1 minute) (7.2, 6, 7.2)<br /><br />Cool down:3 minute walk or jog (4)<br /><br />Whew that was killer-4.65 miles total<br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">35 minutes on elliptical</span><br /><br />Saturday:<br /><br /><span style="color:#333399;">30 minute elliptical (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">RPE</span> 7)</span><br /><span style="color:#333399;"></span><br /><span style="color:#333399;">1 hours <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">cardio</span>/strength workout video (Ultimate Video Workout by Kathy Smith)</span><br /><br />Sunday:<br /><br /><span style="color:#333399;">4.4 mile run</span><br /><br />Didn't want to kill myself before my first spinning class in a long time. The run was pretty great, and I wanted to do more. I ran to the Socrates Sculpture Park, my little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">LIC</span> sanctuary. The new exhibit was pretty cool. I am not one to pretend to get weird art, music or dance, but somehow, it all makes sense at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">SSP</span>. The former exhibit was more mainstream weird, this one is more weird, weird, but fabulous. Plus the people taking <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">pilates</span> class amid the modern sculpture adds a great sense of character to park. <br /><br /><span style="color:#333399;">Spinning class</span><br /><br />Loved it! I was a little worried because the instructor was kind of old and wearing a crop top, spandex leggings, slouch socks and a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">bandanna</span> headband, but her class was good and hard. And the music was stellar too, which is so important. She said she took it easy on us because it was the first class of the quarter and there were several beginners, so I can't wait to see what she has in store for next week!<br /><br />I will say I was annoyed that she kept saying to sprint with zero resistance. Sprint with no resistance is not only kind of dangerous, but ineffective. You really need some resistance to strength your muscles and up the calorie burn, even if you are sprinting. There is no point in just letting your legs fly around the wheel hither and yon. <br /><br />I am going to try to sneak into a class that incorporates strength and spinning that the gym offers. I will give you the full review on that since it is different than a regular <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">cardio</span> focused spinning class, which I assume most are familiar with. But if you have questions, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">holla</span>!<br /><br />PS I am pooped!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265664103349060472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355946412316593381.post-55215126263066663702008-09-13T17:20:00.002-11:002008-09-13T17:59:58.332-11:00Run rearranging and the death of an ipodSo today I had such grand visions of either a nice long run or doing the infamous "test run" to start preparing for 5th Ave Mile and mini biathlon. It is the same workout I wrote about <a href="http://thelittlerunnerthatcould.blogspot.com/2007/07/fast-times-at-team-in-training.html">here</a>, and I will be doing it again very soon, so more detail to come!<br /><br />Yet, neither happened. I am not sure if it was the sticky weather, my ipod issues (it's all about the great white screen these days), or just burn out? The world may never know. <br /><br />However, I decided to shift running to tomorrow. Instead I did<span style="color:#ff0000;"> </span><span style="color:#ff0000;">30 minutes on the elliptical</span> in the morning and then The <span style="color:#ff0000;">Ultimate Video Workout</span> by Kathy Smith in the evening. Love the video, great 1 hour combo of classic aerobics followed by strength and toning done at an aerobic pace. As always with workout videos, I mute the sound and crank the itunes.<br /><br />So my ipod has been on the fritz for several weeks, today I knew that it was a goner. I do not need a giant shuffle and the white screen was getting old. So planned to go to the Apple Store and pick up the new nano, since the timing couldn't have been better and the price has been lowered to $149--plus I get 10% off for returning my broken one. I figured I would have to suck it up, and find ways to save elsewhere--do my own manicures, brows and spread out my waxings and haircuts to an even more ridiculously protracted time frame. <br /><br />Fortunately, after having a lovely brunch with a friend a few blocks from my place, we got on the train heading to the city, and I told her that I was going to the mac store, blah, blah, blah. And she said she had an extra nano that she doesn't use anymore because she ran out of room and got a new one. Of course I took her up on her incredible generous offer! <em>I am such a hand me down kid, my blackberry is also a generous hand me down. But hey, I'm generous too, does anyone want a really old magenta razor? haha!