Don't trip!

I went to Zumba today, my mother was there dancing like she does e/thing, with all her heart. She has rhythm that I, sadly, did not inherit. I do my best, I have a lot of fun and I burn off some calories. Today's instructor is a great Samba dancer, she's amazing. I wish my body could move like hers!

I thought I was working out harder at the end...

I burned around 289 calories and got the kinks out of my shoulders and arms. My right knee is a little creaky, I'm not sure how or when I hurt it yesterday. Maybe it's been the extra yoga I've been trying, maybe I stretched it out too much. I did the Oceanside Restorative Yoga with Melissa McLeod | DoYogaWithMe.com and it was what I needed. I had to turn off the dryer b/c it felt super loud once I got relaxed.

It was lovely, I will do it at least a few times a week. It is way better than a Margarita :] (ok, a little better).

Free, early and full of fun, what could be better??

I have to wake up early tomorrow, it'll be a fun day. My husband's off, I have a (FREE) 5K race in the morning, and I'm visiting my friend with my sister. I hope my knee gets better.

These 5K races are great, there's food at the end, a bunch of people (a crowd) and they announced that there'd be a couple of surprises this time around. I'm a sucker for surprises. Yes, I'll be there, extra early!

Knee, get your act together. We have to power run tomorrow.


My mother is coming over later on and we might go for another walk. We walk by the lake in the complex, there are a bunch of ducks and their duckies waddling around. They wag their tails when you pass by, they're spoiled ducks. You could feed a dozen with one! LOL.

Yogurt topper - Apples, Peanuts, Cinnamon, and Honey

In Mexico, we'd go to the yogurt shop and buy a big ol' tub full of yogurt and topped with granola, fruit, honey, and everything delicious. I was craving something sweet and decided to get some dairy, protein and fiber.

Apple, Cinnamon, Peanuts and Honey over YogurtServes 1


Ingredients
1/2 fat free Greek yogurt (I use Oiko's)
1/4 dry roasted (salted) peanuts, chopped into small pieces
1 small Gala apple, chopped
Honey (I used 2 drizzles of it)

Check it

Since this isn't really a recipe, there are no steps. You dump it all in a small cup/mug/margarita glass and mix it up. I layered it b/c it reminded me of the way we'd eat it back in Me-xi-co:

Missing my spoon.

It hit the spot. Crunchy, sweet, salty, tart... it's all one gal can ask for.

My Fitness Pal

Run to the Cemetery

I love ghost stories, I like to learn what people think will happen "after" we go. But I don't like messing with said ghosts. Today, my kids and I went on an easy 4 mi run on a shady and calm trail by my house. It's creepy, I won't lie. But there are a lot of families taking walks and cyclists rushing down the path. You never feel alone. I didn't even know it was there, until one day, I ventured and crossed the street at the end of my usual running path. It's pretty and wouldn't you know it, it also passes by a small cemetery.

My husband says MACE does not work on zombies.

It was an easy run because my body is still sore from my BodyPump class. That was two nights ago, come on, body! I did Candlelight Yoga yesterday night and I almost fell asleep at the very end. It is very relaxing.

Today's run, glad it's over!

I'm going to Zumba tomorrow and will hopefully run another 2 mi before it starts. I just need 5 more to keep my mileage at 15, no biggie.

New gear: Metro Gym Bag (GAIAM)

For all the crap necessities I take to the gym. Available in purple, black and green at my Target.

Today, I got GAIAM's Metro Gym Bag, I had been looking for a bag/carrier/strap for my yoga mat. The ones at the gym are rarely clean and you don't get a chance to pick the one you want b/c everyone rushes to get the undamaged ones. Yes, my gym is ghetto. But it's also $20/month (including child care) so I guess I have to suck it up, pack my MACE and my knife. It's all good, I'm from Houston.

