Run with all the Colors of the Wind

WARM WEATHER IS FINALLY HERE!

And with the warm weather comes one of the many things I love to do: run outside. This morning was my first run outdoors in 2014. Don't worry though, the treadmill is still my primary method of cardio, however, there is nothing better than feeling the cool wind on your face as you push your body to the limit.

One of the reasons I find running outside so exhilarating is because nature has a way to make your run more challenging. For example:

• THE GROUND: A treadmill is soft on your feet. The cushion of the black belt is like running on a cloud compared to the cold, hard cement sidewalk or rugged trails at the park. It takes more force and effort to run outside.
• THE WIND: I was fortunate this morning that there was only a light breeze. This was just enough to cool me down as I began to sweat. Unfortunately, the wind doesn't always cooperate like it did this morning which brings me to my next point...
• YOUR LUNGS: Everyone up in the north, especially after this past winter, knows how much more difficult it is to breathe in frigid temperatures and through high gusts of wind. I vividly remember just walking across the street with a co-worker and each gust of wind took my breath away... literally! When I tried to speak, the wind was so strong it knocked the words right out of my mouth. Imagine trying to run like that!
• NATURE'S NEMESIS: Allergies. Enough said...

As the weather continues to warm, I cannot wait to run outside more. Being able to take in the changing scenery while rocking out to my favorite tunes is a great way to break up my run and make it seem easier.

One of the benefits of running on a treadmill is that, based on your speed and time, the treadmill will track your distance for you. When running outside, that can be a little trickier. There are many apps out for your smartphones that track your run. My current favorite, Map my Run. This app not only tracks my distance, but also my pace! There are so many other apps out now that do the same and more! Check out the below link to find the best running apps to enhance your run and keep you on track with your goals!

http://appscout.pcmag.com/mobile-apps/311148-top-5-apps-for-runners

Actually Elsa, the Cold Bothers the Rest of US

It’s been a while since my last blog post, which I apologize! Between the end of a grueling semester and a bad cold (thanks to the up and down of the weather) I have been MIA to the world.

My last post was all about my trip to Planet with my darling mother. Unfortunately that has been my last since. About three weeks ago, I had the opportunity to go to the far away kingdom of Traverse City for a weekend away with my friends and go skiing/snowboarding. Sounds fun, right? Nothing could go wrong, right? WRONG!

Just a little back story, for those of you who are unaware, I am not a graceful person. I can trip over my own feet like it’s nobody’s business. So, me learning to snowboard probably was not the best idea in the world to begin with.

Regardless of my lack of sporting abilities, I held my head high on the ski lift, awaiting my turn to fly down the beautiful snowy mountain with poise, elegance, and complete confidence in myself. Before I even get fully off the ski lift, SPLAT! Fell right on my face.

Over the course of the next two hours, I only was able to make it down the mountain three times… THREE TIMES! Not because I was trying to go slow, but I kept going too fast and wiping out. My last time down the mountain, all I kept thinking about was, “This is my last time snowboarding down this mountain today… I will rent skis.” Mid-thought I hit a snow drift and flew forward knocking myself out. I couldn’t breathe for about a good 30 seconds to a minute!

I eventually learned that I am better on skis, once I got up the courage to go down the mountain again. I felt like I was flying down the mountain as I would follow the turns and curves that lay ahead of me. I finally felt unstoppable, and I am pleased to announce did not fall on skis once.

I knew going into this experience that I would feel a whole new level of sore the next day. What I didn’t anticipate was having a badly bruised rib that would take 4-6 weeks to heal! So unfortunately, I have not been able to run for the last three weeks; however, over the past few days I have been feeling much better and am looking forward to getting the opportunity to get back on that treadmill! 

Erin in Neverland: My Adventure with Tink

Dangling her legs

practicing to

fly like Tink

This is a different kind of post for me this week. Unlike other weeks, I am going to tell you all a story.

For those of you who do not know my mother she has this fascination with becoming Tinkerbell at Disney World and “flying” down the zip line from Cinderella’s castle. This is on top of her past desires of being a dead body on CSI, being in the Olympics on the luge, being a back-up “booty dancer” in concert and countless other endeavors that lead to a very imaginative childhood. Since I’ve started my blog all she has asked is for me to take her with me to Planet. Yes, to workout. Yes, to feel the gym environment and get fit (not that she needs it) but most importantly, to be a character in my blog.