</em><br /><br />So anyways that was really lucky. Then I had my second amazing dinner of the weekend. And my friend who gave me quite possibly the best cd of all time. I know such kind kind people! More on the tunes Monday!<br /><br />I have kind of enjoyed the laziness of the weekend so far, nothing crazy planned. After dinner I wandered around Virgin in a very nostalgic way. I used to dorm a couple blocks from Virgin. During finals, whenever I was stressing, I would run to Virgin, listen to a few songs, and run back home to resume studying. Tonight, I listened to more of the Jessica Simpson album...I do love Come On Over. I considered buying My So-Called Life and Laguna Beach Season Two on DVD, but decided to wait and look for better deals. While I was looking at all the TV DVDS, I was thinking about all the great shows I watched in my impressionable youth: Avonlea, Clarissa Explains It All, Daria, the Wonder Years, all so relatable. I swear Clarissa and Clueless played huge parts in shaping my middle school personality. Ah nostalgia, it is so sweet.<br /><br />Good night everyone.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265664103349060472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355946412316593381.post-22297627613984868302008-09-12T05:53:00.005-11:002008-09-12T06:48:43.748-11:00Deals, news, links, food, etc.We made it to another Friday!<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Here are a couple good deals:</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">*</span></strong>Try out running shoes for 15 days, risk free! <br />If you buy shoes from the <span style="color:#ff0000;">Finish Line</span> between Sept 6th and Nov. 16th you can try them for 15 days, and if you are not satisfied you can return them for a full refund. See styles that it applies to <a href="http://www.finishline.com/store/results/index.jsp?Ntt=15day2&N=0&Ntk=all&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&isSearch=true&Ns=P_SalePrice1&CID=6873_techRun&LID=all+techrun+shoes&ET_RID=237198324">here</a>. Plus they are having a huge fall clearance right now.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>*FEEL GREAT FOR FALL! </strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>An Afternoon Indulgence at <span style="color:#ff9900;">Physique 57</span></strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Saturday, September 27th1:00-4:00</strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Spring Street StudioInvestment: $110</strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">-signature Physique 57® class,</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">-Physique Yoga</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">-personalized skin analysis and invitation for a complimentary full hour facial at Bergdorf Goodman OR perfectly frame your face with the Brow Divas from world famous Damone Roberts Brow Salon.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">-15% off workout attire at the Physique Boutique</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">-one-on-one time with Tanya and Lois to answer your individual fitness questions.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>Food news:</strong></span> <br /><br />The <a href="http://blueprintcleanse.com/">Blueprint Cleanse </a>is all the rage right now. Not only is it the preferred detox for <a href="http://blog.spungle.com/2008/07/blueprint-cleanse-verdict-wow.html">fashion week</a> pre and post party <a href="http://www.fashionweekdaily.com/news/fullstory.sps?iNewsid=6611498">detoxers</a>, but Martha Stewart's whole team is doing it. My friend just finished a 3-day foundation level detox, and said it was amazing. I did a lot of researching--<a href="http://www.organicavenue.com/products/events.php">LOVE cleanse</a>, <a href="http://www.rawvolution.com/">the box</a>, etc.