Fitness

Does This Shirt Make Me Look Fast?

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This morning the Hubz and I had intended on getting up early to run before heading to Montpelier to watch Allie and Caitlin’s race but after a late night out at a concert we decided that a little extra sleep was a better idea.  Once we finally rolled out of bed we headed on our way but first we made a pit stop at a new coffee shop Maglianero Cafe for a coffee. This new coffee shop is really a beautiful place and it is bike friendly.  I got a hot drip coffee and the Hubz an iced coffee- both were amazingly delicious.

After our coffee we made our way to Montpelier just in time to see Allie and Caitlin at the first start of the race.  While we waited for them to make the loop back to the finish we headed to our favorite Capitol City Farmers Market to pick up some veggies and our favorite bookstore Bear Pond Books.  Around 9:30 am we headed to the race finish line and watched as runners began to arrive and waited to cheer on Allie and Caitlin.

At the start of their run (girls in pink)

Around 43 minutes I turned to Neil and said they’ll be here in 10 minutes, that’s my guess.  Well guess what- I WAS RIGHT ON! Allie and Caitlin turned the corner at 52 minutes and some seconds and they leaped across the finish line at 53 minutes.  They were really amazing and I am so proud.

Check out the shirts the girls made for the race:

and the back of Allie’s:

After the race we headed to The Skinny Pancake for crepes and to catch up.  Neil and I both got the Vegan Monster with mushrooms and salsa and topped with our favorite hot sauce.

Following brunch we headed to the Hunger Mountain Co-op to take a look but we didn’t pick up much just a yummy chocolate bar and coconut rolled dates for the Hubz.  When we were leaving I decided to take a peak at the sign up sheet for my Sugar Blues workshop next week and guess what? It was FULL- even the wait list is full!!! Squeal! Eeek! OMG! The pressure is on!

When we finally made it back to Burlington the Hubz and I took a look at the clock and decided we better head to the gym before it closed.  Today we decided to get a 250 meter swim in as well as our run.  I haven’t been feeling great, a little congested, so todays workout wasn’t the best on top of the fact that my legs were killing me from yesterdays squats and lunges. After our run we stopped in at Healthy Living for a smoothie and coconut water as well as some organic strawberries and organic apples. The Hubz and I shared a banana-peanut butter-flax-coconut smoothie and it was delicious.

Now it’s time for dinner, The Voice, foam rolling and relaxing with a movie. What are you up to this weekend?

Having a Wanderful Month

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Wow this has been a crazy month! I’ve been bogged down with a huge work event that has been dominating my life but now it is finally over (WAHOO!) and I can get back to normal.  That being said on top of my day job I also have my health coaching job which has really been doing amazing.  I have a few new clients and I have a bunch of workshops going on this summer; the first one is next week! In addition to working one-on-one with clients and doing workshops I am also working on setting up a few podcasts and other healthy living materials. I also am back at IIN doing the immersion program, which so far is wonderful.  I know things are sounding crazy already but they get crazier.

I recently was contacted by a friend who writes for Ecorazzi asking if I would be interested in attending and covering Wanderlust Vermont.  UMMMMM hello of course I would be! I have actually been talking about Wanderlust to my husband for months now and had been debating going so when I was approached to cover the event I jumped at the opportunity.  The Hubz is going to head down to Stratton with me so he can take advantage of the hiking and he will also be attending one day of Wanderlust, my anniversary gift to him.  So some of you are probably wondering what the heck is Wanderlust?