When I came down the stairs this morning dressed and ready to hop in the car and run my heart out, the first thing out of my mom’s mouth wasn’t good morning but, “PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE TAKE ME WITH YOU!” How could I say no? I just knew I was signing myself up for an experience.

So what happened?

• “You know, I was always raised, and raised you girls, to always think that less is more. Except when it comes to hot fudge. And jelly beans…”
• After our run we headed to the stretch. She grabs a stability ball and with her headphones still in, “IS IT OKAY TO PUT THIS ON THE GLASS?”
• Realizing she just yelled out to the entire gym, “Oops…”
• Background: Whenever my dad and brother hear any and all Metallica songs on the radio they both have this habit if yelling out, “METALLICA!” This is a habit that rubbed off onto my mom. Knowing that she can’t yell it out to the whole gym she quietly whispers, “METALLICA!” with a huge smile on her face and throwing her hands in the air.
• At age 51, still rocking it out harder than me.

My mom has faced and overcome so many obstacles in her life. She has had countless surgeries that baffle doctors, is a cancer survivor, the most stubborn and determined woman I have ever known, and a woman I can look to for inspiration as I struggle and strive to be a healthier me. That throughout chronic aches, pains and moments where you just want to give up, fight. So Mom, not only were you a character, but you were my whole post. I love you!

Second Bar to the Right and Straight on ‘til Morning

I was somewhat struggling this week as to what to write about. I have been regularly going to the gym, trying to eat right (emphasis on trying) and recent school deadlines have passed so I'm relatively less stressed. So that got me thinking. I am going to Ann Arbor this weekend and I know I am going to be doing some caloric damage through drinking. For those of you who don't know me, I am an extreme lightweight so after 1-2 beers I am feeling rather groovy. How am I going to get through this weekend without undoing everything I have been working so hard to build? 

I decided to take a lesson from Peter Pan: think of a wonderful thought… low calorie, low sugar, and low sodium alcoholic drinks.  Sounds too good to be true right? WRONG!

When going out to the bar with friends it is easy to get carried away and end up consuming way more calories than intended. So what happens when you play bartender instead? You GAIN CONTROL of your own intake. All you need is faith and trust… and a little bit of healthy thinking! Below are 8 examples of ways to make our delightful mixed drinks healthier.

1.    Instead of using juice packed with added sugars and artificial sweeteners, use fresh squeezed or 100% fruit juice

2.    For those recipes that call for soda, use diet (“natural” options preferred) and use seltzer water versus other carbonated waters

3.    Make your own simple syrup. Use the following recipe:

½ TBSP Honey

¾ TBSP Warm Water

Although sugary, honey is loaded with antioxidants, which is an added bonus to your buzz!

4.    Use whole pieces of fruit instead of sugar or flavored syrups. The fruit will add fiber, natural sugars and essential vitamins so you don’t feel as guilty!

5.    When given the option, always choose light alcohol over dark alcohol. The dark contains certain compounds that can worsen hangovers.

6.    Since alcohol in itself is already so high in calories, and not everyone is such a lightweight like me, limit yourself to one shot per drink. Although, I know what you’re thinking… you’ll just have more drinks!

7.    Let’s answer the age old question, SIZE MATTERS. With the U.S. portion sizes wildly out of control, try to remember that drinks should be roughly 8 ounces.

8.    And most importantly, choose nutritious ingredients. Ginger, coffee, and lemon are found in many alcoholic beverages and all offer several great health benefits! Just be careful mixing alcohol and caffeine, although delicious, it can seriously dehydrate you so drink with caution.

Now, I know all this SOUNDS great in theory but many times, eating or drinking healthy is easier said than done. Below is a link where I discovered these 8 great tips (if anyone underestimates the power of Pinterest, think again) as well as 60, yes you heard me, 60 healthier alcoholic drink recipes to try out!

http://greatist.com/health/60-healthier-drinks-boozing

So next time you are at a party or decide to play pretend bartender (because we never grow up, right?) use these tips and try out a recipe!

