50 Shades of Fit

First off, thanks to Ashley for tagging me in this. I think it’s a cool survey for us fitness minded people! The idea behind it is that everyone’s definition of fit is different, and everyone has a fitness journey.

So-onto the questions! (Note: when I read Ashley’s post I thought there were going to be 50 questions. Spoiler alert: there are only 4!)

#1. Currently, what does “fit” mean in  your life?

I think of “fit” and “healthy” as being a bit different. I think of “fit” referring more to exercise and “healthy” referring more towards the nutrition side of things. So to me, “fit” means progress, and improvement, in exercise. But to me, it also means what I can do it everyday life-so basically how exercise translates into life. “Fit” means I can climb the stairs without being out of breath. It means I can bike uphill to class. It means I can carry 10000 bags of groceries in one trip. It means I’m strong so I can carry heavy things.

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I can haul around this big guy!

#2. When did you initially get more interested in incorporating health and fitness into your lifestyle?

This is an interesting one. I’ve played softball, well, forever. Since I was 5. But in 7th grade, I got very serious about it. At the same time, I suddenly became a fast runner and PE was no longer torture to me-it was fun! (Note: I was very fast for a year of my life. I miss that-haha!) So I guess that was the first time I really enjoyed exercise. I even did track in 8th grade! When I got to high school, softball got even more serious, and I began working on getting faster, stronger, and quicker through speed and agility training, and weight lifting. When I started weight lifting, I also got a gym membership with lots of group exercise classes, and I started spin and yoga. I started getting into nutrition around this point because I wanted to fuel all my activities!

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#3. What are some of your favorite ways to get moving?

My #1 favorite thing is weight lifting. I LOVELOVELOVE it, and I love the changes that come. I also think it’s the thing I’m best at. I also love spin (remember, I’m certified to teach? I always forget this!). I like running, but a lot of times I find it frustrating because I remember my former speedy days. But I’ll get there again! Running is hit or miss with me. Sometimes I love it, and sometimes I’m just not feeling it.

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#4. In what ways do you inspire and encourage others to add some sort of fitness into their lives? + What advice would you give someone who is just starting their fitness journey and exploring what works for them?

I guess I don’t necessarily think of myself as inspiring, in the direct sense? But I like to think that maybe someone will see this little blog of mine and go out and do something! In terms of starting your fitness journey, I would say don’t give up, and don’t be afraid to try different things. Just don’t be afraid in general. When you first start, it will probably be really hard. But trust that it will get easier, and if you’re consistent, it will become a lifestyle. Trust the process! And don’t be afraid to try new things, or worry that you will look stupid. I know a lot of women,especially those starting out, are intimidated by the mostly male weight lifting area. Don’t be! They probably don’t care, and if they do-own it! Be badass! I don’t think anyone is going to make fun of you or think you look silly. If they think anything at all, they are more likely to be impressed. I have gotten weight lifting compliments before from random people! In summary-stick with it, try different things, and be confident!

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So for this, I’m going tag the following:

Cailee@Hello Healthy Eating

Christine@Apple of My Eye

Sean@Chick Getting Fit

How did your fitness journey start?

Feel free to consider yourself tagged!

Allergy Testing

Happy Friday! I meant to be around here earlier than today, but yesterday I was busy cuddling with this guy: IMG_7481

Yesterday I went home to go see an Allergist. After breaking out like crazy after a small amount of peanut butter, I decided it was time! They did an extensive allergy test to a million different foods, and sure enough, I had some reaction to nuts. The reaction was really minor so my throat isn’t going to swell up or anything like that, but he wants me to aggressively cut out all traces of nuts for at least a year, in the hopes that I’ll grow out of it. So no more almond milk for me! And a lot more label reading! I also tested a minor allergy to blueberries and carrots…AKA 2/4 of my top favorite foods (mangoes, avocado, blueberries, roasted carrots). Apparently the DNA of blueberry and carrots looks very similar to that of pollen, so my body is likely recognizing it as pollen. I’ve never noticed any issues though, and he said cooking carrots should make them fine. So I GUESS if I HAVE to roast carrots, I’ll do it. 😉 IMG_6706

So basically what I got out of the appointment is I shouldn’t go super crazy on blueberries, and I should roast my carrots-but more importantly I need to avoid ALL traces of nuts for 12-18 months. In terms of food, here is yesterday’s breakfast: IMG_7476

An English muffin sandwich with cream cheese and hard boiled egg, plus pineapple. And since I was home for my allergy appointment anyways, I got to enjoy a home cooked meal! On the menu was cheese soufflés, thyme mushrooms, and an herb salad with fancy lemon scented olive oil and aged white balsamic. IMG_7478 IMG_7479

Dessert tasted much better than it looked-I melted some Easter candy (which I left all of at home) over some vanilla frozen yogurt. Delicious! IMG_7480