--and then I came across the <a href="http://www.cromulent.org/page/2">poor man's blue print cleanse</a>, which I am very tempted to try. As sad as it is, even the $65 dollar a day Blueprint Cleanse cost isn't too crazy, considering I often spend that on one meal out. It's hard to be a foodie..but at least I don't pay for gas! And let me tell you, I am excited for <a href="http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/one_little_west_12/">One</a> to night with <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.winningfriendswithsalad.com">Kate </a>and brunch at <a href="http://www.essexnyc.com/">Essex</a> tomorrow and dinner at the very best, <a href="http://purefoodandwine.com/">Pure</a>, tomorrow night! Man I need a cleanse, right? I am trying to first detox from Diet Coke in preparation, but not eating for three days? I am not sure I can do it. haha I'll let you know!<br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>Articles of interest</strong></span>:<br /><br />Okay, back to my GG obsession. Guess who got <a href="http://cocosteaparty.blogspot.com/2008/09/fashion-icon-of-month-blair-waldorf.html">fashion icon of the month</a>?<br /><br />And <em><span style="color:#3366ff;"><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1052234/The-flash-diet-Taking-photos-meals-helps-slimmers-lose-weight.html?ITO=1490">speaking of food here is an interesting article</a></span></em> for all you food bloggers that I saw on <a href="http://www.vitaljuicedaily.com/2008/09/10/say-yes-to-no-no-foods/">Vital Juice Daily</a>. Flashing photos of your pics helps you lose weight. No wonder all you fab food bloggers are doing so well! I can't even write down what I eat for a day--or until noon for that matter, so I just could never handle it, but kudos to those who can and do. You make my day more interesting. Just for fun, I'll share yesterday's dinner with you all. It was a special occasion, as you'll see!<br /><br />Thanks to <a href="http://www.katheats.com/">Kath </a>and Matt for the <a href="http://www.katheats.com/?page_id=1761">delicious bagel</a>. It more than lived up to my ridiculously high <a href="http://newyork.citysearch.com/bestof/winners/bagel">New Yorker bagel standards</a>--I will only eat (mini) bagels from H&H, Brooklyn Bagel Company and occasionally, Ess-a-Bagel. But even though it was in the freezer for three weeks, once it was defrosted and toasted, it was dense, chewy and delicious, with a subtle hint of sweetness that is so divine in wheat bread products. Way to boil, then bake Matt!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Jm1DMrd2QFN3z9FuYjxq9OyWz1G6sHdFJABIezMIzj6lb_2GZD_i1RxN3zTjF-mOlEowQHs4Fh508mBhAiH0LKz-lOyhVTtSNvEKIGagSx2r0EhI6xqcvYPbAH41tg1goBI24UukM38/s1600-h/food2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245180092143033346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Jm1DMrd2QFN3z9FuYjxq9OyWz1G6sHdFJABIezMIzj6lb_2GZD_i1RxN3zTjF-mOlEowQHs4Fh508mBhAiH0LKz-lOyhVTtSNvEKIGagSx2r0EhI6xqcvYPbAH41tg1goBI24UukM38/s320/food2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92hJGWAPSXfbaMCAqXDxsK-uWX-m5nMaePTp6L0kgmqFaDmP07xzOHws-0DJ4AzuejlrM6AFZVoGAgnri2iNsKCclwJRJ3b2v8uY7Wa9RkMu5xCe3OuGtlhEAnC00Zog4OjDJrKMuZSM/s1600-h/food.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245180094470620322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92hJGWAPSXfbaMCAqXDxsK-uWX-m5nMaePTp6L0kgmqFaDmP07xzOHws-0DJ4AzuejlrM6AFZVoGAgnri2iNsKCclwJRJ3b2v8uY7Wa9RkMu5xCe3OuGtlhEAnC00Zog4OjDJrKMuZSM/s320/food.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Clearly, I ate it Kath style, candles, place mats and all! Luckily, I was the only one home, I think my roommates would have made fun of me for busting out the candle lighter for a bagel! I have to say eating without another person, computer or magazine in front of me was a pretty bizarre feeling, almost unsettling. I better do it more often.<br /><div> </div><div>Sorry for the sprouts messing up the plate, yuck! Obv. Whole wheat bagel with whipped cottage cheese and cinnamon. Half a sliced plum. Salad with baby spinach, purple cabbage, sprouts, carrots, baby grape tomatoes, and cucumber topped with some balsamic vinaigrette. </div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265664103349060472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355946412316593381.post-47653796797864125892008-09-11T02:31:00.004-11:002008-09-11T03:00:06.170-11:00Just Call Me Joiner<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXYG2t-_ZJHb2NApRWjdlZcvfHXau9bvUwkT8nwEeYoi7uY5L4PHwUacUKQ9NcoUrJmsJP2pUF6oPFoR3HEcrJb0IUrzldVZ8fy_5a4mC2gOvc83nN3-TWuR_a9cEfo4LUcniFMBModQ/s1600-h/3637540_ori.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244763089421306658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXYG2t-_ZJHb2NApRWjdlZcvfHXau9bvUwkT8nwEeYoi7uY5L4PHwUacUKQ9NcoUrJmsJP2pUF6oPFoR3HEcrJb0IUrzldVZ8fy_5a4mC2gOvc83nN3-TWuR_a9cEfo4LUcniFMBModQ/s320/3637540_ori.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Wow, this week I flung myself full force into all NYU Athletics has to offer..and as we are a D3 school (except for fencing) with no football team, take that how you will.