I can lift a car over my head!

Yesterday was an interesting April evening. I felt like I was working out in a sauna the entire time! I headed out for my simple 2 1/2 mile quick run around the local park and knew I was going to have a difficult time. This is because it was 87 when I left work. 87 in April! I'm all for warm weather, but not this warm this early in the year. I guess I'm just happy to be able to run outdoors (we'll see how long that lasts). 

I was able to squeeze in 10 minutes of rowing after my run and before my spin class. I did about 1600 meters (which is almost 1 mile, .99 miles). I was still gushing sweat from my hot run. Not many people walk into their gym already red faced and sweaty. 

Feeling tough after the spin class

Spin class was great, as usual. The instructor pushed us to sweat more than we did last time. I didn't go to class last week (I was sick), and it's crazy how much difference it makes (in a bad way) to miss a class. Plus,  I was still sweaty from the run and rowing. 

The instructor kept saying that he wanted us to feel like we could lift a car over our heads by the time we were done with his class. I like the little things they say throughout the entire class. It makes me start to tell myself the same thing. It was so warm in the class, it was like I never left my sauna. he class was completely full (10 more people came in looking for bikes, too), the fans were going and the ac was set to freezing, but it was still crazy hot/stuffy in there. I could feel the sweat dripping off of me. But, by the time I left class, I felt like I could lift a car over my head!

Driving home with the windows down (at 7 o'clock) allowed the sweat to dry off and stop dripping. I could feel a few layers of sweat cover my entire body. My legs felt the grossest!

How many times a week are you completely covered in a sweat dripping layer? What was your workout yesterday (or today)? If you could vote for me, for best blogger (even if you're not local), you'll be my new BFF (check out the right side of my blog)!!

Gift From My Gym

I did not want to go to the gym last night. In my mind, I had other things I could be doing that would be more important. Then, I realized, I'm more important than any of these things. The rush I get after a good workout is always worth putting small things off. I forced myself to go (I still didn't want to go while I was driving).

Since it was a rainy day here (and I didn't want to get wet, by running in the rain), I had 45 minutes to kill before my 6pm spin class. I had something in my mind since the night before. I really wanted to work my arms some more. I hopped right on the row machine. I wanted to see how far I could row in 45 minutes. 

This was my present from the gym last (the small blister on my right hand) night (mostly the row machine). But, I found out that I could row 5340 meters. I just looked up how far that is and it's a little over 3 miles. It's also how high the base camp for climbing Mt. Everest.

At least I know I can row to the base camp! I've always wanted to hike Mt. Everest (like I'd ever have the money to), but I've seen so many documentaries showing how busy it is up there. It's a very small "road", but busy like a freeway. For now, I'll settle to climb Mt. Whitney. At least that's in the US (and California). I'm more likely to do that.  

(right after he proposed. yes, we took our 6 month puppy on a week long backpacking trip with us)

When Jason proposed to me, he did it after we hiked to the top of Castle Peak (on our week long backpacking trip). So, we love hiking that much. So, maybe for our 10 year anniversary (only 2.5 years away), I can talk him into hiking Mt. Whitney...

After I survived the row to the base camp, I made my spin class just in time. I love that class. He always chooses such great songs and knows how to motivate the class. I can't wait until next week!

Are you a hiker or backpacker? We are. We're going for a small (weekend) backpacking trip in July. I'm not sure where yet. 

Do you get blisters on your hands? I usually get them on my feet, but rarely on my hands. 

Spinalicious Night

Last night was full of all kinds of sprints. It all started with a warm up mile and lead to 3 miles of sprints and then a cool down mile, on the treadmill. I was feeling pretty awesome. Some of you may ask if I broke the treadmill again. The answer is no.

Then, I headed over to the spin room and was greeted with a smile by one of my favorite instructors. His "to do" board indicated that we were really only doing a lot of heavy sprints for the entire hour long class. I walked in the class with a huge (but sweaty) smile and I walked out the same way (I did walk out with a lot more sweat, though):

We still haven't had the funds to get our heater fixed (actually we just need a brand new one), so we're using space heaters. they really do help. When we feel like the heaters aren't doing anything we walk outside and see how cold it really is out there. I think Mickey likes the heaters, too.