Hakuna Matata. What a wonderful, impossible, I wish, Let’s be Real kind-of Phrase!

Behold… the college paradox!

 

 

 

Between working 40 hours a week, taking three classes which includes countless papers, discussion boards and quizzes, being the Vice President of Walsh College’s charterr of the American Marketing Association, and trying to make time to go to the gym, my life has been INSANE.  It was to the point where I almost had a panic attack!

 

As much as I would love to apply Timon and Pumba’s motto of “Hakuna Matata” to my life, it really wouldn’t serve me any purpose other than failing all my classes, getting fired, and letting down my friends and family. So I developed a way for me to unwind and not let stress get the best of me.

 

Make to-do lists: every morning I write down what it is I need to get done today. This includes work assignments, schools assignments, and anything personal. This way I can physically see what it is I need to do and I can plan accordingly. Also there is nothing better than crossing more and more stuff off your list!

My Secret: I will even include things I’ve already done or something that will only take 1 minute just so there are more things marked off and makes me look more productive. Don’t judge me…

 

EXERCISE!!!! We all know the physical benefits of exercising by now but there is so much more it can do for you psychologically as well. When I am stressed there is nothing more enjoyable than jumping on that treadmill, cranking up some tunes, and running it out. I let my mind go wherever it wants to take me or even just block it all out. It is my form of meditation.

Mini-Status Update: Up to running 40 minutes, have lost 7 pounds and starting to get my body back in shape! Woo Hoo!

 

I am pulling out this next one from my practically perfect sister in Florida. Treat YOURSELF. When things get a little crazy, take time and do something for you. Whether it is getting a massage, going on a bike ride, have a beer (light please!) do something for YOU. You’ll feel less stressed and actually get some enjoyment.

 

I am making things interesting this week. Leave a comment and let me know what YOU do to distress!

My Practically Perfect First 5K

It’s official. I have registered for my first 5K! With frigid temps and mounds of snow (falling what seems to be constantly) it's hard to really want to get out of the house and push myself. But I knew I wanted to set a time limit on my first goal of running a 5K and with spring just around the corner (...maybe) I figured now would be a good time to buckle down and pick a race. But I knew there was something that I needed to really push me so I took a lesson from one of my favorites, Mary Poppins.

With every job that must be done, there is an element of fun:

I called upon my dear friend Belle from her palace in Ann Arbor and my UNBELIEVABLY AWESOME mother, aunt and cousins from the far away,mystical kingdom of Indiana (I have yet to come up with character names for you ladies so bare with me.) Having buddy system in place not only makes the race, and working out in general, more bearable but also is a great way not to back out because others are depending on you and keeping you motivated. 

I also wanted to pick a race that had something more too it than just running for the sake of running. Through social media I have learned of the color run, the foam run, Warrior Dash, the Tough Mudder and countless others. Having something to run FOR or TOWARDS makes the experience more than just about your personal goals and aspirations but allows you to get the ability to share something worthwhile.

A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down:

The race I eventually stumbled upon was the Cocoa Classic. The Cocoa Classic will take place April 6^th in downtown Detroit. The event is both a 5K and a half marathon (sorry… not there yet folks!) What’s the best part? When you finish there is hot cocoa and a chocolate fondue fountain waiting to warm you up and celebrate! Check out more details at The Cocoa Classic!

If there is anything that I took from Mary is that life is what you make of it. You can spend night after night getting bored of the same old workout routine or you can add variety. Run a race. Take a class. Play a sport. Anything to make working out less of a chore and more like something you find to be practically perfect in every way. 

If you had the chance to change your fate, would you?

Any of my twitter followers would have already seen an article I posted regarding obesity and how naming it as a disease is actually causing more harm than good. Naming obesity as a disease is enabling those individuals to view their weight as less of an issue and lose their sense of responsibility for it, therefore consuming more calories because they think it's okay. Now this can be considered controversial but in my opinion obesity is NOT a disease in itself, but a side effect of another physical or mental ailment. Although it may be caused by something different, in reality our society is lazy, irresponsible, and knows no bounds when it comes to portion control. This brings me to my topic for today, if you had the chance to change your fate, would you?