<br /><br />Great quote from Michael Ian Black at the Presidential Welcome this year, "I see the mascot is now a bobcat. That's good because when I was a student, our mascot was a violet. That sucked. I mean a bobcat can rip your throat out, what's a violet going to do? <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Aggravate</span> your allergies?"<br /><br />Nevertheless, I really missed exercising with others so I sent an email to the coaches of the <span style="color:#ff9900;"><strong>hiking and running</strong></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">intramural</span> clubs, asking to join.<br /><br />If you want some ideas of new programs or classes to join, check out <a href="http://www.timeout.com/newyork/articles/spas-sport/58201/motivational-seeker">this timeout article</a>. It has ideas for everything from running to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">kranking</span>. I thought the photo from Grease exemplified "joining."<br /><br />I also signed up for a <span style="color:#66ffff;"><strong>biathlon</strong></span> challenge on September 23rd. It is a <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>1 mile run</strong></span> on the roof top track and <span style="color:#333399;"><strong>swim 6 laps of the pool (150 meters</strong></span>). I am a little nervous, but I thought a bi would be a good test drive while I consider doing a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">tri</span>. Plus, unlike most, I am most comfortable with the swimming, so I am happy to avoid the biking.<br /><br />And I signed up for spinning!!!! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Yay</span>! Only one class a week fit my schedule, but something is better than nothing.<br /><br />I also signed up for two <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">NYRR</span> races. The <a href="http://www.nyrr.org/races/2008/mile/index.asp"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Continental</span> Airlines Fifth Avenue Mile </a>(yes one mile) and <a href="http://www.nyrr.org/races/2008/r1004x00.asp">Grete’s Great Gallop Half Marathon</a>.<br /></div><br /><div><em>Did you know running races is like riding rides in Disney World?</em> It is. There is always a picture to buy at the end. I just got an email <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">announcing</span> the photos from the Fitness run were available. This is too funny because the photos are incredibly expensive, horrendously unflattering, and sometimes not even you. You can <a href="http://www.brightroom.com/view_user_event.asp?EVENTID=34926&BIB=3118&S=230&PWD=">check these babies out</a> if you like. Needless to say, I will not be making a purchase. Guess which one isn't me!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>PS If you haven't taken a moment to remember those lost, feel free to do it now if you like. </div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265664103349060472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355946412316593381.post-74626934855056932212008-09-10T11:58:00.007-11:002008-09-10T13:04:30.772-11:00Running Book Reviews: Thumbs Down, Thumbs Up<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZuxE0yZLRw2STzIHNSX-4UUDRUMJSLa_J7DSa2gdYqH1kwWLx-pAXqNAG1ck27NUVkc6meJ8wjxOwmFaZyi8fa6QjpvZ6RLOCucYdjmKD4ol0aubQc801prY-ErdjDh_CXMqVwUuJC8/s1600-h/100_1518.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244531571041880674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZuxE0yZLRw2STzIHNSX-4UUDRUMJSLa_J7DSa2gdYqH1kwWLx-pAXqNAG1ck27NUVkc6meJ8wjxOwmFaZyi8fa6QjpvZ6RLOCucYdjmKD4ol0aubQc801prY-ErdjDh_CXMqVwUuJC8/s320/100_1518.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br />I found <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Runners-World-Diet-Ultimate-Eating/dp/1594862052/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1221087836&sr=8-1">The Runner's Diet</a> very disappointing, especially as it is put out by Runner's World, which is usually a great source of information.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>My main issue with the book is that in the corner it says for<em> both new and experienced runners</em>. This is not true, this is for people who have never run before and want to take up running in order to lose weight. Not for athletes interested in learning more about the best way to fuel their bodies for the sport. I guess I should have headed the amazon reader reviews! I think <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Runners-World-Performance-Nutrition-Stronger/dp/1594862184/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1221087836&sr=8-2">Runner's World Performance Nutrition for Runners:</a> How to Fuel Your Body for Stronger Workouts, Faster Recovery, and Your Best Race Times Ever may have been what I was after.