I'm excited that we get our fireplaces cleaned out next week and we can have really heat!I just hope we have enough firewood. 

How cold is it where you live? Since I live in Cali, it doesn't get as cold as most places. It was 34 yesterday (at night and 50 something during the day). 

Do you prefer sprints or intervals? I'm more of a sprints kind of girl!

A Recipe for Tired, but Loved Legs

My legs have been needing some extra love this week. I've been putting them through some stuff they haven't had to do in a while: lots of running, stairs and spin class. I love my legs!

I still have one more day of toughness to put them through. Tonight, I have my first long run of my season. I'm only running 5 1/2 miles, but I haven't ran over 4 1/2 miles in a very long time. I haven't been in any sorts of training in well over a year. Buying a house and fixing it up has taken a lot of my time.

The above picture was taken post shower. I wasn't sure if sprints, followed by a spin class was going to be a good idea. I am sore, but I'm still in the beginning stages of  training. Friday is going to be a great rest day!

I ended up running 3 miles in sprints, which was a killer. I pretended that someone was chasing me down a dark ally. It was a real motivator. I was having a horrible time getting motivated to even go to the gym. But, I made myself and I'm so happy I did! I always regret it when I don't go, but I'm always happy when I finish a workout, good or bad.

Spin class was a terrible muscle breaker. During the last 10 minutes, I got a huge stomach cramp, I just couldn't take it anymore. I ended up leaving during the cool down (a couple minutes early). When I got had home, I immediately started the shower. Come to find out, I really had to pee. Once I did, the cramp went away (sorry if it's tmi). Thinking back, I did guzzle about 30 oz of water in about 1 1/2 hours. It's amazing of what will magically stop pain.

How do you love your legs? What's your recipe for tired legs?

My fat is Crying

A couple hours before I left for the gym, I was getting extremely restless at work. I couldn't hold still and all I wanted to do was run. I ran my 5k in 32.56. Not too shabby. It's my fastest time since I started my training (not my pr, though). I'm so proud, but not as proud as when I hit the under 30 minute mark. 

I hit up my spin class for the first time in about 3 weeks. It was a much needed class! Since I was so speedy for my 5k, I got into class early and taught myself a little somethin somethin. This time, the instructor was insane. He had us on huge hills and doing 2 minutes sprints on them with only 15 recovery between them (for 20 minutes and other difficult stuff to equal a 50 minute class). At least had a good song selection (which he usually does). 

Before I left work, I had a little snack. I tired my Honey stinger bar, I tried the chocolate and mint almond one. WOW!!! They are awesome!! They taste exactly like those little mint candies that you get at those Italian restaurants. You know the ones. It tasted exactly like it. I can't lie, I have a new obsession!

Right now, I'm cooking dinner and relaxing while the yard is getting watered and I have my calve sleeves on (which I'll talk about next week). Let me tell you, I have been getting some strange looks while I'm out front watering the yard in them. Not a lot of people run here, so I'm not sure they know what these are. They probably think I'm some crazy lady that has cold calves. 

Have you ever tried calve sleeves? What's your favorite type of compression? Have you ever had any crazy spin instructors (or are you one)?

2:15 Sprints Suck!

After a 3 week hiatus, I finally made it back to spin class. I hit up the stairs first, along with the ski machine and legs weight (1 hour total here). Then, 6 o'clock came around I was already found in the spin room. I was warming up. I'm glad I did, it was a crazy class today! At one point, the instructor had us do 2:15 sitting sprint. He said that he's never had that long of one in his class before. I've never done one that long (spinning, I have running). It was very interesting!

When I got home (from a total of a 2 hour workout), Jason was already home and out front watering the lawn (no sprinklers). He said that I was walking like I just off of a horse. I didn't notice I was walking funny, but I'm not surprised.