Anyway, it was $25 at Target and from the packaging:

• Cinch cord on bottom for your yoga or fitness mat (mat not included)
• Large pockets with magnetic snaps for easy access (they're file style, you can fit a folder)
• Outside pockets perfect for water bottle and other essentials (um, I can fit a tiny sanitizer, my water bottle is HUGE, but it's only 24 oz)
• Inside zippered pocket and key ring holder (there's actually two pockets and one's stretchy, perfect for diapers)

I like the size and the handles are long enough to be comfortable to carry and not slip off while you're wrestling a two year old who doesn't want to leave the day care/play house. The pockets on the outside (front and back) are ok, they can hold my kid's juice cup and if I buy a slim water bottle, it will hold it well enough. They do have velcro so they'll stay shut, perfect for keeping my keys.

The other (large) pockets on the outside are thin and I don't know what I can put in them. They might fit a diaper or two, anything else will make the bag look really bulky and uncomfortable to carry.

What I liked the most was the cinch cord at the bottom. It's stretchy, though it looks like I may have to replace it with something more sturdy later. It does have a ... thingy that you can push down to tighten or loosen the cord. I like that even with the mat in place, the bag doesn't tip over or get all lumpy inside. It's roomy enough to hold your shoes, towel, a gigantic water bottle and other essentials like diapers, butt cream, and a change of baby clothes.

I'm going to enjoy using this. It could double as a regular purse! I mean, you can always use some relaxing time on your yoga mat, now I can take mine anywhere.

Bread Pudding Muffins (with coconut!)

Hm. This is my fifth try of peas and thank you's Chocolate Chip Zee Bars.  I have changed the ingredients but the proportions of dry to wet have remained the same.  I also wanted to add more fiber this time around so I added ground flax seed and wheat germ.  I also added two eggs because my bars kept coming out a little crumbly and I like the extra protein since my hubby will be helping himself to these, too.  I've also been adding almond butter (peanut butter didn't work out, too sour) but I ran out of it!  Dang.

Replacing half of the almond butter with coconut butter made the end result taste like delicious bread pudding.  Once again, I was not ending up with Chocolate Chip Zee Bars, which is a shame b/c they look really pretty!  But that's what you get when you change so many ingredients :|

Seriously, this is a ninja muffin. It looks like a typical healthy oat-ful muffin but then it goes, "Wham! BAM!" and it isn't. I have to say, these are dangerous in my kitchen. I love coconut (from shampoo to lip balm to coconut butter and milk) and I've had 1.75 of these already (as they were cooling).  My daughter ate the other 1/4 and she's deemed them "delicioso."

Coconut Bread Pudding
Makes 12 muffins but could be made into 16 flat bars

Yes, they stick to the muffin paper.
Yes, I ended up eating some of it trying to get the last of the muffin off.

Ingredients

Make sure to add chocolate chips at the end or they get mushy

Dry ingredients
1/2 cup old fashioned oats

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

3 tablespoons shredded (unsweetened) coconut

1/8 cup wheat germ

1/8 cup ground flax seed

1 scoop chocolate protein powder (I used EAS)

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

28 grams mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 tablespoons)

Wet ingredients

2 tablespoons creamy almond butter

2 tablespoons coconut butter

1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce

1/4 cup agave 

1/4 cup plus 1/8 cup coconut milk (I used Silk)

2 extra large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon chocolate extract

Check it

Pre-heat oven to 350*.  Mix all dry ingredients (except chocolate chips or they will melt) in a large bowl and in a separate cup/bowl, mix all liquid ingredients until there are no lumps.  The coconut butter will blend in once stirred for a while.  Add liquid to dry and mix until well combined.  

Add chocolate chips, stir some more and transfer to pre-lined muffin pan.  Pre-lined?  I used muffin cups because I can never get all the little muffin spots oiled right.  One muffin or another doesn't make it.

Mmmmmuffins!

I baked mine for 20 minutes at 350* and the toothpick came out clean.  When I ate one (not 10 minutes later) it was gooey inside.  It made me think of bread pudding instantly, I had been craving bread pudding but it's somewhat hard to find a healthy one at the local panaderia.

Each muffin comes out to 140 calories, but you can cut back on the agave or chocolate chips (or replacing them with raisins!).  I'm making these for my family (so I can run out of muffins and try another recipe!) so sweet stuff they are.

Eat me!  