It is common knowledge that obesity leads to numerous health issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, reproductive problems and even certain cancers. Below is a list I found through fitnessmagazine.com of some health benefits that start within only one hour of exercise.

1. Boosts your immune system and helps to fight colds, the flu and other infections
2. Enhances your serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine levels which put you in a better mood
3. Enables you to burn MORE calories while you are at rest. While you're blood's pumping, your muscles go into overdrive which in turn burns more fat/calories

The above are benefits for only one hour of exercise. Imagine what your body can do if you buckle down and workout 3 hours a week... 4 hours a week and so on. For more information go to 

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/motivation/get-started/power-surge-the-hidden-benefits-of-exercise/

In the movie Brave, Merida is forced to marry one of three of the eldest sons of various clan leaders that she has no intention of ever being with. So in response, she takes matters into her own hands. She takes control of her situation and fights for herself, regardless of turning her mother and three brothers into bears AND trying to defeat an evil curse in the process. For those individuals who are overweight, or obese, or are just wanting to see a difference in themselves, fight like Merida and fight for yourself. Only you can change you fate if you only can just take the chance. 

Be a Man and Stay Motivated

When first getting back in the swing of things or just starting out, not just with fitness but really any goal, there is a build up of motivation. You're ready. You're willing. You're determined. Then life gets in the way. Whether it is just being busy, or wrapped up in yet another reason to be addicted to Netflix, it gets easier and easier to say, "I'll just take tonight off." or "Ehh... I'll just run 1 mile instead of 2, 20 sit ups instead of 50." They say it takes approximately 3 weeks in order to make something a routine. So what do you do in the mean time? BE A MAN! Or in my case a woMAN...

You must be:

Swift as a coursing river: When I am having a hard time staying motivated to go to the gym I turn my mind off. If I dwell on the fact that I am tired, or it is super cold out, I will convince myself not to go and run. I must change and get out the door as swiftly as possible.

With all the force of a great typhoon: It's easy to stick to the same old routine, same old weights. In order to really burn fat and build muscle you must increase either your weight or your reps. If I wake up the next morning after doing my arm work out and I don't feel a thing I force myself to go up in weight or throw in an extra rep. Force yourself.

With all the strength of a raging fire: Over the past week I have built up my endurance to run my 2.5 miles, or 30 minutes. It is time to man up and increase my mileage. It's easier said than done. There were many times I wanted to stop, to slow down, but I kept up my strength and kept running towards my goal. I ran 3 miles and it felt GREAT!

Mysterious as the dark side of the moon: One word: attitude. If you put your mind to something and keep your head held high, it is amazing what you can do. Push your body to the limits. Don't give up, man up.

Let's Get Down to Business, to defeat... THE BUNS!

Yes I just went there... If any of you read my prior adventures in Wonderland, you would know that I have had a severe issue with squats. I am pleased to update that I have finally conquered them. Although, I am pretty sure that the girl next to me thought I was a weirdo for watching her form, but I was able to really pick up my problems. 1) My weight distribution was off. The girl next to me held her arms straight out in front of her. Doing so made it easier to place more of my body weight on my heels and not fall backwards. 2) Stop thinking so much. I have always been worried about my form. My wellness professor from back in the day said an exercise only works if done accurately. I was always so focused on my form that I didn't just let my body do the work for me.

Like I said above, if you are determined, it is amazing what you can push your body and your mind to do. But it is easy to lose ones motivation and that is why you must find the strength to move forward and man up.

Battle the Dingle Hopper

No, unlike Ariel, the majority of us do not use a fork to brush our hair. We use it to eat. My issue particularly is during the week while at work when I have easy access to a lot of different foods.

For example, every other Tuesday is a town hall meeting where different subcontractors come and bring us donuts or bagels for breakfast. Thursdays are bagel days, and every Friday one of our sales guys brings in delicious donuts from a local bakery. With all these temptations how do I find the strength to say no?

I feel that it is easier for me to say no to donuts and bagels than it is to say no to go out to eat. Being in the heart of Detroit, I have so many restaurants and café’s at my disposal, if I ever do not like what I packed for lunch, no problem! I can run downstairs to Potbelly’s or across the street to Jimmy John’s.