Wanderlust is a festival combining the holistic experience of a yoga getaway with the swagger of a rock show.
WHERE:
Stratton Mountain, Bondville, VT
WHEN:
June 23rd – 26th
WHO:
Talent includes regional bright lights and international stars, such as:

· Yoga instructors: John Friend, Seane Corn, Bryan Kest, Boston’s Amy Wren, New York’s Schuyler Grant, Elena Brower, Rodney Yee, Kristen Leigh & Barbara Verrochi plus dozens more
· Musical Talent: Michael Franti & Spearhead, Andrew Bird, Todd Boston, the Wailers, New York’s Krishna Das, Northampton’s Sonya Kitchell, and Brooklyn’s Sub Swara
· Theatrical Performers: Berkshire’s 1st  burlesque show Gypsy Lane, Vermont’s own Bread & Puppet (one of the oldest nonprofit theatrical companies in theUS), + Vermont Vaudeville
· Art Installations: Stratton resident Hugh Joudry
· Speakers: Deepak Chopra, with the support from theOmega Institute, will lead the speakeasy series

If you are attending Wanderlust Vermont let me know!

 

Among all of this chaos the Hubz and I are still going strong with our running and have some really S.M.A.R.T. goals around what we would like to do and achieve.  We are just finishing up C25K and we are going to then work on doing two 30 minute runs and one long run (starting at 2.5m and increasing by .5 until the race) per week until our 5k in July.  Following the 5k we are planning a 10k in September and will be using the Hal Higdon training plan; if we like his we will use it to train for our half as well.   In other active news the Hubz and I are gearing up  to do some backpacking on the Long Trail this summer which should be a lot of fun.  We had planned on doing an overnight trip this weekend but we might have to reschedule do to rain.  Do you hike? Are you into backpacking?

Lastly lets talk about food. I haven’t been doing much for cooking lately due to the crazy schedule I have had.  Most of our food has been pretty boring and basic like greens, beans and grains or salads, however this is all going to change soon! I have plans to start working on another e-book (probably won’t be looking for testers until August) and also working on some really great healthy recipes for the blog.

Well that is what’s going on with me- what is new and good with you?

Fitness Friday: Mondetta Performance Gear Giveaway!

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I had the best intentions of writing a Fitness Friday post last week and then our Anniversary Getaway took over and I decided to postpone my Fitness Friday and MPG Sport Giveaway until today.  I did post my May Fitness Follow Up and June Goals earlier this week so you can head over to that post to get all the details.  So far we are only 3 days into June and my workouts have included:

  • Wed-June 1: C25K Week 6 Day 1
  • Thurs-June 2: 30 min cross training
  • Fri-June 3: 20 min AM yoga; C25K Week 6 Day 2

MPG  REVIEW & GIVEAWAY!

Savvy Top and Stance Bottom

Mondetta Performance Gear (MPG), a Winnipeg based active wear company, contacted me a few months back about doing a review and giveaway. I decided that they would be a perfect fit for the blog and a great review/giveaway for a Fitness Friday post.  MPG allowed me to choose two items to review and provided me with the link to their Fit Guide to help me decide which size would be best. I decided to go with:

Top: Savvy

Sparkle jersey workout tank with contrast laser cut details.

  • Nylon-spandex blended jersey
  • Four-way stretch, moisture wicking, quick dry
  • Self fabric taping details
  • Ergonomic performance seams
  • Contrast laser-cut sonic welded inserts
  • Built in Coolmax bra liner with removable cups
  • Full support
  • High visibility logo

RECOMMENDED FOR: Light to heavy workouts, yoga, training, general exercis

Bottom: Stance

Performance capri legging for all types of exercise.

  • Polyester-spandex blended jersey
  • Four-way stretch, moisture wicking, quick dry
  • Breathable mesh leg panels
  • Zippered storage pocket
  • Built in gusset
  • Adjustable draw cord in waistband
  • Semi-low rise, fitted throughout, 21″ inseam
  • High visibility reflective logo

RECOMMENDED FOR: Low or high impact workouts, yoga, dance, running

The Stance capri leggings are now easily one of my favorite bottoms to run and do yoga in.  I love them so much that I am planning on getting another pair after I finish writing this post.  They fit perfectly just below the waist (on me) and have a nice adjustable draw cord which is really beneficial for runs.  I also love the breathable mesh leg panels.  I am not a short wearer so the breathable mesh leg panels allow my legs to be covered but not over heated when I run.  The other thing I love is the zippered storage pocket on the back; it is perfect for keeping a single key and ID.