MyFitnessPal

New gear! Garmin Foot Pod

Well, after $45 and a week of waiting, I received my new Garmin Foot Pod. It's tiny, the size of the nike+ receiver and the best part, you don't have to shell out another $25 when its battery runs out. You can replace it yourself! I don't know what type of battery it uses yet, the one that came in the package works fine so far, but this is the first time I use it. It also comes with a little carrier that you attach to your shoe laces, but I've read that you can put it inside the hollowed out sole of the nike+ shoes. Those shoes are pricey, I like my Asics, thankyouverymuch.

Here are some shots, sloppily edited for your viewing pleasure:

Nike+ sensor & Garmin's, really tiny!

Foot pod holder, foot pot and nike+ sensor showing their back sides

I worry the pod will come off?

Side by side, my Nathan nike+ holder and Garmin's

Some forums have mentioned that the battery dies a lot faster than the promised 400 (running) hours on the package b/c the sensor turns on once you start moving automatically.  I guess it's better than having to manually turn it on and off, but I'm not sure if I'll keep it on my shoe at all times.  I like the velcro holder better, it seems like it'd protect it from rain though that may just be my crazy self talking.  It's really light and I'm not picky about how many things are attached to myself--although the number is growing and it's bothering me a little.

So, the first use?  Pairing it was no problem, I didn't follow the directions (you have to walk away and let them meet slowly or somethinglikethat) and just walked outside, turned on the watch, waited for the satellite signal and then went to settings>general>accessories>foot pod.  You have the option to choose the distance to run so it can calibrate to your pace... I chose 0.25 mi b/c I ran too much yesterday.  I'm not sure how often I'll have to calibrate it.  I ran pretty fast b/c I was trying to catch up to my mother and kids.

I have a run planned on the treadmill (yaaaay) before Zumba, I will post results!

I feel better keeping the sensor in the Nathan pouch, the velcro holds well and since I only have one pair of shoes, I'll have to remember to take it off during Zumba or another class.  It'll be fun learning to up my cadence to go faster.  I haven't read enough about it, but it seems that's one of the two ways to properly gain speed (the other is to lengthen stride), though there are a lot of arguments on the topic.  It's tiring reading through them!  Makes me want to go for a run.

Ladies and gentlemen, it was an evening to remember.

Long story short, I completed my first 8 miles ever.  EVER, you hear?  This is the longest distance I have ever run in one trip.  I ran out of places to run on, the sidewalks would end and I'd have to cross streets (which I hate like I hate Smallville) to get to other safer running surfaces.  I ran out of water on mile 7, it wasn't too hot but I was ready to get home.  The front of my soles hurt, but I didn't die.  I came home and posted on my weight loss blog.

I started a little too fast but I'd only been running 2 mi e/time I'd go to the gym before class, I was itching to get a long run done.  And I was outside!  It was hot and breezy and sweaty and amazing.  I don't know how I used to stay inside the apartment for so long before.  Never again.  I added Gatorade to my water (just 1/3c) and I really think it helped, I wasn't super thirsty or ready to die.  It was a little sweet, but I'll take it.

The stats:

Yay!

Trip to Academy

I returned the "sport hydro belt" and got $22+ credited to our account.  Awesome.  I also convinced my husband to take me to Academy, he's such an enabler!  I ended up getting ALL of this:

Pictured: Christmas gift, Birthday gift, Valentine's Day gift (2013)

I got a cap ($17), fanny pack ($20), sport lip balm ($2) and MACE ($12).  I needed the mace, it's a scary world out there and my husband won't let me pack The Knife.  The Knife is a danger to myself, it's not huge or difficult to handle but I almost dropped it on my foot the last time he was showing how to use it.  No thanks, hubby.  I like my toes.  This MACE is made especially for joggers, but more on that on another post.

The fanny pack is HUGE and has different compartments, I'll have to take pictures of all the crap I can pack in there.  BUT, I'm not getting my hopes up.  I have to wait till my next run to test it out.  It'll hopefully be better than the returned item.  Though it doesn't have a water bottle, the width of the belt, size of the pocket, and reflective markings make up for it so far.