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Madelyn Fernstrom, the author, makes good points on needing to start with a diet and exercise plan you can stick to. Her target audience seems to be primarily people who have trouble sticking to a program long term. The overall tone of the book was not inspiring or optimistic IMO.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Her coverage of actual nutrition is brief. However, she does make a few good points, especially that <span style="color:#ff9900;">runners do have to watch calories</span> and that <span style="color:#ff9900;">gels and sports drinks are often unnecessary,</span> even for those running long distances.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>One thing I found interesting was that she suggested a 50% carb, 25% protein, 25% fat ratio. This is so you have the carbs you need for energy, but the protein and fat for satiety. I think this is the best advice in the book because carb loading is so unnecessary, and if running makes you hungry, you want to be filled up! I will try to up my protein. </div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div>Her suggested diet plan was a 7-day 1200 calorie diet with fairly boring foods, and certainly not very much food! She does give a mathematical formula to figure out your calorie needs, so you can increase from that starting point.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>On the nutrition end, this book was written for someone who knows very little about nutrition, however, my main problem with book was that there was hardly any running suggested. There was a walking plan and a very modest running plan for just twice a week to start. And even the "running" plan included walking. I am pretty sure experienced runners can handle 30 minutes without needed to build up to it with walking intervals. That was confusing, I can't imagine someone who had never run before feeling the need for a book about running nutrition. The book would have been more aptly titled "Here is how to build from walking to running a few times a week and lose weight with the help of a calorie controlled diet."</div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Okay on to the THUMBS UP review.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/What-Talk-About-When-Running/dp/0307269191/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1221089027&sr=1-1">What I Talk About When I Talk About Running</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I admit it, I love autobiographies. I just do! This book was translated, so I am sure the Japanese version was even more poetic, but I truly enjoyed this book. And as I have never read any of Haruki Murakami's other books, I am excited to check out his literary works. This book was relaxing an calming to read. It is not incredibly exciting, heroic or inspiring, like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ultramarathon-Man-Confessions-All-Night-Runner/dp/1585424803/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1221089057&sr=1-1">Ultramarathon Man </a>or<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Swimming-Antarctica-Tales-Long-Distance-Swimmer/dp/0156031302/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1221089085&sr=1-1"> Swimming to Antarctica</a>, but that almost makes it more relatable to the average reader. Nevertheless, Murakami has ran 25 marathons, so he is quite accomplished, but he is so humble that his loosely woven story of reflections seems almost attainable. Even the casual runner can surely relate to his thoughts about running. </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Here are a few of my favorite quotes: </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>"If you live in Boston, Sam Adams (Summer Ale) and Dunkin Donuts are essentials of life. But I discovered to my delight that even these indulgences can be offset by persistent exercise."</div><div></div><br /><div>"I'm the type of person who doesn't find it painful to be alone."</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>"I'm on a leisurely jog along the Charles River, girls who look to be new Harvard Freshman keep passing me. Most of these girls are small, slim, have on maroon Harvard-logo outfits, blond hair in a ponytail, and brand-new ipods, and they run like the wind....They all look so bright, so healthy, attractive, serious, brimming with self-confidence....Have I ever had such luminous days in my own life? Perhaps a few. But even if I had a long ponytail back then, I doubt if it would have swung so proudly, as these girls' ponytails do." </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>"I'm not a human. I am a piece of machinery. I don't need to feel a thing. Just forge on ahead. I repeat this like a mantra."