The Savvy top was nice but not a favorite top of mine.  I love the color and the material but although it is described as having full support I didn’t find that it provided full sport when I was running.  However this may be a case that I require a large top and my bust requires a medium.  However, I found that it did provide good support for yoga.

Overall I was impressed by the items I tried from MPG.  They are high quality items at a reasonable price. I have washed and worn the items a number of times since I received them in April and they still look brand new!  In addition to making impressive active wear MPG is also involved in charitable activities, the Mondetta Charity Foundation (MCF).  Our founders were all born in the East African countries of Kenya and Uganda and have decided to support an an orphanage in the former and a school in the latter.  Most of the children directly benefiting from the MCF’s efforts have either lost their parents to AIDS or are themselves living with the disease that has ravaged most of the African continent.  One percent of total MPG sales are contributed to the MCF, which is a completely separate entity from the parent company, Mondetta, meaning all operating and administration costs are covered by the company and all donated funds received go directly where they should: to help those in need.

To learn more about the foundation and its initiatives, please check out the link below.

Also, 1% of every MPG garment sold goes to the foundation. For more info on the charity please check out Mondetta Gives Back.

So the best part about this review is that MPG has agreed to giveaway one of their products to a Cook.Vegan.Lover. reader. For the giveaway, MPG would like to offer one reader anything from the website in both active and lifestyle tops and bottoms.  Additionally, I would like to mention that MPG makes both active and lifestyle tops and bottoms for men and women so guys don’t forget to enter!

To Enter Giveaway: Open to US and Canadian Residents. Winner is Ashley! Congrats!

You must head over to Facebook and “Like” MPG Mondetta Performance Gear and then come back here and leave a comment letting me know you did so by June 8th, 2011 at 8pm EST.

Lastly, MPG is providing Cook.Vegan.Lover. readers with the following discount code to receive 25% off a one-time purchase that expires 6.30.11: veganloverlovesmpg

Want to read more? Head over to Brittany’s MPG review at her blog Eating Bird Food.

May Fitness Wrap Up & June Goals

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So I didn’t get my Fitness Friday and giveaway post up this past Friday because the Hubz and I decided to run away early to celebrate our Third Wedding Anniversary. As part of the post I was going to my MPG Sport Review and Giveaway but I am going to do it this week. Until then MPG would like to give you the opportunity to save 25% off a one-time purchase (expires 6.30.11) please use the following discount code: veganloverlovesmpg


Here is the weekly wrap up of my workouts:

  • Friday: Off
  • Saturday: C25k Week 4 Day 2 plus walk 32 min
  • Sunday: off
  • Monday: C25k and walk 1hr 8min
  • Tuesday: Elliptical 10 minutes; weights 35 minutes
  • Wednesday:  walk 36min
  • Thursday: C25k 32min
  • Friday: Off
  • Saturday: C25k 32min
  • Sunday: C25k 32 min
  • Monday: Off
  • Tuesday: Walk 2 miles- 36min

Days: 22/22 Days  21 hours & 02 minutes/15.5 Hours

June 2011 Goals

  • 80%
    • Must workout 24 days
    • Total of 22.5  hours

OR

  • 70%
    • Must workout 21 days
    • Total of 25.5 hours

IIn other exciting news the Hubz and I decided to cross another thing off our Bucket List last night…..we signed up for a half marathon! Not only did we sign up for a half marathon we signed up for the Disney World Half Marathon!!!