After last night workout, I feel super strong. I'm so glad I went. I never regret a workout (even if it ends in an injury). As long as I get out there and drip some sweat, I'm usually in a better mood than before. I am a tough woman and I can't wait to hit the warm streets after work tonight!

Anyone running the Sacramento Color Run in August?

What type of workouts always get you motivated to keep going? What's the longest spinning (or riding) sprint you've done?

What Not to Make for Dinner

A few years ago, there was this show on the Lifetime network called Cook Yourself Thin. It was a cooking show and the ladies always made a more healthy version of a common dish, and some new recipes, too. 

Well, I liked their show so much, I bought their book. Last night, I made sauteed spinach with grilled turkey sausage red pepper rosemary corn bread. 

I wasn't too keen on having peppers in my corn bread. But, who knows, I've had so many things that have sounded gross, but were really good. That's a pepper hanging off the spoon.

I have now learned that I don't like this recipe. I'm going to choke down the leftovers, but I won't be happy about it (I don't want to waste money and throw it away). 

You may be asking why I haven't blogged in almost a week. On Monday, I packed my gym bag, all ready to take it with me to work. While I was at work, my stomach started giving me problems. Since I'm not training for anything (no big races coming up), I decided not to push myself. I went home, showered and changed right into my pj's. Tuesday, it was worse. I think I got some sort of food poisoning. It wasn't as bad from my half marathon a few months ago. I feel better now and actually went to the gym last night. 

I did my normal routine, as if I never missed a day (or two). Since 3 people were on the stairs, I opted to the ski machine, first (instead of second). Once the 12 minutes were completed, all 3 stair machines were free! I hopped right on! 15 minutes later, I was completely warmed up and ready to start my mat work. Before my spin class started, I worked my legs with some weights. 

Spin class was great tonight! I sweat in some places I have never before! I never realized that my knees sweat. They were drenched (no, I didn't spill my water)! I left the gym feeling stronger than ever and in a super, duper good mood!

Over the weekend, Jason and I decided to celebrate having a night free! We made a pitcher of mojitos and bought some sandwiches and stayed in. It was such a nice night!

The weather has been so beautiful! I have my medium-ish run planned for after work. I have my shorts and tank all packed and I'm ready to run in the sun!

The voting is still going on, please vote for me (even if you're not local) and help bring me to the top!

How's the weather where you live? Have you ever heard of putting a pepper in corn bread? What is the weirdest thing you ever put in your food?

I heart Intervals

After work, last night, I headed over to the gym. I didn't really want to go, but I made myself. I'm so glad that I did! I really enjoyed getting my sweat on. I ran 4 miles as a warm up for my spin class. It was a good 4 miles. My Friends kept me entertained while I ran.

Spin class was great! I really missed that class. This (coming up) training cycle, I'm not going to stop going to spin class (like I did last cycle). It's a great cardio workout, and excellent cross training. My instructor old us that he's going to Vegas over turkey day weekend. Him & his wife are going to renew their vows, with am Elvis impersonator. How fun!

In this class, there were even more intervals than normal. He would change things up and make it fun (while listening the Elvis remixed songs). It was a fantastic class and I can't wait to go back next week!

When I got home, Jason was already prepping dinner. I hopped in the shower and when I got out, it was cooling. It seemed like such an easy dinner and it was so yummy.

It's called chicken with garlic, basil and parsley. Very filling.

What is your favorite class to take?

All Alone

After work, yesterday, I needed some extra energy, so I was very excited to hit up the gym. Plus, I hadn't gone to my spin class in over a month. When I got there, it was not as busy as it normally is (when I go at night, I go right after work, the busiest time). I went into the locker room to change and I never saw anyone. Usually, other women are getting dressed right next to me (very awkward).

I loosened up my legs with an easy 4 mile run, then headed over to hang with one of my favorite instructors for 1 hour (spin class). I took the class easy, since I'm getting back into it. I didn't want to kill myself on the first day back. Don't worry, I was a sweaty mess by the time class was over. We did so many intervals. They've really became my friends. I love them so much!!