</div><div></div><div></div><div>"You can not finish a marathon if you are half-hearted about it."</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>"Cycling training alone is, truthfully, pretty tough. Long runs done for marathons are lonely, but hanging on to the handlebars of a bike by yourself and pedaling on and on is a much more solitary undertaking...sometimes it strikes me as an intricate form of torture."<br /></div><div></div><br /><div></div><div>"One by one, I'll face the tasks before me and complete them the best I can. focusing on each stride forward, but at the same time taking a long range view, scanning the scenery as far ahead as I can. I am, after all, a long-distance runner."</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265664103349060472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355946412316593381.post-38079132968201705392008-09-09T08:36:00.002-11:002008-09-09T08:38:41.558-11:00Just in: New NanoApple is <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2330040,00.asp">launching a new Nano</a>. It looks a lot like the first nano+video! This is good news for those who like things slim and sleek; I was never a fan on the chunky square video nano!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265664103349060472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355946412316593381.post-91138542283957923822008-09-09T07:02:00.007-11:002008-09-09T07:45:52.212-11:00Does Wearing Heels Burn More Calories?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheira-wiJXfKVZsKl0DqAXsgu6uRPY5jIOwhu0w8K3SIPNm4vZVzCjzDTgKI0275LE5HHNW8BT-aP7MNxZfkVNqTFJR4cnei2G9Zo6Rsir_WJj2-n2A6hBIcAozv_uoqR-TGqqvMsyXpE/s1600-h/serena_blair_hudson_big.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244083968012109714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheira-wiJXfKVZsKl0DqAXsgu6uRPY5jIOwhu0w8K3SIPNm4vZVzCjzDTgKI0275LE5HHNW8BT-aP7MNxZfkVNqTFJR4cnei2G9Zo6Rsir_WJj2-n2A6hBIcAozv_uoqR-TGqqvMsyXpE/s320/serena_blair_hudson_big.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I don't even know if I am going to workout today since I have lots of plans tonight, including getting to see a show at Fashion Week. So excited, thanks Shane! So running around in heels, (0kay, I will be alternating flops and heels) may be it. After the show, I am going to a raw food class at Bonobos. If I get home and I have lots of energy, maybe I'll do a <strong>workout video</strong> or some <strong>stair running</strong>. Now that I sit for 12 hours straight on class days, stairs are becoming even more important in my life. Luckily (I type this with a note of sarcasm), one of my classes is on the 8th floor. But trust me, if you saw the lines for the elevators, you'd hike it too!</div><br /><div>Back to fashion for a sec, did anyone else love Serena's dress last night? I enjoyed every minute of the episode, I find season 2 much better than 1 so far. One was kind of painful at points!</div><div><br /></div><div>Since yesterday I posted the workout I was planning to post today I don't have too much to say.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>However, I am planning on signing up for <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>spinning classes</strong></span> (2x a week) and a <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>hip hop dance</strong></span> class (1x a week) at the school gym this semester. I hope I get in to the classes, I have missed spinning terribly!</div><div><br /></div><div>I also think I am going to sign up for the September 28th <a href="http://www.nyrr.org/races/2008/r0928x00.asp">NY Road Runner's Marathon Tune Up</a>, which is 18 miles. I am going to have to recruit some of my running friends for that one because an ipod just won't be enough. And if anyone in the NYC area is interested in joining me, let me know. You don't have to run the whole thing, you actually don't even have to sign up (it's a free park) unless you want to count it as a marathon qualifier for IMGNYC 2009. </div><div><br /></div><div>All right, that's all for today. </div><div> </div><div></div><div>JK, one more thing, I just downloaded <span style="color:#ff99ff;">So What? by Pink</span>, so I am excited to workout to it! Buying new music is always a great workout motivator, even if only to dance around your room! I am a little out of the top 40 loop right now :(, so if you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them. </div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265664103349060472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355946412316593381.post-26684957030017396772008-09-08T13:55:00.004-11:002008-09-08T14:28:20.372-11:00Rock Your Body Challenge: 3s and 5s treadmill challenge<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHez2Hp4UeUmYtzl-WdizoY6uzL2FzVH7NCW9YYhaVi5-zly7H-zdhoqjKy6GXIYXeyC4u6oJsPtXEfYDLxVsbHY78ajILrEvrV7qjweWvreuzemNumbALwrwjWVD21be_dJsXlur5Bw/s1600-h/281x211.