On the fitness front, I’m STILL sore from doing 10 sprints on Wednesday. Clearly, I need to do more of that! I think that’s one big way I can increase my speed! This morning, I had the intention of doing a hilly 5 mile run but I spent too much time eating carrots pre-run, so I cut it to a flat 4 miles. Yes, carrots make great pre-run food. Plus I’m out of granola bars. And bananas. And anything else that wouldn’t require me to make it at 7am. My legs felt kind of heavy. I’m not sure if it’s the soreness or I’m just out of shape because I haven’t run a ton lately. On the plus side, I had a 5 pound PR on my press at Crossfit tonight! On the life front, I’m playing Assassins with my dorm. For those that aren’t familiar with the game, everyone is assigned a “target” and has to “eliminate” the target with their water gun in a certain amount of time, while avoiding getting “killed.” I have until tonight to do it, but I never see my target! So we shall see. Meanwhile, I’ll be watching my back. IMG_7489

Also on the life front, I’m entering my 20s tomorrow! I feel like a new decade is the time for a fresh start. Or something. Time to make big life changes. My roommate had a great point-next year, maybe I can celebrate my 21st by eating peanuts! Haha. I think my goal for the next year of my life is to break my sugar addiction, once and for all. That doesn’t mean never eating it, or not eating it for a whole year. It means getting rid of my dependence and finding a healthier middle ground. So there’s that. Have a great weekend everyone! What are your weekend plans? Any advice for my 20s?

WIAW-Short and Sweet

Happy WIAW! Today’s post is going to be short and sweet (literally sweet!). Yayy midterm season. On the plus side, I’m starting to regain my Spanish (ish) accent thanks to singing along to lots of Spanish songs. I love Spanish music!

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…And that was clearly a relevant into to WIAW!

I’ve been feeling a bit uninspired in terms of blogging lately, and I think it may reflect the fact that I’ve been struggling to maintain good eating habits as of late as well. That’s definitely something to work on! I’m past the point in my life where I freak out about my eating habits sliding, and instead I just accept that it happens and eventually will work itself out. More veggies are in order-that usually helps!

So, here are some shots from the past couple of days!

A cappuccino was clearly in order on  Monday morning…

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The craziest thing happened…I drank beet juice and didn’t hate it completely! I keep buying vegetable juice thinking I’m going to like it, and more often than not, this isn’t the case. This was was pretty good-beets, apples, cranberries, cucumbers, and ginger among other things I’m most likely forgetting. And it was such a pretty color!

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Dining hall dinners are, as always, a thing. This one was fairly unexciting-quinoa, salad, roasted cinnamon carrots (ok, those were exciting), and overcooked fish.

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Monday night, a late night bout of deliciousness happened. We have a place on campus open late, and I’ve seen people before with these incredible, giant, chocolately creations, so with the help of my sister, it was time to try it out. This was a HOT gooey brownie, topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce. It was as good as it sounds. Sadly, the ice cream fell off before I could get a good picture!

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This morning, I did a track workout. I did 5x1000m at a 10k pace. I’m liking the 10k pace for longer track workouts or for longer intervals. It’s much easier mentally to not totally be dying! Plus, not dying is good since I’m just getting back into speed work! After my workout, I made what is probably my new favorite breakfast: quinoa (Trader Joe’s has pre-cooked frozen, for those of us without kitchens, or who are lazy-I won’t judge!), kale, tomato, and basil, mixed up and topped with roasted sunflower seeds. The fresh basil totally makes this dish!

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Today was an absolutely beautiful day. Or a hot day, depending on your opinion. It was 90-but I’ve spent so many years roasting my brains out at hot softball fields (117-sounds like great softball weather!) that I think my body has permanently adjusted to not really feeling heat. Anyways, I spent the afternoon outside biking around campus and looking at plants for my Bio problem set. True Bio problems.

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And getting a tan. Clearly. Hah. I’m 99% sure given my skin tone that I have a much better chance of turning myself orange from eating to many carrots than getting tan. Such is the life of a person with an off-snow skin tone.

And here are some artsy-ish/I needed pictures to refer to later when doing my homework shots.

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It occurred to me that I have such a beautiful campus, and really need to bike around and take pictures of it for you all to see!

Afterwards, it was hot so the logical conclusion is gelato. Right…?

Salted caramel gelato, which i garnished with a chocolate covered pretzel.

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Dinner was a quick one thrown together by yours truly. A bed of kale, shredded chicken meatballs, a baby sweet potato, salsa, and of course, the most important component, avocado.

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…and now I desperately need to return to studying. So much for SHORT and sweet!

How’s the weather where you are? What do you eat when it gets hot?

Typical Mid-Quarter Crisis

Guys, I think I’m losing my mind again. I’m having my typical mid-quarter crisis. This is different than my usual one-normally it’s something like “I’m not good enough for this” and “I don’t know what I’m doing with my life.” This time, it’s more of “I don’t know what I’m doing with my time,” and “I need other non-academic goals.” So I spent a lot of time pondering my life and my free time, and deciding what I should be doing with my non-academic life. Suggestions would be welcome. So far all I’ve come up with is I need to think more and that maybe I should sign up for a 5k before I go to DC this summer to try and finally PR. I guess I just kind of feel lost-in high school, I played softball ALL THE TIME. I had goals, and I worked hard for them. And now…I don’t know what I have! I need something to work towards! Something with structure-something I can accomplish! Google suggested I learn web design. Maybe… In other, less delirious things, I FINALLY went to the Farmer’s Market today. I didn’t get that many things though. A few Asian pears, and dried persimmons. The oranges were also really good, but we get them in our CSA box, so I figured I would pass.