New Balance: Sport Hydro Belt - Review Part II

Sorry, New Balance: Sport Hydro Belt, you suck.  I mean, it had so much potential!  The pocket was huge and the zipper seemed sturdy.  The bottle leaked.  While I ran, it leaked.  When I drank, it leaked all over my hand.  I tried recapping it but nope, it leaked.  Maybe it's just a bad bottle.  A very BAD bottle.

When I drank from it, the water gurggled out.  There was so much air coming out with it, I felt I'd choke.  I did, once, but nothing bad.  The nozzle is also really hard, not good for when you're bouncing and running around.  I didn't like the bottle AT ALL.  It's also hard to squeeze, I'm used to my Nathan one.  The only good thing about the bottle is the red cap and lettering.  It gets 0/5 Bears.

The belt.  Oh, the belt.  It bounced around a lot, even with a heavy water bottle weighing it down.  I tried readjusting the straps, which seemed to loosen up as the belt rode up or down.  I finally got them tight enough but it was only because I pushed it all the way down my hips.  I felt it'd slip down at any second, it ended up going on the stroller.  The pocket was really roomy, I'm sad it didn't work out.  The belt gets 1/5 Bears because it had a super awesome pocket that I know I could fill up with stuff come race day (camera, very important!).

Also, when I tried taking the bottle out of its holder, I struggled so much I had to stop.  I was wrestling with the belt, it was hard putting the bottle back in, too.  I'm guessing the netting would get looser with time, but it's not something you can ignore.  I don't think I would drink as much water if I had to beat up the belt for my water.  I didn't, I ended up with 1/3 of the bottle full, I usually drink it all.

In short, I'm returning it today and visiting Academy to try on new belts.  I don't think this belt is meant for runners, it'd be great for walkers!  Having it tried out, I might buy it for my sister online (she walks e/day) but maybe for $8-$12.  It's certainly not worth $22.  Eh.

See Part I with more pictures on my other post.


Rating: 0.5/5 Bears (I would not recommend)

New Balance: Sport Hydro Belt - Review Part I

I bought the New Balance Sport Hydro Belt today while shopping at Target. I had been looking for a new... pocket while running. My jogging capris don't have pockets and the only place to put my phone in is a Micropack Satellite(TM) by amphipod, looks like this:

You can find it here online.

I don't recommend it unless you'll use it while walking.  As soon as you speed up a little, it starts to bounce.  It's the perfect size, it won't come off, but it'll annoy you to no end.  I dislike.

I've given it a lot of chances, but the only way it works is by making its pockets face your body.  Basically, clipping it on the wrong way.  It rubbed on my skin, duh.  Didn't work.

Sorry, Micropack Satellite, you suck. 

I spent $22 on the new (let's call it what it is) fanny pack. It's for running, so I don't think I'll be less cool. My street cred holds, thankyouverymuch. 

I don't think I've ever purchased anything from NB but it's great that they sell their stuff at Target. I don't like to always order online, it was nice that I could try it on in the aisle and bounce up and down. I did, a couple of times--to test it out.  A lady looked at me and turned away.  I don't care, I had to see if it'd be annoying to run with it.  No bounce, but we'll see tomorrow after my run.

I'm picky and crazy, I like red.  E/thing in my house is red except for the kids.  I like that the top and zipper are somewhat red.  Just saying.

Just in case I couldn't figure it out, the back has a list of all the cool things this fanny pack can do.  The water bottle isn't anything fancy, but I can fit in my Nathan one.  

The bottle is smaller by 2 oz, but that's ok b/c I plan on carrying an extra one and leaving it in the car.

There are a couple of cool things I wanted to point out, but what are words compared to pictures.

It's nice that it has "belt retainers" so the straps don't whip you as you run.

The cap drips if you turn it upside-down, eh.

Replaced it with my Nathan one.  Much better!

It fits my camera, phone and keys with room. 

I like switching songs e/4 seconds, won't use this.

I will take it on my run tomorrow morning, I hope it doesn't bounce!  It has a lot of potential.