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243819757227714962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHez2Hp4UeUmYtzl-WdizoY6uzL2FzVH7NCW9YYhaVi5-zly7H-zdhoqjKy6GXIYXeyC4u6oJsPtXEfYDLxVsbHY78ajILrEvrV7qjweWvreuzemNumbALwrwjWVD21be_dJsXlur5Bw/s320/281x211.jpg" border="0" /></a> I made up this workout last night and did it this morning. I was planning to post it tomorrow, but I was so excited that I decided to share it tonight. I mentioned I was a huge dork right? (As if it's not apparent.)<br /><br />So my goal for the workout was four-fold:<br /><br />1.) <strong>Easy to remember</strong>-I hate when magazine workouts are just all over the place, with times and speeds. This is a series of 3 minute and five minute sets.<br /><br />2.) <strong>Hard</strong>-I thought it was pretty hard, you should need the recovery intervals, but I have options for make it harder, easier or quicker at the end. Of course, the faster you run, the harder it is!<br /><br />3.) <strong>Not boring</strong>-you never have to do the same thing for more than 5 minutes, MAX!<br /><br />4.) <strong>A combo of intervals and <a href="http://thelittlerunnerthatcould.blogspot.com/2008/08/marathon-training-plan.html">tempo runs</a></strong>-calorie killers and fat blasters, respectively!<br /><br />So here is:<br /><br />I listed my speeds in mph in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">parentheses</span>--I get faster as my body warms up. But you should be sprinting at your personal sprint level, tempo running at a comfortably hard pace, and recovering at a slow enough pace to resume normal breathing in 3 minutes.<br /><br /><strong>45 minutes total</strong><br /><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;">Warm up</span>: 3 minutes easy walk or jog (4 mph) <em>Take this time to get psyched. Tell yourself how great your workout is going to be. You are going to get through it and rock it! Tough love version: You took the time to get on the treadmill, so make the most of every minute, otherwise you are wasting your time.</em><br /><br /><span style="color:#33ccff;">1st Set</span><br /><br />3 minute tempo run (6.5 )<br />3 minute sprint interval (sprint 1 minute , jog 1 minute, sprint 1 minute) (7.5, 6, 7.5)<br />3 minute tempo run (6.7)<br /><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;">Recovery</span>: 3 minute walk or jog (4)<br /><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;">2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">nd</span> Set</span><br /><br />5 minute tempo run (6.7)<br />5 minute sprint interval (sprint 1 min., jog 1 min, sprint 1 min., jog 1 min., sprint 1 min.)<br />(7.5, 6, 7.5, 6, 7.5)<br />5 minute tempo run (7) <em>You are more than half way WOO-HOO!</em><br /><em></em><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;">Recovery</span>: 3 minute walk or jog (4)<br /><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;">3rd Set</span><br /><br />3 minute tempo run (7)<br />3 minute sprint interval (sprint 1 minute, jog 1 minute, sprint 1 minute) (8, 6, 8)<br />3 minute tempo run (7)<br /><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;">Cool down:</span><br /><br />3 minute walk or jog (4)<br /><em>Take this time to congratulate yourself for all your effort, the hardest part of your day is behind you! Calories torched, energy up, and the lovely glow radiating from your cheeks!</em><br /><br /><em>Make it harder</em>:<br /><br />-add incline (even just to the recovery intervals)<br />-run faster<br />-cut out recovery segments or run them<br /><br /><em>Make it easier/and or quicker</em>:<br /><br />-Do jog, sprint, jogs for the intervals<br />-Cut out second tempo run after each sprint interval (saves 11 minutes)<br />-Run slower<br /><br />This was great with 5 minutes of stretching and 10 minutes of ab work this morning. I think next time I will jog the recovery intervals or add a steep incline.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265664103349060472noreply@blogger.com