Healthy Stride

Water Bottles.....

2012-01-23T20:19:00.000-08:00

I had to laugh my friend sent me a text this week and all it said was "What is your secret to drinking lots of water?" I replied its my magic water bottle! It turned into a HUGE facebook thread about the water bottles and I have to say A LOT of my friends are now owners of these magic water bottles too. Who would have thought that my simple response could cause such a stir in the FB world!!!! However it never leaves my side and I refill it a BILLION times a day. I refill it with water that is not ice cold, that way I can drink it lots faster.

Plus my kids refill it nonstop for me too just so they can drink out of it! They all are "earning'' their own water bottles now! Best $15 bucks ever spent! Okay they really are not magic I just love the convenience, lots of water in every swallow and plus they are super cute! I used to get all my water down this way . Now I just use my magic water bottle.... No you do not have to use this water bottle....just pick a favorite cup, with a lid and a straw and you'll be golden :) Turn it into your FAVORITE way to drink lots of water.

Which brings me to why water is so important in weight loss and in general health!

When you lose weight your body creates toxins/ waste, and water helps flush them out of your system.
Keeps your joints and muscles well lubricated and helps them move smoothly! Water is the WD-40 for your body!
Helps with hydration. When you are dehydrated you feel sleepy, and lethargic which makes you GRUMPY!
Helps with the "BLOATED" feeling.
Ice cold water actually burns calories as your body heats up to digest it and adjust to the cold water you just drank.
Helps with muscle soreness.
Keeps you feeling full, which in turn helps with cravings.
Keeps your skin looking fresh and clear.

My water bottle goes everywhere with me, if I go upstairs it goes with me, when I go to bed its on my nightstand. It goes to PTA meetings, church meetings, girls night out, date night. Oh the stories my water bottles could tell......

Do you drink enough water?

What are your secrets to drinking lots of water?

*I bought my water bottles at Costco!

EXCUSES

2012-01-18T20:15:00.002-08:00

Today would have been a GREAT day to say aww I'll miss out on my workout.... I was woken up at 3 am to limbs falling off the trees! Those things crash and are freaking scary.....even more scary when you are home alone! Then again at 4:30 to loud thuds of more stuff crunching and breaking!

Back to sleep until 6:30 to find it was a SNOW DAY!!!

Say what....growing up in Utah the weather didn't look like a snow day to me....but none the less!

NO SCHOOL....

I'll take it though.....So we slept in until 10:30ish I knew I still needed to shower and had a lunch I needed/ wanted to be at at noon. So I left my house all dressed and ready for the day! Enjoyed a great lunch, came home treated my kiddos to Happy Hour @ Sonic! Wasn't even temped for a DDP....yay must mean I have gotten those craving out of my system.

So now here I am writing post workout and I had a million and one reason/ excuses to NOT go!

I am proud of myself for staying dedicated and getting my workout in. It would have been much easier to sit home and do nothing....However leaving for the hour and getting my workout in will make the rest of my day SO much better I won't have guilt for cheating myself out of a workout. Plus it shows me mentally that I am dedicated and driven to achieve my goals.

NO EXCUSES!!!!

So I formed a list of LAME excuses that NO one should use :)

I don't have the time! PLEASE everyone has 30 minutes your reading this right now right.....you could be getting a workout in.
I don't have clothes to workout in! Sheesh Pajamas work great then.
I don't have shoes.....Come on now...EVERYBODY has a pair of tennis shoes! Gym shoes do NOT need to be anything special!
I ate bad so why work out??? Um HELLO the more reason to get a quick workout in.
I don't have a gym membership.....LAMEST EXCUSE in the book! You have 2 feet walk out your front door walk 15 min one way turn around and walk home. Now you are thinking the weather isn't ideal then do some simple circuit training at home, a DVD, and online video or On Demand!
I'm to fat to exercise....Nope no your not! Get off your booty and get moving.
I don't want to get my hair sweaty I just washed it! YUP I have totally used that one :)
I'm to tired!!!! Well then a workout is exactly what the Dr ordered. You will feel those endorphins and they will power you through the rest of the day!

These were just a few I thought of real quick off the top of my head! I am pretty sure I have used everyone of them plus a million more!

What EXCUSE do you CHOOSE to use???

Make the CHOICE today to NOT make any EXCUSES!

I don't want to regret....

2012-01-16T19:25:00.001-08:00

NOT blogging this next part of my journey. Plus I have secretly missed not blogging..... okay okay and maybe just maybe finding a picture of me pinned on someones pintrest board kinda sorta helped A LOT in remotivating me to blog again too. I CAN'T believe it has almost been 1 year from my last post!!! So crazy.... Almost as crazy as my last year was ;) With the move came LOTS of adjustments, making new friends loosing old cycling BFF's :( a daughters ruptured appendix out of state, lots of visits back to Utah, 10 days in Hawaii....purchasing a new home, a puppy, ear surgery on my hubby x2.....lots of craziness! So blogging took to the bottom of the laundry list of things to do and accomplish! With that being said....My personal health and fitness also took bottom of the list......Knowing what happens when I don't put myself first and foremost I started getting a lil freaked out! January rolled around and so did an EXTRA 20 pounds that I don't care to have on my body....granted that isn't SO terrible for the changes and adjustments and lack of attending the gym for pretty much a year. I knew that 20 could easily turn into 40 then to 50 and then.....eeek! I got scared, got re-motivated and have been bitten by the health and fitness bug once again!

SO..........

What HAVE I done about it......?

Found myself a new workout routine that I feel comfortable with and am loving. I am also eating super clean! Cleaner then I have ever eaten my WHOLE life!!!!! I have not had any sugar, my beloved Diet Soda, or dairy....okay the only dairy I wasn't willing to give up was Greek yogurt to much protein and and a quick easy meal to give it up.I have been logging every last item that enters my mouth and drinking more water then my bladder can handle!

How long have I been eating this way..... Today marks my 15th day without any of those foods! You know what....I feel great too.....surprisingly, I have not had hardly any cravings either. SHOCKING I know!

I plan on keeping you all up to date on what is going on! I have gotten a TON of emails from people and was totally RUDE and didn't reply....I feel like I am a little bit more under control now and have BIG hopes to keep up on my blogging and emails :)

This post was pretty much just a quick catch up and I WILL be blogging here lots more often :)

Couldn't stand a ride post without PICS

2011-01-29T19:04:00.002-08:00

Soooooo what did I do?

Went out and took pics of the route! In my car.......not that ambitious to ride it twice in one day :)

I know I am not a professional picture taker but come on have you EVER seen such BEAUTY????

LOVED this little small town!!!! The mossy trees AMAZING and so fascinating!!!!

YUP I know I am totally weird for taking pics after the fact, but I just love all the BEAUTY that surrounds me :)

Back in the saddle AGAIN!!!

2011-01-28T05:00:00.001-08:00

27 MILES

After 4.5 months of not cycling!!!!

It was awesome it was my first official ride out here in the PNW!!! I had my tires pumped and ready to go and my phone rang and a friend was wondering if I wanted to ride today so my first ride wasn't even solo! Which is probably a great thing I wasn't alone. I have a fear of getting lost and not being able to get home for hours!!! So a friend was greatly appreciated.

-The Ride-

Freaking kicked my butt!!!! Not only did I feel slow I was SLOW. I felt out of shape, however I still loved every last second of it. My calf cramped a little. I was unprepared and should have had food with me the last 8-10 miles were um... Not sure I even remember them. I needed food, not good!

-After the Ride-

I couldn't get my PPJ and chocolate milk down fast enough. I felt beyond exhausted but was overly happy with my 1557 calorie burn. My legs are sore, I am anxious to ride again!

-No Pics-

SAY WHAT????

I was way to focused on where I was and just spinning the peddles that there was ZERO snapping of the camera :(

NEXT time PROMISE!!!

YOU ARE PERFECT!!!

2011-01-27T09:18:00.001-08:00

YOU ARE PERFECT!!!!

"You're so mean, when you talk about yourself, you were wrong
Change the voices in your head, make them like you instead
So complicated, look happy, you'll make it!
Filled with so much hatred...such a tired game
It's enough!"

I am LOVING this song, we are all way to hard on ourselves, from our weight, to our flaws, eating or even our workouts! We need to take to day and call it PERFECT :) We are who we are and let's embrace it.

MAKE TODAY A GREAT DAY!!!!!

Vitamin D + Yoga= :)

2011-01-26T15:17:00.000-08:00

The sun is shining!!!!

With the sun shining I am soaking in the sunlight :)

I LOVE where I live I feel so blessed to have this beauty surround me daily!

On another note: I have become a major fan of Yoga the last few weeks I have been doing it 3 times a week. Sooo good for my body and my head. Not sure I am totally into all the YOGI ways or thinking but that hour that I am there I dig it :)

With that said do you Yoga???

Do you like it???

Foggy

2011-01-24T09:10:00.001-08:00

I love the mornings that I wake up and look outside and find this!!!!

I love how the fog just kinda settles in I LOVE IT!!!

It is usually gone quickly but I love the smell of it the crisp air and just standing outside in it!

I love the look of the wet cement...moss covered too.

On top of that my grass is still green!!!!!

Plus.......we will have weather later this week of 4+ days of 55ish degrees and you know what that means???

BIKE RIDE!!!!!!!!!

I can't wait what is your weather like right now???

I'm Loving it.....