I went back in the locker room, to get my stuff, and not a single person was in there, I was all alone. So strange.

This morning, I went back, and I was the only person waiting for the gym to open (usually there's a group of us). The person opened the gym 10 minutes early (yeah!!) and I was still the only person in there, I was all alone (very weird). I think that once I get into the gym, it's another dimension and people are disappearing. I worked very hard this morning. I climbed stairs (level 8) for 15 minutes, did a 20 minute core workout and ended with lifting with the legs.

I am going to go cuddle on the couch with my warm cup of coffee and try to wake up some more. You know, when you come from somewhere where it's loud and wide awake, then come home where it's dark and cold and people are still sleeping, you tend to start getting sleepy yourself. That's where I am at. After I eat breakfast, I could definitely go back to sleep.

What's your routine after a nice, hard workout?

It's All About the Legs

Last night's workout was a killer. I ran 4 easy miles on the tm and headed straight to the spin room. The entire 45 minutes was a huge workout (as it usually is). He had us doing 3 huge hills and 3 huge interval sets. This is also known as a reverse brick (when you run, then bike). I love these better than the normal brick. Those tire my legs too much, but I have to get use to the idea (some time in my life a tri is there).

I always leave the gym with a huge smile on my face. I never regret a workout.

When I was running there was a slight ache in my heel. It went away about 1/2 mile into the run. I cam home and iced and took some nsaids. I didn't want to push it this morning with some sprints when I have a long run Saturday. I have 11 miles on the schedule and my heel will be in perfect shape if I keep icing and taking the nsaids.

It's been super busy at work. When it gets busy at work, I get more and more tired. My job in mental and physical. Right now, it's a lot of physical. So, it's kind of like I'm working out while I'm at work, too.

Do you ever regret a workout? Have you ever done a reverse brick before? Do you prefer a brick or a kcirb?

Sprintastic Night

After work, I was determined to finish my workout I had planned for the day. I still had to run my sprints and take my spin class (my two favorite workouts). So, this wasn't a difficult thing to do. Work has been extremely busy, so this is a great way to let off some steam.

I got to the gym and changed. While I was in there, I heard some clicking noises. It didn't sound like a kid playing around, but someone walking and it was getting closer. The noise was right behind me and I turned around. It was some lady (not girl) in a bikini and high heels ready to go to the pool. Seriously, at the gym??

Anyways, I ran 4 miles of sprints and totally kicked my own ass (which felt great). I changed out water bottles (I need a much bigger one for spin class) and on the board, it said we had a huge, long hour of sprints ahead of us. Good thing I like them! Sprints actually made my booty feel so much better (from my hard ripped class on Monday). I was drenched with sweat when I got out of class, but I had a huge smile on my face! I loved every 120 minutes of the afternoon gym yesterday!

When I got home, I was starving! Jason was so nice to make me my salad, as i settled in and got changed. Loved all the yummies inside!


We finished watching Big Love and relaxed the rest of the night. I got up this morning, ready to go to the gym. I didn't really want to run (because my legs were so tired from the sprints), but I did it anyways. My progression run was really difficult, but I know that's what I needed. My legs feel great now! I hit some more weights after the 5k run (in 28:45). I lifted legs and arms and completed a difficult core workout. It was a great morning!

Just look at the smile on my face! So happy!! This week is so different than last. Everything is going perfectly (I hope I'm not jinxing it). I'm starving, so it's time to fix some toast, coffee and my banana. Off to work I go!

Short & Sweet

I had to take my parents to the airport this morning. I needed to pick them up when I was suppose to be getting to the gym. When I got done with them, I had about 25 minutes to kill before I needed to be home, starting to get ready for work. So, I hit up the gym for a little leg weights. I kept it short and sweet this morning. But, this is all I really wanted to do:

I don't know why, but I'm so exhausted. I guess, maybe because I didn't go straight to the gym and get my heart pumping, so I got tired?? Oh well.