Tavos and some healthy Ducks

My mother came over and we walked the kids.  I also took the loaf of bread that came out too "not right" and fed it to the ducks.  The bread was fine, but I was testing out the Smart Butter and I didn't like the taste of it.  Them ducks got some healthy bread, though.  We walked for 30 minutes and came back to bathe the monsters.  Very tiring work!

Earlier today, we went grocery shopping and I finally bought TVP and nutritional yeast, which I've learned is also called "nooch."  Cool name.  We ate Subway (again!) so we weren't starving, but my daughter doesn't eat anything lately and I had to try once again to cook something she'd eat.  It worked, hallelujah.

Tavos (TVP taco filling)
Serves 7 (84g, around 3/4 cup)

Ingredients
Filling
55 g green bell pepper
74g chopped onion
78 g carrots

1 cup TVP
1 can of chopped, fire roasted tomatoes (I used 1/4 c of the drained tomatoes and the juice--8 oz)
60 g of diced canned potatoes

Taco seasoning (I only used around half of it this time)
1/4 t red pepper flakes
1/4 t cilantro (I ran out, I usually use more)
1 t garlic powder
1 t ground cumen
1/2 t paprika
1 big pinch of salt
Lots of black pepper

Check It
You'll need a medium-sized pan, once heated, add onion and spray with Pam.  After a minute or so, add the carrots and repeat with the green bell peppers.  You'll want the mix to look like this before adding the tomato:

I don't like my carrot getting too sweet.

Add the drained tomato and mix around.  If you used the fire roasted type, it'll start getting hot in your kitchen.

After mixed through, add the 8 oz of the tomato juice and once it starts boiling, remove the pan from the heat and add the spices.  Then add the TVP granules once the spices and veggies have mixed together.

Continue mixing the TVP until there's no more liquid sloshing around.  Cover the pan and let it hang out for around 5-10 minutes.

If you're like me and just stumble around in the kitchen, you forgot to add the diced potatoes.  Well, the kitchen is forgiving, add them while the TVP is rehydrating itself.  I did, it came out just fine.

Here are the steps for adding the TVP, I was scared of trying it out b/c I thought it'd be hard to cook.  Not at all.

Looks like cereal!

Before it's been thoroughly mixed.

Seasoned and topped with forgotten potatoes.

Artfully decorated.

I like!

From MyFitnessPal!

I really liked it, we'll see tomorrow.  My husband usually buys Taco Bell on the way home and I hope I can replace that.  The filling isn't as salty, but he can add some if he likes.  I'll be cooking this more often, it's supposed to freeze well, too.  Double awesome!

Rest day and Celery

Today was supposed to be a rest day so I can do 50 minutes of cross training tomorrow before Friday's Big 7.  The Big 7.  Instead, I did some cleaning, baking, babysitting and visiting with my family.  My little (not so much anymore!) nephew graduated from elementary school.  About time, that kid is half bear, half human.  He doesn't fit in the school's tiny desks.  His dad is HUGE, all mean muscle and charm.  My sister and my BIL made that kid a heart breaker.  He doesn't believe me now, but he will see.

Anyway, I didn't feel like cooking but didn't feel like having Subway again.  Subway is close to us and it's the place to go when I don't want to cook.  At $7 for our meals, it isn't a bad deal but we have to save as much as we can.  You have to.  I looked in my pantry and saw a can of condensed creamed celery.  Ew, celery?  But then, Roni from Green Lite Bites came to mind and it was set.  She's awesome at stocking her pantry, cooking on the spot, and simplifying recipes so that even people like me understand them.  I copied this meal from her "One Pot Creamy Braised Chops with Rice and Peas" and her "Creamy Chicken and Mushrooms with Peas" recipes.  I wished I had used pasta and then baked it topped with flax meal and breadcrumbs.

I ended up with a lot of sauce left over (almost a cup and a half) but I may just leave it in the fridge for my hubby to eat with a sandwich.  He comes home HUNGRY and I'd rather he skip Taco Bell.  Here is how I made my Chicken with Celery Gravy, Broccoli and Brown Rice.  I paired it with some of my home made bread.