2011-01-12T04:00:00.001-08:00

That would be my POST workout food yesterday! Have you tried McDonalds oatmeal yet???

So so yummy, make sure you get it without the brown sugar. It is sweet enough with the fruit!

My beverage of choice Diet Dr. Pepper or as I refer to it DDP!!!!

BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS????

I think so :)

OUCH!!!!

2011-01-11T04:00:00.001-08:00

I'm in pain.... not this kind of pain, thank heavens! Seriously why did I ever get out of my workout groove? I can tell that tomorrow is going to be a day that I live on my main floor and use my little ones to run up and down the stairs for me :) My yesterday's workout was awesome! I really love going to the gym cranking my ipod and zoning out while sweating my worries away!

Which brings to me how do you deal with post workout soreness?

This is how I deal.......

Drink tons of water
Stretch out keep those muscles loose
Foam roll (er Dawn can you do that for me??? left my roller in UT at her house :(.)
Hot & cold showers.....not a fan but they do work.
Call on the troops aka little ones to do my bending!
Remember the pain so I don't get out of the groove again :)

I am sure there are many more but these are a few I can think of off the top of my head.

What are your tips and tricks???

Could it be.........

2011-01-10T04:00:00.004-08:00

That I am finally feeling settled after moving??? I think so! Needless to say it has been a crazy hectic time! My workouts have been a different kind of workout, unloading and decorating a new house, getting kids registered in sports, dance etc. then Christmas vacation! PHEW! That makes me tired just thinking about what the last few months have held!

I haven't dared jump on my bike!

The weather here is around mid 30's-40's I could jump on and go but BURRR!

So I have found myself spending lots of quality time at the gym!

Well...... okay I just started back to the gym but I plan on spending lots of time there! Gotta get my booty in shape before riding season is here....which I hear is end of February first of Marchish! With that being said I have been plain LAZY the last few months. So time to kick it in to HIGH gear :)

Which brings me to my PLAN!!!!

SHHHHHH it's a secret.............

Eat Less-Move More-Drink More Water....( Diet Dr. Pepper is my new weakness...... that's a whole other post!)

Today brings this awesome workout!

I am going to hit the cardio and full body quickie! Last week at the gym I focused on getting my cardio back into gear I did 40 minutes cardio 4 days last week. Never felt sore and I am ready to tear it up this week!!! I heart my gym time! I'll make sure to be a better blogger and catch you up on how my workout went!

Until then GOOOOOO DUCKS!!!!!!!

Portland Oregon

2010-10-08T13:13:00.001-07:00

Is where my new life adventures will take place!!!!

Beginning the first part of November!!!

I can hardly wait, to pedal my little heart out on the streets of Oregon. I am excited to share my new adventures with all of you.

In the mean time. . . . . . .

I'll spend as much time as I can with my Utah friends and family

Get a few more fall bike rides in

Find a new house

Move a family of 5

Enjoy Halloween

and

Try not to stress to much :)

MOVING to a town near you. . . . .?

2010-10-06T15:07:00.001-07:00

When you think things can't get any busier they do...........

We are moving. . . . . . Is it a state near you????

Hum. . . . . .

Maybe. . . . . . .

HOT!!!!!

BEAUTIFUL. . . . . . . .

Am I going to be a Southern Gal?

I wanna know where you think

I am going to call my new home!!!!!

I promise to not leave you hanging for to long :)

SURVIVED

2010-10-01T07:32:00.002-07:00

I AM ALIVE!!!!!

I survived 3 months with my Husband gone for intensive training for work!!!!

Needless to say my blogging time was filled with kids, football season, long nights of homework etc.!!!!! I honestly feel like I was in survival mode, doing all I could do to prevent a full on Mommy shut-down :) My blogging hiatus should resume to normal.....I have LOTS of fun things I am dying to blog about!!!

Great Salt Lake Ride

Wonder Woman 70 Miler that turned into 75!!!!!

The Living Room Hike

How's that for a little teaser??????

Oh and........I have to say that Diet Coke or a Diet Dr. Pepper has been a huge life saver to me the last few weeks!!!! I am sure we will see a day again where I bid it farewell but for now its a "good thing" to have in my life. hahaha

I missed you all and your emails and comments wondering if I'm alive or returning to the blogging world meant a lot!!!! Everyone enjoy your weekends, I know I will with my Husband home for good!!!!!!!!!!!!

Diet Coke

2010-08-25T22:18:00.001-07:00

Today I had woken up gotten my house all cleaned and left to run my errands . Childless mind you my baby started kindergarten :( It was WAY to quiet to sit home alone so what's a girl to do...... I get into my car, crank some tunes and have a mouth watering CRAVING for a Diet Coke!!!!!

I have not had one in FOREVER!!!! I even sent out text informing my friends of what I was about to do! This was a BIG deal for me. Needless to say I pulled up to my normal drink stop, and they greeted me with "32 oz water extra ice, fat straw?" NOPE not today I want a 32 oz Diet Coke extra ice with a shot of vanilla!!!! They tell me it's $1.16 dang my water is only .25 who cares I can not wait to drink this Diet Coke they hand me the drink and I go to set it down and ALMOST dump the WHOLE thing. . . . I saved it :) They reminded me see there is your sign you shouldn't drink Diet Coke!!!!! WHATEVER today I made a conscious choice to love the Diet Coke. I held it, I drank it sooooo slow I wanted it to last. I headed into Tj Maxx for some shopping I debated leaving my drink in the car.....NOPE I didn't want it to melt and become watery. It sat in my cart and shopped with me :) THEN.......as I went to pick up my clothes to try on my Diet Coke SPILLED on the floor the whole thing DUMPED!!!!!

It was over half full SERIOUSLY????? I had to laugh as I wiped the floor up. The drink people were right starting the good old Diet Coke was a BAD idea!!!! Tonight as I write this I am still totally bummed that my nice fresh Diet Coke is sitting in the garbage can at the local Tj Maxx!!!!

So I wanna know do you love your Diet Coke???

Should I be getting me another one to replace todays mishap? Or take it as a MAJOR sign to stay away!!!!

Adams Canyon

2010-08-23T05:00:00.003-07:00

Last week I hiked Adams Canyon. I have done this hike 3 times now! It is really one of my favorites.

You start right off the back with switchbacks, they are loaded with sand! It would make an awesome trail run!

I stole this AWESOME collage from my friend Julies blog because this picture totally summed up the hike!!!

This was the waterfall we hiked to! AMAZING SO PRETTY!!!! My favorite hikes all lead to a BEAUTIFUL waterfall the super neat thing about this on is how close you can get to the actual waterfall. We pushed daylight getting to the fall however we were not about to get that close and not meet the destination!

We passed several smaller falls along the way!

Yup I was scaling the rocks pushing daylight!!!! It was beyond fun :)

The BEAUTIFUL sunset :) That is the advantage of the later starting hikes!

We finished the hike and enjoyed the view on the way down, of the sunset and city lights.

What do your favorite hikes lead to?

Alive.....

2010-08-18T09:08:00.000-07:00

Barely!!!! Not even kidding, would you believe me if I told you my husband and better half has been out of town for the last 5 weeks for job training???? So what does that mean!!!!! My schedule, routine, and daily everything has become a mess of sorts! I honestly feel for single Moms you freaking ROCK!!!! I don't know how you do it. With this little taste I have had it's HARD work. Harder then I had imagined, I had it all planned out in my head that when my Hubby was gone, I'd get to the gym early before the kids work up, I wouldn't eat out as much because he wouldn't be here to eat out with......I would be game on and 15 pounds lighter when he returned!!!! HAHAHA now flash to reality........Getting up early YA right, I'm beyond tired from doing it ALL alone, eating out.....yup fast food with the kids on the way to football practice, or on the way home! In reality I have learned from this it's better to not make a game plan and to take it day by day! I need to only tune into the big picture occasionally instead of focusing on it daily. I appreciate all the emails of concern and wondering how I am doing! Honestly I don't know how I'm doing is that possible???? The kids return to school on Monday and it will be time to readjust schedules once again.....Seriously summer has never been so HARD!

CATCH UP!!!!

* Body Pump Class- So SUPER sore, couldn't walk for days! It was way lighter weight then I'm used to lifting too, different muscle fibers but ouch!

*Massage- Got reamed by the massage girl! DO YOU NOT STRETCH???? Guess I need to be better about loosing those legs....oops!

*Worst ride EVER!!!! Set out on Saturday for what was suppose to be an awesome 50 miler....yup didn't happen cramped at mile 13, was beyond sore from Body Pump, and started coughing.....only made it 25 miles and that 25 miles felt like 500!!!!

*Yoga, Um this class was different then any class I have EVER done! Literally we became human pretzels! Loved it though and will be going back for sure!

*Got sick....I am finally feeling a little better I never felt sick but had some nasty chest thing going on! SO I took a few recovery days off.

There is a sweet lil catch up!

I hope EVERYONE has a great day :)

Whirl Wind Week

2010-08-08T23:25:00.006-07:00

Make sure you scroll down and catch up on my post from last week I posted 3 posts today!

I have had a CRAZY last week, finding blog time was near impossible. I am sure this week will be much better :)

Exciting things for this week!

Awesome new pre workout supplement! GIVEAWAY
A ride I am taking part of.....hoping locals will join me :)
Sports Massage need I say more?
Be my twiner and support the Multiple Sclerosis Society!
Super tasty new recipe.....loaded with protein.

Also I posted under the fitness for the week tab!