I will be doing my sprints tonight, when I go back for round 2. I also have my spin class. I can't wait to shed some sweat tonight!

With your schedule, what time is the best for your workouts? Right now, I'm liking the 4:30 workouts. It's difficult to be at the gym that early, but it works!

Fruit Salad and a Booty Kicking Workout

In today's fruit salad, I had red grapes, banana, strawberries and honeydew. I love this combination. It includes all my favorite fruit (besides watermelon). What's in your ideal fruit salad? I had a fast 5k and a 60 minute spin class on the schedule today.I ran my 5k in 29:26. My (unofficial) PR is 29:23. I know I can run faster than 29 minutes. That's my next goal. In my 60 minute spin class, my booty was complaining (not gas) because I am still sore from Saturdays uber workout. I worked through the pain. My saying is "pain is worth it!". It really helps when I say this over and over. It gets my through the difficult times. I'm so glad that I'm back in the spin class. I took last week off because, on Monday, I felt like running my long run and the rest of the week, my big toe was healing. The toe is feeling so much better. I feel like I can run my 12 miles tomorrow. Now, I am not smelly or salty (thank you to my shower), and am just trying to prep myself for my 12 miler tomorrow. I'm pretty nervous. I think it's just because everything is getting so close. On the 16th, I have planned to go run 13 miles on the bike trail. That's only 2 weeks away. Once that is completed, I only have 2 wees until the race. Pretty nerve racking to me.

Every minute of every day, I have this race on my mind. I hope I can make it through 20 more days of work without getting fired, for being too distracted. Is this normal, or am I crazy?

One Gear

Another 5k was ran tonight. I ran it in 30:02. Not too bad being the day after a long run. Feeling good afterwards, I headed to my bi-weekly spin class. Loved it! They really know how to work you. I know that if I tried to do this class sans instructor, I wouldn't have nearly as much sweat on the ground. I think I prefer working on intervals (sprinting hard for a short time and releasing the gear) in class versus sprints (sprinting for a short time a pacing the gear). Our instructor had us working in one gear (for 1/2 the class). When a spin instructor has their class working in one gear, you know it's gong to be hard. He had us taking only 15 second breaks between each interval and 1:30 break between each sprint. It was definitely a tough class, but I loved every minute!

When I got home, I continued icing my knee. No problems or pain or anything, I just don't want anything to happen. Just prevention, not curing.

Paradice was so kind to send me a knee ice pack. I love this ice pack!! It's one of the best things that has ever been invented. It's soft and cushy and has beads inside. The beads don't melt so there is no wetness left behind. The best thing, I can walk around while icing. It stays on my knee while I do the things I have to do that night. Tonight I am blogging and making dinner while icing. This saved me 1/2 hour tonight. I love it when things make my life easier.

What is the best thing that has made your life easier, when it comes to running?

I'll tell You How Stronge I Am

I've decided that since my the running has been cut down (because of work) on Mondays and Wednesdays, I would see how fast I can run a 5k on these days. Today, was another great beginning to my running week. I set another unofficial PR. New PR is 30.04. That's 19 seconds faster than last week.

After feeling like a hot shot, I headed over to spin class. An hour later, I walked out of that spin room with a lot more sweat on the ground than there was when I walked in. I love these classes. They really get me to push myself harder than I thought I could. This is how I feels after days like these!

Last night, we had left overs. They were so good! My plate was empty in no time!

When I go to the grocery store this weekend, I will be buying healthier things and more veggies. Not sure why, but they haven't been making an appearance lately. I think I'm going to be eating chicken sandwiches the rest of the week (piled with a ton of fresh spinach). But, I guess my "yummy foods" this weekend fueled me well for my new PRs!

What's your favorite veggie?

Keep Going

Here's how I rigged my toe for last night's run (and tonight's). First, a normal band aid and to top it off, duct tape. I wrapped the duct tape around the base and then over the top, so it wouldn't be pushed forward and fall off. It seemed to work and I'm going to keep doing it until the blister heals.

