A Healthy Speed Bump

In a perfect world, we would be able to follow our work out plans and training regimens to a "t", without interruptions. BUT, come on, that's just not likely. Life seems to throw speed bumps at us sometimes, and to that I say, "Relax, it's no big deal."

My speed bump this week came in the form of a killer cough and cold. I've been laid out for the past few days, unable to run, work out, or even get out of the house (except a quick stop by CVS for some meds). It can be frustrating to be stuck at home and feeling like I am falling off the work out wagon. Thinking things like, I have a half marathon in a month and a half and haven't worked out since last Thursday!! This is the truth, but I really believe that worry and stress aren't going to help anything. Obstacles can come out of nowhere sometimes, in all different forms. Just remember to calm down. When you can get back to working out, you will- maybe even with a little more motivation than when you left.

When life throws you a speed bump, just remember that it will only slow you down for a little bit. You can still make it to your destination in time.

Jot Down Your Workouts

One tactic I like to use to stay healthy and keep on track is writing my work outs on a calendar. This way I have a record of what I've done to both be aware if I've slacked off a bit, and also to see what I've accomplished (being proud of your work is great motivation). Personally, I use my iCal, but any calendar, journal, etc. will work. Here is what my month is looking like so far.



As you can see, my second week of August was a little lax (I was on a ranch in the mountains, nearest gym was at least an hour away), but after that I picked it up and did a 4 day work out week.

This isn't something that takes a lot of time to do. Just jot a quick note and move on with your day. This little thing has been a great motivator for me. I love seeing what I've accomplished, and believe me, when you're not feeling like you want to hit the gym, but notice you've only been once in the past week, you will get your butt to the gym.

So, try it out! I don't include my walks with my dog, but you may want to. It's your tracking system, do what you want with it!

Meal in a Muffin

This recipe is easy, healthy, and delicious. After I got an email from Nate at work saying, "mmmmm... Meal in a Muffin," I thought I should share.

I am yet to try substituting Splenda for the sugar, but I'm sure it will work just fine. Personally, I don't think there is enough sugar to worry about.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium carrot, grated
• 1 lg apple, grated
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 c olive oil
• 1/3 c sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 c coconut (I bought flaked coconut)
• 1/3 c craisins (or raisins if you prefer)
• 1/3 c chopped nuts
• 3/4 c whole wheat flour
• 1/2 c oats
  
• 3 Tbl wheat germ
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ginger
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg

Mix all ingredients. Fill muffin cups 3/4 full (batter made 12 muffins for me). Bake at 375 for 20 mins.

Get Up and Do It

When it comes to making sure you complete your work outs I've got one thing to say, "Get up and do it." By getting up in the morning and doing your work first thing, you will have less excuses and be more likely to get your exercise in for the day.

I've read this in many fitness magazines, but it really became apparent to me when I started training for half marathons. While training for these races, it's not the weekend long runs that are hardest to complete (actually, they are probably the easiest because you have a week to mentally prepare for them). The hard runs are in fact the shorter, middle of the week runs. The shorter runs are just as, if not more important than your long runs, but the motivation to do them can be lacking. This is probably because it's the middle of the week and we are usually our busiest. So to that, I repeat, "Get up and do it." Get your work outs done and move on with your rest of your day. You will feel refreshed and won't have to think of that pesky 4 mile run you need to do later.

Why This Blog?

Here are the facts. I'm not a Nutritionist, Personal Trainer, or Lifestyle Consultant. I am just an ordinary girl trying to live a happy, healthy life. This blog is not a place where I plan to dictate to you how you should be living your life, or the right and wrongs about health. No way. Not me.

What I do want to do is write about health in a true, unfiltered way: the ups and downs of weight loss and weight gain, the difficulties of implementing health into our busy lives, etc. I want to share recipes, workouts, and/or goals that I hope others will benefit from.

And, this blog is not just for you. It's for me too. With this blog I will be accountable for my fitness and health, to help keep it on track.

So let's do this together, one post at a time.