Maybe I am just dreaming that this week won't be crazy! I am trying to pack everything in these last 2 weeks of summer before the kiddos summer break ends :(

*image found via google images

Texting @ 5 am and 40 through 6 cities!!!

2010-08-08T23:00:00.001-07:00

I read this text back later post ride and couldn't help but laugh that it's 5 am and a group of women are totally bummed that the weather is messing with OUR ride plans!

5:18 am- Julie Lightening and cycling bad mix.....waddayathink?

5:19 am- Lindsay Oh...It's lightening ya not safe DANGEROUS, plus if we get rain even worse. Let's go later?

5:20 am- Julie Yup I'm not into being fried. Lets see what happens little later.

5:21 am- Lindsay Good call just saw it don't wanna die. Keep in touch for later!

It is amazing how weather plays a HUGE part into cycling! What is even more amazing to me is that at 5am I have cycling on my mind.....:)

Now on to my first 40!!!!

We finally headed out about 8:30 am we had a PERFECT cloud coverage pretty much the whole ride! We rode in 6 CITIES. How cool is that??? My Garmin died about 5 minute into the ride!!!! ANNOYING, I found I kept looking at it even though it was totally DEAD. Note to self charge more often :)

Drank a TON of water!!!

Jumped on a super cool lil trail somewhere along the way..... didn't know it even existed :)

Stopped at the gas station along the way for more water and a potty break..... Learned a new tip when Julie pulled out money from her saddle bag! She always rides with a few dollars in there for a lil treat/ energy at the gas station! Now to remember to put a few dollars into mine:)

Me and My GIRLS POST RIDE!!!

We had major head wind on part of the way back. NOT so fun, I am sure we enjoyed the wind helping us on our way out though. I kept telling the girls that this is just wrong that this is considered exercise. We chatted the whole time, had a snack break and were enjoying being outside all while burning a whopping 2000 calories!!!!! This is my kind of work out :) 40 miles will soon become many more as I have an announcement coming this week......That I want YOU locals to all be a part of :)

The HILL

2010-08-05T21:50:00.001-07:00

My house is up on a hill, now this isn't any small HILL..... I am talking this is one of the local hills people test drive cars up to test the power of the car they are looking at. It's super steep and really long! Usually I will drive to a parking lot at the bottom of a hill to start our ride, so that I don't have to climb the major hill. However today I CLIMBED the HILL!!!!

BEFORE THE CLIMB

THE HILL PART 1

I really don't think the pictures do the hill justice!!!!

OH IT'S STILL THE HILL!!!!

I never once stopped peddling the WHOLE way up the hill. I was so proud of myself, I really once again wanted to cry at taking on the hill!!! This is the hill that I used to watch people ride up and think WHO IS STUPID ENOUGH TO RIDE UP THIS!!!!!! Now I am one that is AWESOME enough to RIDE UP THAT HILL.

Feeling really proud for peddling 18 and then climbing the hill!!!

Red Rock NOT

2010-08-04T21:35:00.002-07:00

My plan was to. . . . .

However my husband will be retuning from a business trip the day I would have been leaving for Red Rock, and I have had a long time away from him and I want to spend the time with him! On top of that there is 2 football games, I would have had to miss, and a family reunion! Needless to say Red Rock is no longer happening for me this year. Honestly I am really sad about this, when I was overweight and people would talk about running a relay I ALWAYS wanted to do, and knew I wasn't in a position to do it. Now I am physically able to do and and not able to participate. There will always be another relay though!!!

HOWEVER I DIDN'T KNOW I WASN'T RUNNING UNTIL THE DAY AFTER THE TRAINING RUNS!!!!

The Red Rock Group that WAS.......

We ran 3 miles at 12 am!!! So fun to run that late, we even had a police officer wondering what we were doing.....to bad we didn't have toilet paper.....that would have been awesome to see 12 Moms toilet papering :)

6 am run!!! Not feeling it so much, that was super early and I was sore from riding the rock!!!

However the super beautiful sunrise made getting up and running that early well worth it :)

The phone call that I was no longer running came before the 2pm run in this NASTY weather so knowing I was no longer running Red Rock I opted out of this round of the training run!

I am super sad to leave my AWESOME team of friends and not be running with them this year however there will always be another relay and I am sure I can twist the arms of these lucky girls to run it with me again :)

Truvia Winner

2010-08-04T09:30:00.002-07:00

Congrats to . . . . .

Marathon Maiden

And

The Goodwin Family!!!

Email your address to

healthystride@gmail.com

The ROCK!!!!

2010-08-03T21:14:00.000-07:00

There is a HUGE rock on the the hill and I have ALWAYS wanted to go see it. However I used to be to heavy to hike it and then when I lost weight never took the time to see it! Well tonight that changed......

I loaded up the mountain bike and took off for The ROCK!!!

SUCH a beautiful ride! This is a popular trail for hikers and bikers. I did a 7 mile out and back. As I was climbing the hill I was breathing so hard! It freaked me out actually a little bit, this was harder then my road bike!!!! I thought I was going to be able to own this ride and climb it like a champ!!!

I did own it but I climbed it like a struggling champ :)

Totally clipped myself with the pedal!!!

Maybe one day I'll dare clip in on a Mountain bike, for now that scares me WAY to much!

I was SO proud that I MADE it!!!! It was something I have ALWAYS wanted to do. The rock is special to me too because my husband proposed to me at the trail head in the winter :)

Off the bikes to enjoy the......

AMAZING!!!!

However the sun setting at the top of the hill is also a BAD sign when your still on top of the mountain!!!! That meant we would be riding DOWN the trail without much daylight left.

So I rode white knuckled the WHOLE way down!!! I really had a hard time seeing! I kept thinking this is crazy, who rides in the dark???? Oh ya me duh!!!! I was the one who started out late.... It wasn't going to stop me from enjoying the down hill! I took it sloooooow #1 because I was scared and #2 because I honestly could not see.

Just to give you an idea of how dark it was....... I am looking forward to doing this ride again, I will start earlier and I think doing things the second time is always easier because you know what to expect!

I get to do 3, 3 mile training runs tonight for my Red Rock Relay! I will be sure to take lots of pictures of 12 crazy ladies running around town in the dark!!!! I hope my body can handle it after The ROCK!!!

Hurt in the Dirt Recap!!!

2010-07-31T22:24:00.000-07:00

Hurt in the Dirt oh ya I am hurtin....but in a good way! Hurt in the Dirt was a duathalon we relayed it and I did the Mtn. Bike part. My friend did all the runs and 1 bike leg. It was her first time on the bike! Looking back I wish I had done 1 run leg. I did a total of about 15 miles on the bike, mind you they were NOT easy miles!! Would I do it again is the question I always ask myself!!!! So would I??? Um.....YES but I would ride a mountain bike and TRAIN for this event prior to race day. I see a pattern here......I didn't train for my 10k either....... Maybe some day I'll learn or maybe I'll always be a fly by the seat of my pants girl!!!

On to the recap......

The event was held at at Ogden's historic Fort Buenaventura!

We arrived and got our transition station all set up then set off for. . . . . . .

Yep we pulled a race no no and split a cheese burger prior to the race!!!

Then it was GAME TIME!!!! Dawn my friend was the runner and pounded out her two 2 mile laps! Then it was time for me to hit the bike part :) I was honestly SCARED!!!!!

I headed off feeling super strong and thinking awww this isn't so bad...... then I came to part that was called "pebble beach" under a bridge next to the river......through sand and pebbles I had to duck so my head didn't hit the bridge or maybe I just felt I needed to duck...... at this point I though "WHAT HAVE I GOTTEN MYSELF INTO!!!!!" I powered through though......what other choice did I have?

Then I was greeted by this KILLER hill!!!! It was called PAIN IN THE ASH.....and it was! Yup I had fun walking up it 3 times!!!!!

It leveled out a bit at the top this was the kind of Mtn. biking I can handle......

This sign says enough! It was sand for it seemed like 1/2 a mile. So I got to carry my bike through the sand 3 times!!!! I tried riding it the first time then I noticed hey the "experienced" people are NOT riding I am wasting energy trying to ride this so I Hika a Bikaed it.

So pretty! Ogden had BEAUTIFUL mountains! I finished lap one and WANTED to die!!!! I tried to quit.....but Dawn wouldn't let me. That first lap seriously killed me, I was wanting my road bike!!!! It was intense, I never crashed and I never cried.....although I thought about it. I got a drink and shot blocks and felt ready to head for......

LAP 2

Way better then lap 1 I KNEW what I was expecting! I was more prepared to take the course. I actually ENJOYED this lap.....I didn't say it was easy though!

The skies turned GREY....thunder sounded and I panicked a bit!!!! Then the wind kicked up when I hit the sand part.....sand was blowing at me and it was sprinkling rain so I was a bit sandy! I finished that leg and felt much better then after the 1st leg.

LAP 3

I enjoyed the rainbow while Dawn rode!!!! She ate it pretty good on the Pebble Beach!!!!! I felt bad she rode, but hey she wanted to try it out.....She assured me it was her last time Mtn. biking! She was going to stick to running :) I bet I can get her to change her mind......?