Chicken with Celery Gravy, Broccoli and Brown Rice
Serves 2 (plus an individual soup bowl)


Ingredients
Sauce (1 2/3 cups)
1 can condensed creamed celery
1/2 c fat free milk
1/2 c fat free, low sodium chicken stock
Salt and pepper to taste
1 t freeze dried chives
1/2 t onion powder
1 t garlic powder

1 chicken breast (mine was 13.8 oz raw) seasoned with salt and pepper, more garlic and onion powder

1 cup cooked brown rice
1 or more cup of veggies (we used steamed broccoli)
More black pepper to top (I love black pepper!)

Check it

It's dark in my kitchen, my phone has no flash :|

Heat up a large non-stick pan on medium heat, on my electric stove that'd be a 4.  Slice your chicken breast into manageable pieces.  I like mine rounded because they look prettier, don't they?  Season to taste on one side, and lightly spray with Pam.  Once the pan has heated up, place chicken pieces seasoned side down.  Lightly spray the unseasoned side and add your spices (if you added too much on the other side, you can skip it).

Cook chicken until lightly brown and flip over.  You don't have to cook completely, you'll finish cooking it after you add the creamed celery.

I love black pepper, I would travel the world for it.

Open up your canned creamed celery and measure 1/2 cup each of milk and chicken stock.  Water would work fine, but my husband was eating and I didn't want him to be all whiny about the fat free meal.  Men.  After the chicken has browned on both sides, put it in a foil pouch so it doesn't completely cool down.

Chicken, taking a break.

Add the creamed celery, chicken stock, milk and mix.  The creamed celery will be lumpy at first but as it warms up, it'll start thinning out.  Try adding a little milk and chicken stock until you like the consistency, you may end up not using the whole amount.  Season up.  I added more garlic and a little onion powder, some chives and more black pepper.  You can replace the dried chives for real chopped chives, I just didn't feel like dirtying up more dishes.  Let the sauce start bubbling a little, turn down the heat to LOW.

Boiling away.

After the sauce has boiled some, add the chicken back and cover so the dried spices have time to... blossom.  I read somewhere (how I learned to cook) that dried spices need time to rehydrate.  Taste the sauce, add more black pepper!  Or not.  I'm crazy about it.  I even take extra little black pepper packets from What-a-burger to keep in my purse.

You never know when you'll run out of black pepper!

Serve with brown rice with a side of broccoli and some of the sauce spread on top.  My husband kept calling it a gravy, which I guess it is, but it's a sauce to me.

I added a slice of bread because it had cooled and I just love bread.

Do you ever take a great picture, Nubia?  Nope.

Nutritional Information:
I used 1/3 cup of the sauce over the chicken.  The following information is only for the sauce made, a total of  1 2/3 cups:

Thank you, MyFitnessPal!  I couldn't cook without you.

This is my home made bread!  I really enjoy baking it, though it never gets to be the right size.  It's always a little deflated on one side.  I don't know what I'm doing wrong, it's my fourth try.  It tastes great and it's only 45 calories per slice.  I like it because it's a hardy bread.  I got the recipe from the manual that came with the food processor.  I subbed apple sauce and coconut oil for the butter.

Love me, don't toast me!

For the left over sauce, I think I may add some of the silken tofu to it.  The sauce tastes a little too sweet to be eaten like a soup, but it may just need some fat free, plain Greek yogurt on top.  I'll update after I have my husband taste it.

Run for Wellness 5K Series (May) Race Recap!

Man, am I awesome or what? Amiright? I beat my old time! Is this a PR? :) 

I had posted this on my weight loss blog, and I'm too lazy to try and rewrite what I meant at that moment. Please read for future proof that I'm crazy, you're welcome.


When I was 11, I was given the choice to stay in the US or go back to Mexico to wait for my mother to finish earning the money needed to pay for my sis' college.  An 11 year old, what did I know?  My biggest concern was school, how was I supposed to pass History class when all I knew was Mexico's?  LMAO.  I can't believe THAT was my biggest concern.  Cut to the first day of school, I realized I didn't speak the language.  Ooops.  