My legs still feel good. They are a little tired, but it felt nice to run my 5k (30.59, not bad after a long run day) on the tm and then head to spin class.

I have 6 miles on the schedule for tomorrow. After today's nice stretch (3 miles), I should be ready for the 6 tomorrow.

Have you ever taken a spin class? If so, what type of music do you prefer to spin to? I prefer dance type of songs that I know (90's alternative).

Also, can feet grow as an adult? It feels like my feet are too big for my shoes, is this possible? Maybe that's why I'm getting so many blisters on my feet???

Little Changes Brings Big Results

It looks like I will be running on Friday. My knee only allowed me to run 1 1/2 miles. I tried walking about .1 miles, but when I started back, it was still a little painful. I'll see if this helps (hopefully it will). Afterwards, I did my PT while I waited for my spin class to start.

This class was one of my favorites. We had a sing-a-long to "I had the time of my life" from Dirty Dancing. It was so much fun. Our instructor threatened us, if we didn't sing, she would keep playing the song (it was a re-mix). It seems like something she would do. My instructor does still uses a cd (which kept skipping) and the other instructor, uses his ipod. I'm curious, all the spin instructors out there, do you use your ipod, or a cd?

When I got home, I put my bag down and this is what I found when I went to put everything away (only 5 minutes later). Scout really loves my gym bag. I guess she loves the sweaty stinky smell of my gym clothes and my stinky shoes inside.

I weighted myself, I am now officially back to my normal weight (from before the holiday binge). I'm making the life changes, I had once before. My knee is the only reason why I stopped my normal lifestyle of always splurging and not working out. Now, I'm back on track and getting ready for the 1/2 marathon (only 110 days from now, yes, I'm counting) and bikini season. I'm making small changes and getting big results. I love seeing results. It makes everything worth it!

The Best Thing to Happen to My Ears & a Giveaway

All day, I was really looking forward to sweating for a few hours at the gym. The time finally came. I changed as quickly as humanly possible and got right on that treadmill. A little while later, I finished 2.25 miles!! I'm slowly getting back there. I can't wait. I really want to run my first 10k next month. It's on Super Bowl Sunday at the local college. There are giving out some pretty cool jersey style shirts, too. I know I can, I know I can.

After the treadmill, I did my PT and then hustled over to the spin room. These are the bikes that we ride (in case you've never done a spin class). These are awesome bikes, but I heard that there are some that measure how many calories you burn and how far you go (and are suppose to be pretty accurate).



During the spin class (a the beginning), my instructor announced that I was back, to the entire class. It was pretty cool that he remembered my name (since I'm pretty quiet in the class) and even noticed that I was gone for about 6 weeks (because of my knee). I felt special.

When it comes to running gear there are a few things that I love and there are a few things that need to be upgraded. I was always having trouble with my earbuds. I've gone through so many sets, it was driving me crazy. I couldn't find a pair that would stay in my ears while I ran. I bought the cheap ones, and I bought the expensive ones. I never wanted anything that had to go around my ears, on my head or even around my neck (as you can tell, I'm a very picky person). Then, Yurbuds contacted me and offered a free pair. I was excited to try them, but not expecting much. I've heard that hey don't fall out ever. I've heard that before.

Now, they're one of my must haves whenever I run. There are no other earbuds for me! They have never fallen out. I have tried what they show in their video ( a person rockin out to music) and never!! Here I am with them around my neck before one of my races.

The sound is still nice and crisp, I never hear any outside noise. At the gym, some guy was trying to ask me something, and I couldn't hear him (he had to tap me on the shoulder). I love these things!! Best thing I've ever put in my ears.

Now, one lucky follower, will win one pair for free (it's actually a coupon code that is valued at $29.99, it includes shipping and tax). This is such a great product!! This is a must have for every runner!! I will choose a winner on Jan. 11th. Good luck!