LAP 4

I headed out LATE in the game..... worried I wouldn't finish in time, but was still ready to go for it! I took off for it. At this point I had the thought there has got to be someone slower then me....there is NO way I can be the LAST one out here. I always seem to find comfort in the fact that there will ALWAYS be someone slower then me......um in this case..... I provided that comfort for others and was the slower one!!!! I never felt like a "looser" though I am NOT a Mtn. Biker......I was a brave girl wanting to try something new and chose to try it out on race day! So along the route I was told you are not going to be able to finish in time, SERIOUSLY!!!! I did NOT do this to not finish....However along came a girl from behind and we decided together that we would finish the race together unsupported and cross the line together so neither of us came in LAST!!!! We finished the race with cartwheels across the finish line.

The girl I FINISHED with enjoying our post run FAMOUS ROOSTERS ROOT BEER!!!! I feel really bad I can't remember her name!

TOP 1 LINERS along the course!!!!

WHY was I stupid enough to do this.
Maybe I am just BRAVE enough?
Pebble beach my butt......this is no beach!
Pain in the ash......To bad the whole thing didn't burn....
Heart Breaker Hill.....This is gonna break my body!!!
Good thing I warned Dawn I DON"T Mtn. Bike!
Rattle Snake sign......This better not mean snakes are around.
People actually enjoy this????
Should have trained........
Sharing the girls drink at the top of the hill......I do not drink however I am not sure that was water in her camel back???? I'll pretend it was some weird flavored water.....
Why am I walking down this hill.....I ride down steeper on my road bike.....oh ya maybe because it's loose gravel!
I'm sure the Bingham Cyclery is glad I didn't wear my Bingham kit to this event!
Is there a short cut around here?????
Okay actually this is pretty cool, I could dig Mtn. Biking
I need to ride where it's not so "technical"!
Hitting the paved part....this is my kinda race!!!!

Feeling PRETTY.....tough that is!!!! Dawn and I did it, we decided 2 days ago to do this and WE went and GOT HURT IN THE DIRT!!!!! I felt really lucky to come out without any actual hurt, the hurt count that I last heard was 7 sets of stitches, 1 broken bone and SEVERAL pounds of ice handed out!

Is there anything cuter then being welcomed home by this????

SEE YA NEXT YEAR HURT IN THE DIRT!!!!

ps I'll train first!

They had a TON of photographers on the course so I'll be sure to post pics of me in ACTION!!!

I'm prayin I don't get HURT. . . .

2010-07-30T05:00:00.050-07:00

Straight up CRAZY!!!!

See I am NOT an expert or for that matter even an experienced mtn. biker! However I CAVED under pressure, well.....kinda! Dawn called me a few weeks ago and said I found a duathalon for us to do.....! I researched it and then heard it was pretty hard! So then I said NO! Well then today I got brave and called them and chatted to them about the course! They assured me it was indeed "technical"! However that I could do it, I just may need to dismount a few times! If someone gives me the reassurance that they think I can do it. It gives me the total power to tell myself I CAN DO IT, then it makes me WANT to do it !!!!

So what is HURT IN THE DIRT???

It is a twilight off-road duathlon consisting of a twisting run course through the trees, over logs and through water of the Weber River bottoms and a spaghetti bowl mountain bike course through the sand, mud and dirt that surround the fort!!!! HUM???? Yup it's CRAZY!!!! No turning back though I am all registered.

WE ARE TEAM 

MOUNTAIN HIKERS!!!!

Wish me luck on NOT getting Hurt in the Dirt!!!

If you are local, come try not to get hurt with me :)

* Don't forget to enter my Truvia Giveaway!

Stranger Danger!

2010-07-28T05:00:00.004-07:00

Today I did something I swore I would never EVER do! I rode with a "stranger"! I had a reader email me over 2 weeks ago! She told me how she liked my blog how she has lost a crazy amount of weight and wanted to get into cycling! I responded and told her I would love to ride with her and to pick a date and I would meet her to ride. . . We BOTH were freaked about meeting each other! However we picked a VERY public place to meet. Either she was lucky I wasn't a crazy psycho or I was lucky she wasn't!

It ended up being safe but hey I had 911 pre-dialed on my cell phone! ;)

It was awesome we rode 20 miles together and were able to chat lots about our families, favorite foods, workouts and just life! I was so excited someone wanted to get into cycling! It is something that I have loved and would spend every minute on my bike if I didn't have responsibilities! I loved seeing a new rider find the same passion I have for riding! I would have taken a picture of us but I didn't want to "creep" her out! I am sure we will have many more rides together. I went from stranger danger to a new cycling buddy in no time at all!

Soooooo would you ride with a "stranger"?
Have you ridden with a stranger?
Or do you think I am down right CRAZY?! (Well wait, don't answer that one!)

*Images found via google images.

Breakfast and Truvia Giveaway

2010-07-27T23:06:00.009-07:00

Breakfast is super important it fuels our bodies for the day. Studies have shown that people who skip breakfast are generally heavier than people who eat a nutritious breakfast. Eating a hearty healthy breakfast will prevent you from overeating during the lunch hours. I used to not be a breakfast eater, however now breakfast is NOT a meal I will EVER skip!

Whenever I have oatmeal, I always add a packed of truvia, along with some fresh blueberries or raspberries. So yummy, I love that it leaves no after taste!

What is Truvia?

Truvia natural sweetener is a zero-calorie sweetener made with the best tasting part of the stevia plant.
Truvia natural sweetener is refreshingly uncomplicated. Sprinkle it on your grapefruit.It won't end up on your conscience or your thighs.

Stevia is a plant (specifically, a member of the chrysanthemum family) native to portions of northeastern Paraguay. It has been used to sweeten foods and beverages for more than 200 years.

Unlike most stevia-based sweeteners, which are typically a mixture of many components from the stevia leaf, Truvia™ natural sweetener is made from rebiana, the best tasting part of the stevia leaf.

Truvia™ natural sweetener is made from rebiana, the best tasting part of the stevia leaf, erythritol and natural flavors. See our ingredients page for more detailed information.

It basically comes down to taste. Some people prefer the taste of natural sweeteners as opposed to artificial ones. Some prefer the origin too. Truvia™ natural sweetener is natural and versatile, which makes it something everyone can enjoy.

No. While rebiana comes from a plant, it is not certified or grown organically at this time.

In a word, yes. See our recipe section for our chef-created and chef-tested recipes, as well as a Truvia™ conversion chart. Currently there is no bulk-baking product available, but watch for it at your local store!

Erythritol is an all-natural, non-caloric sweetener, used as an ingredient that provides bulk for the tabletop form of Truvia™ rebiana. Bulking agents are additives that increase the bulk and contribute to the texture of a food. Erythritol has been part of the human diet for thousands of years as it is present in fruits such as pears, melons and grapes, as well as foods such as mushrooms and fermentation-derived foods such as wine, soy sauce and cheese. It is added to foods and beverages to provide sweetness, as well as to enhance taste and texture.

Yes, Truvia™ natural sweetener is safe for people with diabetes. It has no effect on the glycemic index.

No, the FDA has not approved all of stevia. The FDA issued a no-objection letter affirming and supporting the safety of rebiana, a well-characterized, 97% high-purity ingredient derived from the best-tasting part of the stevia leaf.
The recent action by FDA only applies to products meeting the specifications of rebiana.

Natural flavors are used to bring out the best of Truvia™'s natural sweetener, like pepper or salt or any other spice that would be used to heighten the taste of food.
One packet of Truvia natural sweetener provides the same sweetness as two teaspoons of sugar.
Truvia natural sweetener is a great alternative for people with diabetes. It is also kosher certified.

I have used Truvia for a while now and LOVE it.
So I am excited to give 2 lucky people the chance try out one of my favorite products!

GIVEAWAY:

1. Go to truvia.com and tell me something you learned!

2. Be a follower of my blog (leave a separate comment)

3. Follow me on twitter HERE, or on Facebook! (Leave a separate comment letting me know you've
done so.)

4. "Like" Truvia on Facebook by clicking HERE. (separate comment)

5. Tweet I'm eating breakfast with @healthystride Truvia #giveaway http://tinyurl.com/24nvsn3

6. Grab a button.

7. Spread the word: post this giveaway on your blog
-send out a tweet with the giveaway link
-put the giveaway link in your facebook status
-tell all your friends, etc

LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH

8. Share your go to breakfast with me!!!

GIVEAWAY ENDS 8/4 12:00 am MST

* I was given product for the giveaway. However Truvia is a product I have used and loved before this giveaway.

My First 10k Race Report

2010-07-26T05:00:00.007-07:00

Let me start by saying I was scared to DEATH to run given I have not RUN in 5 weeks!!!!!

However I was told by my friends I could so do it.......So I trusted them and went for it!!!

They were right I could do it. Good thing I have honest friends :) So the 24th of July is Utah's BIG holiday, we had a party the night before and did a big firework show and BBQ so by the time I was in bed I got a whopping 4 hours of sleep!!!!! Not exactly the ideal amount of sleep for feeling well rested for race day.

I know this is so DUMB but I have ALWAYS wanted a chip on my shoe!!!! So I had to document it :) Even if it was only on my shoe for a short time I was proud to rock it!!!

There was something SO wrong about leaving my house at 5am in the pitch black to go RUN!!!! It was DARK and COLD and I was going to be RUNNING!!!! I kept thinking WHAT have I gotten myself into???

There was NO turning back I prepped my mental game and the RACE was ON!!!

I was going to complete my first 10k, even if it took me ALL day.