I thought I'd always get "D"s and that I would never be able to communicate or make friends.  I changed SO much.  I went from being social to being awkward and not wanting to speak b/c I had an accent.  Cut (come on, keep up!) to Texas History Class in middle school.  I got back my test and I'd gotten an 88.  That was close to an "A"!  In that moment, I knew I could do it.  I had done it already, I was just a few more tries away.  


Next semester, I tested out of my ESL classes.  By the next grade, I was in all advanced placement classes and getting the lovely "A"s I was so used to.  I went on to graduate with honors and blah blah blah.  I'm not a genius, I just worked my ASS off day after day.  I gave it all I had.  I said no to weekend parties or bar hopping on Tuesday nights.  I had to turn away from tempting friendships.


Today, the same "I did it" thought slapped me on my face.  I did it, I beat my 30:00 5K goal.  I knew I could, I had done it before.  But, life got in the way.  I'm the 11 year old again when it comes to weight/lifestyle.  I'm making a HUGE decision, I can either take a scary/time consuming/life altering challenge and keep working hard to stay healthy or I can give up and go back to my old safe/comfortable unhealthy life.  You can bet your cola I'm not taking the easy road.  (BTW, quick Spanish lesson.  "Cola" means butt, so, you can call your spouse a "cola" when s/he's being an ass.)


I realized that weight training will be a must.  Especialmente the core workouts.  I can't go any faster only relying on my legs, the whole body needs to be trained.  I want to place or give the winners a good run.  I could honestly one day place.  It will just take a lot of work.  Day after day.  Relentlessness work, but what is life without a little craziness?


I forgot to STOP my workout right after I crossed the finish line b/c the lady jumped me and took my bib's bottom.  She could've waited a little, she came out of f-ing nowhere!  I was about to punch her, she scared me.


Anyway, point is, I'm going to start weight lifting.  I know, long story short point.  Seriously, this is the "next step."  I'm hitting on an Eureka! moment right now, it's been a crazy week.

START line, it's the simplest races that are the best.

Oh, yeah, my time!  I made it in 29:18, though the race doesn't chip time.  So it was more like 29:26 for them?  I used my Garmin but like I said, the stupid lady distracted me and I didn't press STOP as soon as I crossed the line.  Whatever, new PR!

Back to THE MOMENT

While googling a recipe for "vegan oatmeal microwave cookie," I ended up reading Slim Down U's Living for Today post.  I'm always living in another time, whether it be the past (abandonment issues, etc.) or the future (career, weight, happiness, anxiety), but very rarely do I ever focus on what's really going on.  I never just get back to the moment and truly enjoy it.

But that's why I run.  When you're out there, iPod/running buddy/jogging stroller or not, you are by yourself and your body.  The real body you have, not the one you want or used to have.  You can't just escape that moment, the pain and determination grab on to you and don't let go.  I want every moment to be that intense, full of passion, indecision, determination, love and pain.  I want my life to be used up when I leave this world.  I don't want to feel like I was too afraid or indecisive to do something.  I don't want to regret anything anymore.

I don't know why I'm starting another blog.  I've already deleted four and each one has had a collection of bad moments. I don't want to worry about those, they're gone and have done what they were supposed to do.  I'm done with those memories and worries.  I want to continue this new outlook of life.  I want to take a mental picture of every moment and enjoy the good part of it.  There's always something worth remembering.

That being said, check it.  This is my first run with my two kids in the stroller we bought on Craigslist.  Double jogging stroller for double the fun!

May 25th, 2012

Amiright?  We were gliding along.  I couldn't control my pace, I was just so glad to be out there enjoying the weather and not having to rush back b/c someone was watching the kids.

I thanked God I could share my passion with them.  I never talk to God, but sometimes you just have to.  It was a perfect evening, we were all tired when we got back.

No run tomorrow, I have the Run for Wellness 5K Series race on Sunday morning. I want to beat my old time of 32:10.  I think I will, just to start my week with a Kick Ass Moment, also referred to as a KAM.