    Fitness Friday: Stuck In Rut

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    Here is the weekly wrap up of my workouts:

    • Friday: Flow Yoga Class; 60 min (counted last week)
    • Saturday: C25k Week 3 Day 2 plus walk 36 min
    • Sunday: off
    • Monday: C25k- stair master-10 minutes; weights 30 minutes
    • Tuesday: C25k Week 3 Day 3 plus walking 35min
    • Wednesday: Day Off
    • Thursday: C25k Week 4 Day 1- 32min; weights and abs-30min

    Days: 15/25 Days  14 hours & 57 minutes/15.5 Hours

     

    Readers Request:

    Lately I have been more on a fitness roll than in a fitness rut and it feels great! I attribute the success and motivation to the incentive program that the Hubz and I started a few months ago and my new gym membership.  However I have surely experienced times of fitness ruts over the years; here are my favorite go to activities:

    1. Walking with the Hubz- Walking is a relaxing low impact workout that can gets your body moving.  I love to go with Neil because we can walk and talk, so it turns from a designated workout to quality time with him.  Honestly some of our walks have been my favorite times with him because we always have the best conversations when we get ourselves outside and walking around. So next time you’re in a rut find a walking buddy!
    2. Workout Videos- I love to do fitness videos when I am in a rut.  There are a number of great videos that are shorter and can help to jump start  (restart) your workout routine.  One of my favorites is Skinny Bitch Body because there are four 15 minute workouts that are dedicated to abs, butt, legs and abs. Other great quick video workouts is Rodney Yee’s A.M. Yoga; it has five 20-minute yoga workouts that target different parts of the body.  Another short video is Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred this is a great high impact workout video that gets you hot and sweaty in only 20-minutes.  I also love Insanity for something a little longer and intense; I don’t do this everyday but incorporate the workouts into my routine.
    3. Try something new- I love to pick a new class, try a new cardio machine or lately it’s been doing laps at the pool. The more variety you have you in your fitness routine the less likely you are to get in a rut.  So next time you are feel in a rut try something new.

    What are your go-to activities?

    Fitness Friday

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    Good Morning! Happy Friday! This morning the Hubz and I scrambled out of bed this morning to make it to the 6am Flow Yoga class at the Y. It was our first yoga class since joining the Y and honestly we were a little skeptical. We are used to doing classes at a studio which has a different feeling and flow to it. At the Y the class is held in an old gym with a loud air conditioner running and our mats set up in a circle. We went with it though.

    Today’s class was particularly hard for me because I’ve been doing so much running and gardening and not nearly enough stretching. At first I was cursing all of the downward dogs in my head because my body was so tight and I eventually had to drop down to childs pose but as the class went on my body became looser, the fan became more soothing than a distraction and I really began to enjoy the experience. After class the Hubz and I had Friday breakfast at the Co-op and discussed the class; both of us agreed we’d like to make it part of our Friday routine.

    In other fitness news the Hubz and I have joined the Y and we are loving the ability to run, swim, use other cardio equipment and all of the other great features that the Y has. It isn’t your fancy gym but it works and our needs are met. I also was fitted for new running shoes this week and they are working out great. I highly recommend going to a shop where the staff is knowledgeable and can get you fitted to the right shoe for your feet and body.

    Here is the weekly wrap up of my workouts:

    • Friday: 2.5 mile run in 30 minutes
    • Saturday: 500 yard swim (30 minutes), 2 mile walk (40 minutes), Hardcore Gardening (90 minutes), Vigorous Gardening (180 minutes)
    • Sunday: off- so sore!
    • Monday: C25k- 30min; walk 40min
    • Tuesday: walk 30 min
    • Wednesday: C25k 30 min; lap swimming 20 min
    • Thursday: Stair Master and Cybex 35 min
    • Friday: Flow Yoga Class; 60 min

    Days: 11/25 Days  12 hours & 15 minutes/15.5 Hours (it’s crazy I’m almost to my goal for hours and it’s not even half way through the month- WIN!!)

    Q: Do you have a gym membership? Do you find that it makes you more motivated to workout?  If not what does motivate you?