My thoughts went like this:

Mile 1- What was I thinking who does this???? I chose to be here???? Kept checking distance on my Garmin wondering why this seemed so long. Maybe I should have warmed up first. . . . . . Was getting acrylic toes the day before a race a bad idea???? I can kinda feel them, I better not loose my toes...
Mile 2- Crap that was a LONG mile ya it was downhill but who said downhill is easy??? My knees are killing! Bottom of foot burning.......PLEASE no blister PLEASE!!!!!!
Mile 3- Okay Lindsay your half way there!!!! This is kinda fun now, however that is for sure a blister forming, it's your own fault who goes and runs 6 miles without running and expecting pain free feet after?
Mile 4- This is AWESOME I am doing this!!! I never EVER imagined I could or would do this. My iPod is messed up, my play lists are whacked so I jammed to my 10 yr. old sons list..... Miley Cyrus song comes on and the lyrics couldn't be more perfect for how I was feeling.
The struggles I’m facing,
The chances I’m taking
Sometimes they might knock me down but
No I’m not breaking
I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I’m going to remember most yeah
Just got to keep going
And I,
I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on,
I had hit the point of struggling at this point in the race, I was feeling totally challenged. Ready for it to end then........
Mile 5- I turned the corner and hit the Days of 47' parade route. There were TONS of people, they were cheering us on clapping squirting water, holding signs and just happy to see us!!! It helped me SO much, to get through the last 2 miles.
Mile 6- WOW I have almost completed this!!!! Kid standing in the road waiting for high-fives! SMACK his hand and think crap that was kinda hard my hands stinging poor kid...... sorry guess I had some aggression!
Mile 6.1- I can SEE the finish!!!! I have done this!!!! I feel proud and grateful for my body but more my mind for being able to do this.

FINISH

I did it I finished my first 10k in 1:09:47.9!!!!

I take my shoe off to find a BIG old blister SWEET!!!! I love it, pain from the race.....my body is aching, double sweet I worked hard and I can already feel it........

DAY AFTER RACE:
Dang, I am SORE!!!!!!

How on earth do people run 20 more miles then I did????

Would I run a 10k again? For sure, would I train before..... probably not.
Well maybe a little?
Phew my toes are all fine!

How did I like the distance? LOVED it, was long enough yet short enough.

Do you remember your first 10k?

What is your favorite distance?

If you haven't run a race before pick one and FINISH it!!!!

SOLO and Packet Pick Up!

2010-07-22T16:22:00.002-07:00

I have NEVER ridden SOLO before EVER!!!!! Today was my FIRST time, I headed out early afternoon and peddled out 20 miles in 1:18:50 and 1143 calories!

I don't have a bike rack.....I need to invest in one but until then the back of my car works great!!!! I love how one of my high heels somehow managed to be in the picture. Maybe next time I'll try riding in them?

I headed out West to the "Country"! SO BEAUTIFUL, I loved it. It was very peaceful riding alone, I was left alone with my own thoughts and feeling. Maybe that wasn't a good thing...... No I actually loved it, I was able to reflect on my life, kids, husband and daily tasks.

As I came to the bird refuge, I couldn't help but stop and reflect on my life for a minute. I was alone, no cars, no other people, just me and the birds. As I looked around I felt go grateful that I CHOSE to change my life, that loosing weight has given me a NEW life. I was appreciating my hard work and remembering where I came from. I know that my hard work has paid off and is continuing to show and bless my daily life.

I loved watching the ducks!

I finished my ride and felt great! I could have kept going and wanted to however I needed to save my legs for my. . . . . .

FIRST 10K SATURDAY!!!!

I am running in my FIRST 10K Saturday, actually it's my first running race EVER!!!!! I am excited and NERVOUS :) I will be running the Deseret News 10K.

My friend Dawn came went with me to packet pick-up with me, I wasn't sure how it worked and she is a SEASONED race packet picker upper!!! Dawn will be running 12 marathons in 12 months!!!! I will be a supportive friend and cheer her on!!! I'll live my marathon running through her:)

QUESTIONS FOR YOU:

Do you ride SOLO?

Do you prefer group rides?

Are you racing this weekend? If so good LUCK!!!

Win WINNER!!!!

2010-07-22T16:22:00.001-07:00

Congrats to.....

mom running from cancer

Send your address to

healthystride@gmail.com

With Win Winner in the subject line!

Legacy at Dusk

2010-07-21T05:00:00.010-07:00

Last night I wanted a low key ride...... so we headed to a local bike path Legacy Parkway Trail!

Now I have done this ride a handful of times! We rode 20 miles in just over 1 hour and 1068 calories. It's not my favorite but a good easy way to pedal out a quick few miles on a hot evening! So tonight I went with the mind set to find something memorable and special about this ride. I found PLENTY of memories.....

It's actually really pretty when I look back at the pictures. However the pictures don't show........ the bugs that I swallowed a billion of. When I came home and took my jersey off a billion bugs fell out of it!!!! NASTY.

We rode past this pond and saw something moving so we turned around to see what it was and we found..... VERY large RATS, swimming they swim FAST too. AWWWW we were a bit grossed out, and it didn't help the matter when we continued on the path and a HUGE on RAN right in front of our bikes. We SCREAMED and screamed loud we honestly almost hit it. Had we not hit the brakes we would have. Having a rat run in front of you while riding is one way to TOTALLY increase your speed!

Someone is not following the rules there was horse poop ALL over. Do horse owners not have to clean up after their pets????

Tell me this isn't BEAUTIFUL!!! There are several bridges along the trail, one of my favorite parts.

I couldn't help but get off my bike and walk the balance beam. It makes it super CHALLENGING to walk the beam with cleats on the bottom of your shoes. I did it though...... Like I said a LOW key ride, I normally wouldn't stop and walk the beam! Or would I?

Stunning sunset we rode with on our way back......AMAZING!!!

Next time I do this ride, I am going to ride like this, so I don't have to eat bugs or smell the near by landfill. Maybe I'll carry a gun too in case a RAT tries to attack again ;)

Would I do this ride again????

Absolutely!!!! Rats, bugs, stinky smells and all it makes for a comical ride. This ride is also great for learning how to clip in and out, you don't battle any traffic and don't have to stop unless you choose to. It's not every Legacy ride that you experience what I did last night. Legacy is where I learned to clip in and out at.

I am sure that after reading this you're all wishing you were along for the CRAZY ride!!!

Right???

First Cycling Event

2010-07-18T23:00:00.004-07:00

Tour de Donut!!!
Awesome recap with TONS of pictures.

Tour de Donut pretty much rocked! It was a super fun event, I for sure will be taking part next year. HOW the race works is awesome you ride 3 laps of 7 miles each, after the first and second laps you stop and eat DONUTS!!! Each donut you eat takes 3 minutes off your time :)

My Hubby rode this event with me! He downed 8 DONUTS!!!

My awesome friends came along too!!! I beat both of them on donuts eaten :) Better luck next year LADIES!

Met the one and only "FATTY"!!! Super nice guy, now Fatty is the brains behind www.fatcyclist.com! He lost his wife to cancer and was left with 4 kids, he does a lot of work to help in the fight against cancer. He is an amazing rider and I love reading his stories, it's never a dull moment on fatcyclist.com. I was able to ride a bit with him and eat LOTS of donuts with him, however he ate 13 totally beat me. Hey, I wasn't racing Fatty I am smarter then that :)

I was able to meet up with a reader/ blogger Camille Make it Work Mom She is for sure a new friend of mine so fun to meet!

Are y'all dying to know how many donuts I consumed???

I have to thank the wonderful Jess at Picture Me Mine for the AWESOME pictures!!!!

4 I was 8 short of winning the female division! However 4 about made me BARF. I could hardly eat 4. Maybe next year....... The male division winner ate 26 donuts!!!!!

Now more about the FUN RACE!!!!

This caused me MAJOR stress!!!! Um ya look how many cyclist there are all bunched together. How on earth do you not collide, tip over, crash, pedal and get OUT of the human cycling flood??? You don't think about it and you go SUPER slow until the people thin out.......killed my patience, I was nervous and prayed I didn't wreck!!!! I succeeded and was SAFE, I also now know what to expect at another event, hadn't given the start line much thought! The ride was flat, well paced and full of fun!!! My official time ended up being 1:21:52 minus the 12:00 for my donuts was 1:09:52 place 15th in my division. The race was VERY well put on, the volunteers were all wonderful. All in all I have to say it was a great event to take part of and if you have a Tour de Donut near you or anything like it MAKE sure and take part! Or even better come to Utah and ride with ME next year :)

Now for how my wounds handled the ride???

It was my first ride after the Alpine Slide. I was honestly in WAY to much pain to ride, until Saturday. I was nervous about riding with my lovely wounds.......

However I bought matching Coflex and totally rocked it. I matched and everything!!! The swelling has pretty much gone down now and the sunscreen is going to be my BEST friend in protecting this fresh new skin from scaring!!

-IN LOVING MEMORY-
This story makes me grateful for my wounds and appreciate my every breath I take.

This super beautiful woman "Bunny" Bradley was killed last week in a cycling accident. I had a chance to meet and chat with her Dad, what a strong family she has. She left behind a husband and 2 young children. During the race they had a special lap for Bunny. My deepest sympathies and well wishes go out to her family, and friends.

Cherish EVERY moment of EVERY day!!!!

WIN Detergent Giveaway CLOSED

2010-07-15T09:49:00.002-07:00

WIN DETERGENT, is a High Performance Sport Detergent!