Chupacabra de Houston 10K - Race Recap

The bridge right at the start and right before getting to safety
at the end of race :]

Race: Chupacabra de Houston 10 K
Date: May 12, 2012 @ 8:30 p.m.
Distance: 10K
Time: 1:13:28.5
Average Pace: 11:49
Overall Place: 214
Course Map:

Check out the two cemeteries!  I didn't find out about these until today...

This was my first trail race ever.  It was also the first one done at night, in the middle of nowhere, wearing a head light and the wrong shoes.  I am very lucky I didn't twist anything or get eaten by some random wildlife.  I was so happy when I started, then I hit some mud and then I almost hit a trunk that came out of nowhere.  I finished faster than I thought I would and beat my old 10K time (1:20something).  I was scared, it fueled me like nothing else.

From my weight loss blog:

"Mud!" "Hole!" "Branch!"  

Seriously, that's all I could hear on the run. It was muddy around 20% of the trail and I mean that you could've-lost-a-shoe muddy. It was CRAZY! It was like... I must imagine this is why we all still run today, there is something so primal about it. Just following a pack. It didn't rain (YAY) but trail running, I learned, is for hardcore people only. No wimps allowed.

People were so awesome, e/one kept an eye out for people who either fell or tripped. I felt safe, until I got ahead of the slowish group and behind the faster group. It sucked, I had to choose which group I wanted to race with (not enough light to light up the path by myself) and well, I chose the faster group. I paced and kept my eyes on the path as much as possible but come on, you have to take a look and wonder what's hiding in the complete darkness on both sides of the path. Nothing good!

I finished in 1:13:03, I was so happy I finished. I passed a couple of people right at the end. I was just so happy it was over! My shoes are not made to run on trails over roots and around pot holes. They are super muddy and my right ankle is cranky. I had around 15 chances to twist it but was being looked over by the running gods. Woot.

I have my splits, b/c I finally got it right on my Garmin. I created a workout with no target, just with 6 laps (1 mi each). It was easy and saved me having to press LAP when I passed a marker. Although it would've been nice to hit LAP after each sign. The race was great. My friends and I agreed we'd do it together next year. We each went our way, I'm glad. It was our own experience, I just kept thinking, "THIS IS SO F-ING AWE-SOME!!!! I have to do this e/night!" Then mile 3 came around and I thought I was crazy. 3 miles of mud shut me up.

Anyway, laps and then shower. We just got home, we're pooped and muddy. We're like Amazonian women, ready to kick some ass! My other 10K time was around 1:29:something. I beat that!

Here are my splits, it was the first race using my Garmin watch.  It was the awesomest race ever, I'll be there next year!  No pictures b/c I had no where to keep my camera :(

There were SO many people on the first mile

Here are the restrooms/showers.  There were killer moths in there.

Yeaaaahhh, this is when we realized we were completely unprepared for trail running.

We didn't spots any snakes, *whew*  And yes, I'm signing up for next year's as soon as it is posted on their Facebook page!

Cinco de Mayo 5K Run - Race Recap

Race: Cinco de Mayo 5K Run
Date: May 5, 2012 @ 7:30 a.m.
Distance: 5K
Time: 32:14
Average Pace: 10:23
Course Map:

It seemed endless.

Well, it was one of "learned something new today" type of races. Let me share, bullet point sty-lah!
ALWAYS put your clothes out for yourself the night before so you can sneak out (Ninja style) out of your home w/o waking up your little ones. 

•  I was wearing a pair of shorts I hadn't worn in a long time and while walking around my home, they started sliding off. I changed after I found my normal shorts in the laundry room.
• Make sure you ignore the rules about no head phones (ok, not if you're racing in the streets) because e/one else will be wearing theirs and you'll feel completely out of place without music when that's all you train with...
• Make sure you turn on your HRM before the race to make sure the transmitter is working and in the right place. I didn't and I ended up with no reading so I just turned it off.

How cool is this shirt??

Besides this greatly beneficial learning experience, the race was pretty awesome. The runners were mostly from three running clubs and they were all wearing matching shirts, so I kind of stood out in mine... My mom and I ended up taking a picture with the Mariachis! He let me hold his guitar, :]