To Enter:

-Become a follower (if you are already, let me know)

-Like Runners Fuel on facebook

-Leave me a message on my wall on facebook (and let me know here)

-Visit the Yurbuds website and let me know what color you prefer (I got the blue ones)

-Post this giveaway on your blog

This is my own view of this product. I did not receive any payment for my review

Road Trip to Vegas

This morning, I finally had my normal cereal. I enjoyed my Greek yogurt and apple for my snacks. So good. I love being back on track! It just feels so nice.

This afternoon, I had that sandwich I told you about yesterday. Here's a picture. Look at all the yummy goodness! I tasted like a deli sandwich, it wasn't a one time thing. I could eat this everyday!

Before I left for the gym, I munched on 1/2 a protein bar and rushed off. I ran 4.25 miles (in 44:22). It was a pretty nice run today. I really enjoyed it. It was my first run since Thursday. Then, I rushed over to spin class. The theme was road trip to Vegas. I wish I was really going. I love Vegas (except when I lose). There was a lot of fun songs (of course). It was a great class.

When I got home, I hopped directly into the shower, I was so sweaty and gross. Today was pretty chilly (66 degrees) and I was in a tank top and shorts. I was still sweaty when I got home, so I was freezing. I needed the shower in order to get warm. After the shower, I slipped on my best friends, my compression socks. I love how they make my legs feel!

I fixed another salad for dinner. I mixed black beans, carrots, small tomatoes, hard boiled egg and a green pepper. I added a ranch dressing from Annie's This was a great salad. It filled me up pretty good (sorry for the bad picture)!

I am blogging early today because I had an early dinner. Now, it's time to wash dishes, then catch up on my DVR. It's premier week! Lots of shows to watch, so little time!! Hope everyone is having a good night!

What did you have for dinner tonight?

Satisfying Saturday

This morning, I got up bright and early (at least for me), and got ready for my spin class. First, I needed to fuel for it. I fixed 1/2 strawberry Greek yogurt, some oatmeal, chopped almonds and fresh blackberries. I mixed everything together and finished getting ready.


Spin class was just what I needed, especially after all the yummy food from yesterday. I sweat like a pig in class today. I had 55 minutes of drenched sweat pouring off of me. I'm estimating a burn of about 550 calories in 45 minutes. I love our instructor. She knows what she's talking about. We had a ton of intervals and 2 hills. The hills were the worst. My legs were screaming at me the entire time. They wanted to stop, but I forced them to keep going. To get back to our place, I have to walk up a little hill, that was almost impossible today. The stairs were the death of my legs. They checked out for the rest of the day, good thing I had loaners (he, he).

After I showered and got cleaned up, I had a post workout snack. This included some yummy freshly brewed coffee and my banana crunch muffins I made last night. I found the recipe on Food Network. I love finding great recipes on there. I ALWAYS find something good to make, either for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks.

After 20 minutes in the oven, they came out perfect! It's pretty rare that my muffins come out PERFECT. I loved it. They were VERY hardy and moist. The perfect post workout snack.

Quite a few hours later, I had 1/2 PB&J sandwich on whole wheat bread. I balanced that with about 10 tortilla chips. I polished everything off with a bottle of ice cold, refreshing water.

A few hours later, I was starting to get a little munchy (I know I've been doing that all weekend). I had a first ever home made granola bar. I also found this recipe on the Food Network website. It was so easy to make, and it was only 15 minutes in the oven. Very quick clean up (my favorite part). They didn't hold together as much as I'd hope, but they were still very hardy and easy to eat.

Tonight I made another favorite, veggie hamburgers and potato salad. Once again, another winner. I make these often when I want something quick, and easy for dinner on a hot summer night. This is one of many go-to meals. No need for veggies on the side, they're all inside the burger, hiding.

While we were finishing up watching the movie The Green Zone, we had a bowl of Snickers Ice Cream. Ice cream is a weakness during the summer. You know, it's hot outside, and you want something cold to cool you down. Ice cream is the best. Actually Gelato is the best, but this ice cream was cheaper. Satisfying my sweet tooth. I am now finished eating for the night. I'll probably have a few bottles of water, but that's about it. Hope everyone is enjoying their nice summer night!

What is your "go to" summer dish?