It is a product I have loved USING. I wash my cycling, running, and workout clothing with WIN. It is AMAZING, it gets rid of every last odor. Most liquid detergents do not target embedded odors and even after gym clothes are washed, these odors stay entrenched in the fibers. After a few workouts, even the best high tech fabrics typically develop a musty odor. This is caused by bacteria attracted to sweat soaked fabric! Nasty huh? WIN has amazing technology behind the detergent. It is the ultimate SWEAT LIFTER!!!

WIN also makes a Green Detergent!!!

WIN Green is a a dye free and fragrance free sport detergent with the same level of performance as WIN High Performance Sport Detergent, outperforming traditional detergents at removing perspiration odor.

I honestly was skeptical about trying out WIN however I will tell you all my new stuff has only been washed in WIN smells super good and the colors are still very vibrant. I am SOLD!

We spend WAY to much money on our fitness gear, to not treat it well in the wash!

That being said. . . .WIN is giving you the chance to win 2 bottles of WIN Detergent! A bottle of WIN Green and a bottle of WIN High Performance Sport Detergent!!!

GIVEAWAY:

1. Go to WIN and look around. Come back and leave a comment telling me what you learned!

2. Be a follower of my blog (leave a separate comment)

3. Follow or "like" WIN on Facebook CLICK HERE. (leave a separate comment letting me know you've
done so.)

4. Grab my button.

5. Follow me on twitter HERE, or on Facebook! (Leave a separate comment letting me know you've
done so.)

6. Spread the word:
-post this giveaway on your blog
-send out a tweet with this giveaway link
-put the giveaway link in your facebook status
-tell a friend, etc

(Leave a separate comment for EACH and receive and extra entry for EVERY way you've gotten the word out.)

Giveaway ends 12:00 am MST 7/22

*WIN is a product I have used and loved, the product for the winner was supplied by WIN.

Does healing burn calories???

2010-07-13T15:32:00.000-07:00

Please tell me it does!!!!

This lovely Alpine Slide and I didn't get along so well today!!!

I pretty much took a corner WAY to fast and ate it big time :(

This pain is not one of those hurts so good feelings! I think I honestly cried for a good 20 minutes. I usually am a pretty tough girl too. Among my first thoughts was..... Can I still ride my bike?

All bandaged up emotionally shaken and puffy eyes from crying an all !!!

I am home from my vaca now and am sure I will be able to ride my bike, just not tonight like I had hoped.

Have you been on a Alpine Slide?

Planning

2010-07-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

After my last vacation I realized I was thinking I was better then I really am and could eat whatever whenever because I was on vacation! I learned a HUGE lesson that I already knew, a little thing called plan ahead!!!

So the past few days we have been out of town in Park City .

When I booked our stay I made sure to book a place with a full kitchen! It really has made our vacation much more healthy! I made a menu of meals before we left, brought food from home and shopped more up here. I had a PLAN!!!

I also made sure I had access to a gym. Last night I was able to do the elliptical, work chest, back and swim a few laps! I have to say it has made my vacation much more enjoyable and guilt free. I know my last trip I was SO hard on myself, beat myself up for eating bad and then I was grumpy. It has MADE it much better to plan. We planned to eat out dinner 1 night and when we went out to eat, I shared mine with my son. I was able to leave satisfied and guilt free. I even had a bite of dessert!!!

We even had a movie night up here that was planned ahead! My treats were triscuts, grapes, 1 slice of pepper-jack cheese. grapes and beef jerky! I was able to have healthy snacks during the movie.

I have to say planning makes a world of difference!

Do you plan ahead?

Wasatch Boulevard

2010-07-10T21:38:00.002-07:00

Me being so smart just grabbed the pump on my way out the door, still in its package. So when I got to where I was riding, it was super challenging to open!!!! It was majorly zip tied! It was comical trying to open it. Luckily one of my friends had a nifty knife and I was able to use my pump!

I had never pumped a road tire before that was a lesson, I think I'll have to teach y'all!!!

Okay it's a SERIOUS arm work out pumping a tire!!!!

I rode Wasatch Boulevard.

We road a 30 mile loop. 2 hours 12 minutes and my avg. pace was 13.5. calories 1997!!!!

A first for me I GU'ed!!!!!

Okay now on to the RIDE!!!!

I felt awesome pretty much the whole time EXCEPT for one NASTY climb. I could not for the life of me shift into a easier gear to climb! It was AWFUL, I climbed the whole hill in a HARD gear @ like 3.4 mph. My legs are SO sore tonight, like throbbing!!! I LOVE feeling the workout after though.

So I headed straight to Bingham my bike shop and in a matter of minutes. I learned that a) I was shifting wrong, so operator error. b) There was a wire hitting something making it difficult to move the chain, the way he explained it was WAY to technical for me :) I was in and out with my bike fixed super quick, so the next climb will ROCK!!!

I hope everyone enjoys the rest of the weekend!!!

Do you like to feel the pain after a workout?

Date Night

2010-07-10T05:00:00.010-07:00

Okay you all pretty much rock! I was scared to see what you would all say about the running.

So a huge THANKS for all your support.

My food, the soup is low sodium tomato soup, one of my favs for lunch.

I really lack in the veggie department.....I need to make myself like them!!!

Friday night is DATE NIGHT! We went to a new yummy place. I had the salad in the picture it was so tasty. I could only eat 3/4ths of it but it was yummy!!! On Friday nights I like to be a fun date and not be "overly" picky on where and what I will eat. So I indulged a little :) A little tip with Mexican salads they NEVER need the dressing just juice the limes and add lots of pico, super yummy!

After dinner we headed for fro-yo and a beautiful mountain view. Nothing beats the Utah mountains BEAUTIFUL!

I didn't work out yesterday I rested for my big ride today.

What are your favorite date nights?

What is your workout for today?

FESS UP. . . . .

2010-07-09T05:00:00.011-07:00

Are you sick of seeing what I am eating yet???

It it making me feel totally accountable! I really went to the animal cracker box like 5 times today and NEVER ate one. I KNOW one wouldn't kill me but I knew if I ate 1 I would WANT the whole box!

We went to the Farmers Market tonight, LOVE it!!!! Where else can you get street tacos, fresh veggies, and tons of cool trinkets?

My workout was cycling! 53 minutes, 15 miles, and 853 calories :)

Okay now for the fess up..........

heart pounding..........

starting to sweat........

READY TO ADMIT!!!!

I am pulling out of my HALF MARATHON.

WHY????

I like running..... do I love running? Unfortunately no!!! I was hoping to have running be my passion, however right now it isn't. I plan to maintain a 5 mile base, so that I can use it as cross training. I am afraid if I keep running it will take away from my cycling. I never imagined CYCLING to be something I could do, let alone LOVE. I imagined me as a RUNNER. I love reading about others running passions and will live my running through all my runner friends. To be able to train for a few BIG bike race this fall I am going to need to dedicate my Saturdays to spending lots of time in the saddle.

This was a hard choice to make, however I am happy with the decision I have made.

Quitter????

Absolutely NOT!!!

Passion Chaser???

FOR SURE!!!

PHEW!!!!

*That was a HARD HARD HARD post to write.

PLEASE DON'T HATE :)

I love LIFTING!!!!

2010-07-08T05:00:00.015-07:00

Another day of my eating. I am telling you posting pictures of what you eat forces you to

be on top of your game!!! Once again the food I ate in the order I ate it!

My food from today! Super easy and super yummy!!! Those raspberries and strawberries were divine!!!

Passed on the the birthday cheesecake!!!

Was grateful for the fresh strawberries so I didn't feel left out of the celebration :)

It was a super fun workout tonight! I lifted with my 3 sisters, taught them a few tips, tricks, and how to's!

LOVED it. We all recently join a new fitness club together. I am sure their will be many

more sibling workouts :)

My workout today was arms, LOVED IT!!!! I haven't been able to lift for a few weeks. I totally missed it, lifting is totally empowering. Lifting weights is what totally help me loose my weight. There is really nothing better then a good weight training session!!! WHY did I let my busy life get me out of my lifting routine??? Tonight reminded me of how MUCH I love lifting. It provides me with such an amazing sense of empowerment that I don't get running, or cycling! I love the way I feel lifting, holding my body tight as breath in and out and control my movement. Feeling and seeing my muscles move as I lift. Seeing how strong I am, and pushing myself through my repetitions. Leaving knowing that my body is still burning calories, to rebuild the muscle my lifting broke down. AMAZING!!!

Do you love lifting?

Are you scared to lift?

Road ID Winner

2010-07-07T23:19:00.002-07:00

CONGRATS !!!!

Lara at Lolas Running

Send me an email healthystride@gmail.com

Paybacks. . . .

2010-07-07T05:00:00.020-07:00

I just have to say the day after vacation is not a fun day!!! You feel awful from the poor vacation food, tired and lazy!!! I honestly stayed in my pj's until I went for my bike ride!!! I won't tell you what time my ride was ;)

My yummy food from today! I didn't have the energy to figure the calories but this is every single item that entered my mouth! In the order it entered my mouth. For dinner it was Mango Black Bean Chicken tacos. YUMMY!!!!

FITNESS. . . .

I would LOVE to say I had another amazing ride however it SUCKED big time!!! Like it was the hardest thing I have done in a LONG time. It was suppose to be an easy ride, NOPE!!! Well the ride it's self was easy......My body was just full of JUNK food I indulged in all weekend. I guess it was my bodies payback for feeding it awful food!!!