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I did get this carrot cake muffin though. Whole wheat, and free of refined sugar! And more importantly-no nuts! Although I think I sort of freaked out the person giving out free samples. She handed me something with maybe a single nut in it, and asked if I could eat nuts. To which I responded, “Not in large quantities.” Probably not the best thing to tell someone…. My only other food picture of the day was taken at dinner.

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Some type of spinach pastry thing, sweet potatoes, and cabbage salad. Over dinner with my friend, I discussed other potential goals for me to do with my life. We talked about trying to eat 300g of fiber everyday…or becoming a carrotarian, and eating nothing but mass quantities of roasted carrots. Somehow that idea didn’t win… Today ended up being a rest day on the workout front. I took a pretty intense nap-does that count? I think it was much needed! Now, however, it is time to return to studying for a Bio test tomorrow. Have a great Monday!

Food and Fitness Lately

Who’s happy it is the weekend? My weekend is super low key. I’m currently watching the Giant’s game on TV, and I don’t have a ton to do this weekend. My quarter has been weird-some nights I have a ton of work to do, but at the end of the week it’s basically nothing. Odd.

Since it’s been a few days since I’ve blogged, I thought I’d share some photos!

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The last of my Easter eggs! It only took a few days to eat them all, with the help of my roommate of course!

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Lunchtime coffee…which really was the main event but there was also a veggie sandwich in there. I did it for the avocado!

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Ok, I promise this is better than it looks. I made a little pretzel dip out of mashed banana mixed with sunflower seed butter. Super tasty! You could definitely do this with peanut butter, or any nut butter.

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One of my school’s cafe-type of places recently started carrying green smoothies. Clearly, I had to try it out. It was very mango-orangey! And definitely a bit chunky-my friends thought it was guacamole! I love avocados but I’d have to draw the line at drinking them through a straw!

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This cappuccino has a twist…it’s decaf! Crazy, right? This was the morning after I took Benadryl, so I slept REALLY well. Haha!

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Check out this new Trader Joe’s purchase-I just had to get it, didn’t I?? The verdict-good but surprisingly subtle. I put mine in eggs, which I will admit, looks a bit odd.

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So…the other day, I finally broke out my blender. I’ve been wanting to make a chocolate mint smoothie forever, and since I had fresh mint, it was time. So-I’m pretty sure the last time I used my blender was when I tried to make a chocolate mint smoothie and put in way too much mint extract…which was 1.5 years ago.

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In the mix was lots of fresh mint, cocoa powder, frozen banana, almond milk, and chocolate whey protein. It tasted just like a milkshake!

There was a bit of an…issue. My blender is a tiny, one person blender. It also has individual cups that you can screw into the blade to make the smoothie into a cup. I’ve never used it like that before, so I thought I’d try it because it would mean less clean up. (HAH.) Well…this requires turning the cup upside down. I blended up banana and almond milk, and was ready to add everything else…when I accidentally unscrewed the cup in the blender base…upside down. Which meant I opened the contents of the cup all over my desk. It was fabulous. Thanks to amazing reflexes, I managed to not drip it all over my chair and the carpet…but yeah. The smoothie pictured above is 2.0.

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Yesterday, the craziest thing happened. It rained. AND I didn’t have a race! This is the only time all year that it has rained without me having a race that week. I’m 100% serious. It’s also Admit Weekend, where all the prospective freshman come and stay. Why am I telling you this? I wanted something warm for lunch, at a place that didn’t have a million prospective students. A little cafe tucked into a basement in the corner of the quad was perfect. A tomato and mozzarella panini!

And lastly:

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I went on a mango run post-Crossfit. And also picked up a green smoothie and blueberry muffin. I may have to make this a Saturday morning tradition!

On the fitness front:

Thursday morning I did an abbreviated version of my treadmill workout. I haven’t done much speed work lately, and I wasn’t exactly loaded with time, so I did 7 intervals instead of 10 and shortened the warm up to .5 miles. In the afternoon, I had my last sound wave treatment on my Achilles. My Achilles wasn’t doing so well last week, but the good news is it seems to be feeling a bit better now. The treatment can actually take up to 3 months to work! So we shall see.

Friday morning I did a bit of Spin on my own. And made the poor decision to do a late night rowing workout after sitting around all day. I rowed about 6k (which would have been nothing to my former self) at like 10pm…So at Crossfit this morning my legs started out feeling heavy! This morning’s Crossfit was called “Lumberjack 20” which was the following:

20 deadlifts (I used 165 lbs)

400m run

20 kettlebell swings

400m run

20 overhead squats (I used 65 lbs)

400m run

20 burpees

400m run

20 pull ups

400m run

20 box jumps

400m run

20 dumbbell cleans

400m run

It was a long one! It took me just over half an hour!

That’s all I have today-I hope everyone has a great weekend!

How did you move this week?