Here are some tricks I have come across to save your waist line and your wallet.

1)      Bring a variety of snacks – I will bring oranges, bananas, and my favorite, ants on the log, on a regular basis to work. This allows me to HAVE to eat them over the donuts or bagels because they will go bad sooner rather than later. It also is a great way to ensure I balance my diet appropriately

2)      Limit yourself – I typically like to limit myself to eating out one day a week. If there is one thing I have learned from my Panera days it’s that there are so many hidden calories/sodium/fat in restaurant food. If it is low calorie, it is loaded with sodium, if it is low fat, its sugar. It is a lot easier to do since it is so cold and I don’t feel like going outside. This isn’t Frozen, the cold DOES bother me.

3)      Chew mint flavored gum – Who wants to eat something or drink something right after chewing mint gum? The flavor is way to strong and anything else tastes funny.

4)      Have a candy stash – Yup. You read that right. I always have something sweet at my desk for when I know I am going to crave it. Dieting is not about depriving yourself, it’s learning how to make healthier decisions. I would much rather see myself eat a small square of dark chocolate over going to a bakery and getting a cookie, or a chocolate shake from Potbelly’s.

Like I said before, these are just little tricks that I have learned over the course of the last few months. They may not work for everyone but they have helped me gain a better understanding of what all I was and do put into my body.

Erin in Wonderland: Adventures with Tweedle Beard and Tweedle Blonde

Upon setting out on my journey I came across two companions to help keep me motivated, Tweedle Beard and Tweedle Blonde.

Day 1: Tweedle Beard and I Concur Arm Day

I once had a teacher in college that taught me that once your blood is pumping through an intense cardio workout, it is the best time to strength train because your muscles are warmed up and ready to work. She also stated that strength training is a lot quicker of a way to see the results you desire rather than just cardio. This is why I almost always include strength training into my workout.
After taking a few days off of running I was pleased to find that 2 miles was not as challenging as I thought it would be (keep in mind that these two miles were at a rather slow pace of 5 mph, but 2 miles none the less.) We then proceeded to concur arm day with free weights. Between countless bicep curls, tricep kickbacks and extensions, overhead presses and upright rows, we could barely lift our arms (at least I couldn’t…) I would say mission accomplished.

Day 2: Working out near Tweedle Blonde

The one thing I enjoy about working out with Tweedle Blonde is we both tend to do our own thing and sporadically say hello, hence we workout near each other versus with each other. I will get to why this a good thing when it is my leg day.
Similar to day 1, I started off running. I was initially going to do another 2 miles but something just kept telling me to push on which resulted in adding an extra half mile. I feel like I could have kept going but I knew the battle ahead of me was a fierce one, one that putting off only makes it worse. Leg Day.
Now, I do enjoy leg day. I always have found it more enjoyable than other areas partially because half the time I’m sitting down. The one hard thing about leg day for me is that I have ZERO coordination and balance. I’ve tried squats and I fall. Lunges, I fall. This is why I tend to like being by myself on leg days, to avoid my embarrassment of looking really odd and whoever I’m with from being seen with me. My problem is that I am always so focused on the correct form that I don’t just let my body do the work for me. I need serious help.

Beauty and the Beast of a Machine

Welcome to The Treadmill Tales! My name is Erin, I am 22 years old, and I used to be a rather avid runner; however with life stresses (i.e. new job, last year of college, random other life changes) running/working out has been put on the back burner. I recently have been trying to get back in the swing of things to achieve my first runner's goal of FINALLY competing in a 5K. I know that is not a terribly long distance, but it's a start. 

Now I know that nutrition is a very important factor in fitness, but let's be real, I like to eat. Chocolate, carbohydrates of any kind, and a strong obsession with Mexican food prevents me from ever being a twig, but I do like to be conscious of what goes into my body and will share with you anything and everything I learn along my journey.

Let's talk about the beast of a machine called the treadmill, the true protagonist of this adventure. Over the course of its part in my tale, it will experience many battles of speed and endurance. Some will be short battles, others will be very long. It will be pounded on, complained about, and even thoroughly hated at some moments, but will never falter. 

Let our journey begin!