My ride was 40 minutes and burned 644 calories. That alone made it worth the suffering. After my ride I headed to the gym to do a Yoga class..... well I was late and the class was FULL. So no Yoga tonight :(

How do you eat when on vacation?

Today is my Dads 50th birthday!!!

Happy Birthday DAD!!!

*Don't forget to enter my Road ID Giveaway!

Tour de Donut

2010-07-06T22:20:00.003-07:00

As most of you know I am a new cyclist and am loving it. I have been eying a few races to somehow work into my running schedule. However when I found the Tour de Donut I was SOLD!!!! Donuts, bike, charity, and friends!!! Who wouldn't want to be part.

The Utah Tour de Donut is a "spoof" of the Tour de France. It is the primary fund raising event for the Rotary Club of American Fork. This is a Criterion Race - Riding 3 - SEVEN mile circuits and eating donuts (Total of 21 miles). Each donut you eat knocks 3 minutes off your time. Ride - Eat - Ride!

If you are not eating donuts, chances are pretty good that you may not have the fastest "adjusted" time. The record for most donuts eaten is 28! I can't say I will beat that or even try to!!! I will for sure eat a donut or 2, 3,4,5, or who knows how many!!! It's going to be a BLAST!!!

Where else can you ride your bike, support a charity and eat DONUTS!!!!

Nowhere so come ride Tour de Donut!

If you are local please come ride with me!!! The race is on 7/17/10. This ride is for anyone and everyone, families, die hards, newbies, and wannabes!!!! I will be there and would love to meet some readers.

Register by July 8, 2010 in order to guarantee shirt size at check in. On-line registration closes at 5:00 PM on Friday - July 16 to prepare everything for race day check-in. You can register the day of there is just now a guarantee of your shirt size!!! I myself want to know I will have a SWEET shirt to wear :)

Holiday Weekend and All This Week. . . . .

2010-07-06T05:00:00.003-07:00

I hope everyone had a fun and safe 4th of July!

We spent the whole weekend camping in 3 different camp spots. Fun yes, exhausting totally!!!

We spent Friday night at Anderson Cove up at Pineview.

Totally a BLAST we spent it with lots of friends and neighbors.

We then headed south with my parents to Manti, a VERY small town! We enjoyed an awesome firework show. I even did cartwheels across the football field :)

Enjoyed the paddle boats at Lake Palisades! Now those paddle boats are a workout!!!!! My legs were exhausted! This was the ONLY form of exercise I had the 4 days we were gone :(

S'mores!!!!

Super yummy with a Reeses! If you haven't tried it you must try roasting starbursts, yummy!!!

We ate and ate and ate again!!!

Such yummy food the small town had to offer us.

Enough about my vaca!

I want to hear how you spent your 4th of July weekend???

*I have had SEVERAL people email me asking what my typical day of food, and exercise is so this week all week long I am going to blog my meals, workouts, weight training, cycling, running, and fitness classes. Boring to some not to others, I listened to your emails and you'll see the life of Lindsay all week long on Healthy Stride and Twitter :)

Road ID Giveaway CLOSED

2010-07-01T16:52:00.001-07:00

Safety FIRST!!!!

Whenever I am out running, or cycling I have the thought what if....

I get hit by a car?

What if I get hurt?

The many what ifs that I am sure we ALL have.

Sure I run and ride with my cell phone. Still if I were to be injured my phone could be crushed or broken and no one would know who to contact.

SCARY!!!!!

If something happens to me I want my husband and family to know! Road Id provides this protection, and identification. Everyone needs one of these, however I can't give everyone one so one lucky winner will be the proud new owner of their own Road Id.

GIVEAWAY:

1. Go to RoadID.com and shop around. Leave a comment letting me know what product you like.

2. Be a follower of my blog (leave a separate comment)

3. Follow me on twitter HERE

4. "Like" Road ID on Facebook by clicking HERE. (separate comment)

5. Follow Road ID on Twitter HERE.

6. Spread the word: post this giveaway on your blog
-send out a tweet with the giveaway link
-put the giveaway link in your facebook status
-tell all your friends, etc
LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH

7. Share your safety secrets with me!!!

GIVEAWAY ENDS 7/8 12:00 am MST

* I was given an eCard for a RoadID for myself and for the lucky winner.

RYDERS Winner

2010-07-01T16:16:00.001-07:00

Seattle Runner Girl

Congrats send your
address to

healthystride@gmail.com!!!

Lake Solitude

2010-06-29T22:09:00.001-07:00

I knew that I wasn't going to be able to attend hiking group this week so

I took my family and did the hike on our own.

We did the loop around Silver Lake which was 1.5 miles and then headed up the Lake Solitude Trail.

Which was 1.1 miles. We hiked a total of 3.7 miles.

The scenery was absolutely beautiful.

We saw a LARGE moose, deer, fish, squirrels and ducks.

We had a lot of fun. We were racing day light coming down the mountain, so we pretty much ran the whole way down. As I was running along side my children, I was overwhelmed with happiness, gratitude and hope. I was so grateful for the changes I made in my life, to be able to run, along side them and be able to experience the joy with them. I had great hope that they would be learning from what we are teaching them that they may have the desire to live active healthy lives. I was thankful for my mind and body that provided me and supported my weight loss changes! I was so happy to be able to enjoy the great outdoors with my loved ones.

What are you grateful for today?

Emigration Canyon

2010-06-28T21:39:00.000-07:00

Tonight I rode up Emigration Canyon!

It is a 15.6 mile round trip ride, with a total elevation climb of 1,270 feet! I LOVED IT. I am hooked, there is something so incredible about climbing the hill and then pushing so hard through the switchbacks at the top. Knowing I powered though the hard and steep moments made it all worth it. It made me appreciate my mind and body. What wonderful machines our bodies are!!!!

Wooohooo I made it to the top!!!!

My awesome friends and riding buddies!!!!

These girls told me me get into cycling and I am so glad I listened.

Notice the bandanna?

Yup that was a new thing I rode with today. After having sweat drip in my eyes, sting, and burn during Saturdays ride this was a must!!! It totally saved me. . . . It was drenched post ride.

How do you keep the sweat out of your eyes?

30 Miles, I love my bike and what I'm NOT loving so much. . . . .

2010-06-26T17:35:00.006-07:00

I had a awesome ride today! I rode 30 miles in just under 2 hours, and burned 1833 calories!!!!!

I did my first major uphill! Well it was major to me, but minor considering

the other hills that surround my riding territory.

The hill I climbed!!!

Feeling proud about climbing the hill, mind you this hill came at mile 27!!!!

I had a great ride and LOVE my bike :)

Why do I love it so much????

Specialized prides itself in making high quality, smooth riding Woman's bicycles. It is super easy to ride. They use a thinner, lighter aluminum on the Woman's specific bikes. This provides two benefits, they are lighter, and they ride more smoothly. I love the smooth ride!!! The geometry is a bit different than the men's bikes in that the wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear axles) is slightly longer, providing a more stable riding experience. The other thing they do is use a medically tested and designed woman's saddle. Specialized also uses a handlebar that has a shorter reach and drop for smaller hands. (this makes it easier to control the bike, all the while shifting and braking comfortably.) I have felt so comfortable and in control when riding and I know my bike plays a HUGE part in this!!!

What I am not loving so much. . . . . . .

THIS NASTY GLOVE TAN LINE!!!!
If it's this bad already after 3 daytime rides, can you imagine what it will look like the end of summer???

Monday I am doing my first CANYON ride!!! I am so super excited for it :)

I hope everyone enjoyed BIKE WEEK!!!

*Don't forget to enter my Ryders Giveaway!!!

Fix a Flat. . . . .

2010-06-25T05:00:00.003-07:00

Something I hope I never have to do.

Something I better be prepared to do!!!

All of these nifty little tools go into a saddle bag.

What is a saddle bag?

It is a little bag that sits on your saddle. It houses your fix a flat tools!

What is a saddle?

A saddle is also know as a bike seat!

I didn't know this for a long time, I had heard people talk about a saddle and wondered what it was.

Now on to fixing a flat!!!

This shows you step by step instructions on how to fix a flat, with pictures and AWESOME instructions.

Tell me about fixing your flat?

Tell me how often you get a flat?

Don't forget to enter my Ryders Giveaway!!!

Tattoos and Snow-cones

2010-06-24T05:00:00.005-07:00

This stressed me out a TON!!!!

Um hello, I didn't even know the front tire came off.

I rode 55 minutes, 13.5 miles and a whopping 841 calories!

Saw this super cool patriotic fire hydrant. Come on now that is something you don't see everyday!

Got myself a incredible chain tat!!! Grease doesn't wash off easy either :'(

After such a HOT and sweaty ride I earned a super yummy snow-cone!!!

It hit the spot and cooled me down! Peach, Pineapple and Pina-Colada!

Tell me about your chain tats, any hints on getting them off without taking a layer of skin with it?

What is your favorite snow-cone?

Tomorrow........we are talking tires :)

Make sure you enter my Ryders Giveaway!

RYDERS Giveaway

2010-06-23T22:17:00.000-07:00

Being a new cyclist I was in dire need for glasses!!!

Ryders Eyewear was super awesome and sent me some AMAZING glasses! I love them they save me on my rides and protect my eyes great. I feel no wind drying my contacts out :)

Why does a cyclist need to wear glasses?

Keeps dirt and debris out of eyes.
Blocks wind.
Protects eyes from harmful UV rays.

These are a few that I can think of of the top of my head....

Now is your chance to win a your own pair of Ryders Sunglasses!!!

GIVEAWAY:

1. Tell me why you you need new Sunglasses!

2. Go to Ryders Eyewear and look around. Come back and leave a comment telling me what you learned!

3. Be a follower of my blog (leave a separate comment)

4. Follow or "like" Ryders on Facebook CLICK HERE. Or on Twitter CLICK HERE (leave a separate comment letting me know you've
done so.)

5. Grab my button.

6. Spread the word:
-post this giveaway on your blog
-send out a tweet with this giveaway link
-put the giveaway link in your facebook status
-tell a friend, etc

(Leave a separate comment for EACH and receive and extra entry for EVERY way you've gotten the word out.)

Giveaway ends 12:00 am MST 7/1

*I was not paid to post this review or giveaway. These are my own honest opinions.

Group?

2010-06-23T05:00:00.002-07:00

What is a group?

A group is parts on a bike.

Cassette: The rear gear set. On my bike there are 10 gears in the rear and 2 up front. Making it a 20 speed bicycle.

Cranks: The part your pedal is attached to at one end, and has either 2 or 3 gears on it. The actual INPUT of power into your bike.

Derailers: The mechanical part that actually MOVES the chain from one gear to another. You have both a front and rear derailer.

Brakes: Simple as they sound they are the things that slow you down :)

Shifters: The part you push with your hand to switch gears.
Double: A bike with 2 gears on the cranks.
Triple: A bike with 3 gears on the cranks.

The "group" on the Dolce Elite is the brand new SRAM APEX group!

The gear combination in the rear is called an 11 - 32, meaning the small gear is an 11 tooth, and the biggest ring is a 32 tooth. Before this group came out, the biggest (easiest) gear you could get on a bike with a "double" front gear set up was a 28 tooth. This made it hard for new cyclists, and specifically cyclists in mountainous regions to have an easy enough gear to make it up the steep hills. Where I live is VERY steep and hilly! So this totally saves me. Thus they had to go to a "triple," or 3 gears up front to have an easy enough gear. With Sram Apex though, the combination of the 32 tooth rear gear, and the 34 tooth small gear up front, it is actually as easy, if not easier than most "triple" equipped bikes. However it is still not an easy thing to do by any means my body is SO SORE from Mondays ride.

Was this over your head???
I will tell you it was over my head but learning it and knowing it is making me feel better about knowing my bike and understanding how to handle it.

First Road Ride

2010-06-22T05:00:00.030-07:00

Last night I went out on my first real road ride.

Saturday I went on a bike path ride to learn to clip in and out. I felt like I did pretty good on Saturday and was ready to hit the open ROAD last night!!!!

We rode 20 miles in 1hour and 30 minutes. It was an incredible ride. I LOVED being out on the road and seeing how far we had pedaled. I kept watching the stats on my Garmin, I was fascinated by my heart rate, mph and distance. When I finished riding and saw I burnt 1503 calories I was super happy!!! I enjoyed what I was doing and burnt a TON of calories.

I only had one scary time when I was at a stop light and it was on a very slight hill, and a corner..... as soon as the light changed I started off and could NOT for the life of me clip in I lost my balance, caught myself and then my leg was in the way of the tire. Super confusing I know, needless to say I NEVER fell but did get a lovely dark tire mark on my calf :)

I am still trying to figure out my shifting, I swear it's like learning to drive a stick shift car all over again. . . . .

My body feels sore, and my arms are tight. I don't know what I was thinking doing an arm work out before riding. I am grateful for VERY patient friends who have helped me learn the ropes and slowed down their normal riding speed to ride with me. LOVE you girls.....you know who you are :) I know that my mind is happy and more clear after a super successful first road ride!!!!

Bike Week. . . . .

2010-06-21T05:00:00.005-07:00

Huh......

Yup my special surprise is a

SPECIALIZED DOLCE ELITE 2011

I am one of a few, if not the ONLY one who have this bike it was just released Friday!!!!

Thanks to the AWESOME people at Bingham Cyclery!!!

I have had a MAJOR desire to ride a road bike. I never thought it would be possible, or something I was capable of doing. I thought you had to be a major athlete, super fit and way intense to ride one. I didn't think it was something that Mom's did......until I noticed and saw that Mom's do ride road bikes! I wanted to learn how to ride, the rules, the know hows, the gear, the lingo, the whole shebang. I WANT TO BE A CYCLIST!!!! I want other people who are intimidated to learn or have the desire to learn but are afraid to try to be able to follow me along my journey of . . . .BECOMING A MOMMY CYCLIST :)

I will be blogging about biking all WEEK LONG!!!!

I have TONS of fun stuff to share, tips, tricks, how-to's and even a giveaway!!!

Maybe this week should be called "HEALTHY RIDE" :)

Multi-Tasking

2010-06-18T05:00:00.004-07:00

Yesterday I knew I needed to run and thought what why not bring the bikes

along and let the kids ride while I run. . . .

Brilliant idea I must say! This track isn't any regular track it's super sized!!! The kids had a great time riding and I was able to run. I must say they passed me a bunch of times. You can cover so much more ground on a bike.

THE BEAUTIFUL VIEWS

As I ran and watched my kids bike around. I couldn't help but become overwhelmed with happiness, gratitude and appreciation. For the beautiful place we live and the bodies we have that are able to accomplish the things many great things we do. I was so happy to see my kids enjoying the outdoors being physical and most of all being safe. They all know they are not allowed on ANYTHING with wheels without a HELMET.

Are you able to enjoy family fitness?

What do you do for family fitness fun?

My next post will feature my BIG

SPECIAL SURPRISE. . . . .!!!

It's Here. . . .

2010-06-17T10:44:00.003-07:00

Summer is in full swing at our house!!!! Which also means my schedule is. . . .

ALL over the place!!!!!

Everything has been dumped and thrown out the window, my routine, kids routine, normal bedtimes, waking up early! We are all over the board we have got to get routine back!!!! ASAP!!!! It's not normal that we are all going to bed after midnight every stinkin night!!! We all enjoy each other so much that we all just hang out!!! Which then means we all roll out of bed at 10am, which is ridiculous!!!! Dinner time has been none existent, which means we have all been scrambling to eat something or grab something as we decide to come in for the day around 9 PM.

HELLO SUMMER!!!!!

We enjoyed you a ton last year and did lots of fun things!!! However I swear last year you didn't take my routine. Unless you did and the memories were so fun that I didn't seem to notice the loss of routine!!!!

We are 2 weeks into summer, and the one thing I know is summer isn't going to take my routine.

How do you adjust for summer???

26, Speaking, and an Awesome Present

2010-06-15T21:17:00.013-07:00

No not a marathon today was my Birthday!!!! It was a fabulous day.

It started it out with breakfast at Sun Shine Cafe with my favorite girlfriends :)

Followed by an awesome pedi!!! Nothing is better then a little pampering.

Lunch with my Hubby! So yummy.

I then had my first public speaking thingy tonight! It went very well, I forgot to take pictures of my actual set up so here are my posters!!!

MY PRESENT!!!!!

I cannot wait to use it with cycling and running!!!

So please everyone share your Garmin hints and tips with me. Is it hard to use/ learn?

I am getting super close to sharing my Special Surprise .......

XBALM Winner

2010-06-15T21:00:00.002-07:00

Toomey Family

Send your address to 

healthystride@gmail.com

and your
XBALM will be on its way!!!!

Shhhh. . . .

2010-06-14T21:26:00.000-07:00

I have a 

SPECIAL SURPRISE. . .  

Coming Soon :)

I can't wait to share a new part of

my journey with all of you!!!!!

A Different Kind of Laundry and 4 Miles

2010-06-12T22:19:00.001-07:00

Early this morning I went and waited in line for my fresh fruits and veggies! I tried a new thing called Bountiful Baskets. My friends had all tried it and I had heard great things about it. So today I gave it a try!

My friend and I waited in line in the rain, wind and cold! It was totally worth it though.

So happy to have so many fruits and veggies to enjoy and all for $15.00!!!!

The yummy basket all spread out!!!

I have to say it has all been so yummy so far I will for sure be trying it out again next week.

4 Miles Staring at This!!!

PAINFULLY BORING

It was no fun at ALL. We had super high winds today like upwards of 30-50 mph!!! There was absolutely no way I was running in wind like that. So I had to stick it out on the treadmill. I am already struggling enjoying running and this sure didn't help today :)

Do you like the treadmill?

I would have much rather enjoyed a morning run outside. Followed by a bike ride later.

Gotta love the weather!!!!

I hope everyone has had a fun Saturday.

Rest or Ride???

2010-06-11T17:31:00.003-07:00

RIDE!!!!!!

My body felt great today after an AMAZING yoga class late last night! So first thing today I was on my bike. It was an amazing ride! We did 9.5 miles total on the road. Then took it of road and up the mountain for I dunno what our mileage was off the road. I would guess total was 12-14ish? All I know that the ride was SUPER HILLY!!!! Climbing was a bit intense. I ONLY walked 1 time and that was when my tire slid on a rock half way up the climb there was no way to peddle midway up the mountain. So I had no choice but to walk. . . .

We rode to a place where we could look out and see the WHOLE Salt Lake Valley!!!!

So BEAUTIFUL!!!

It was a cloudy day and we got a little bit of rain on our way back. It was so worth pushing up the hills to reach the top and be able to look out over the valley. Of course coming down totally ROCKED!!!!!

How are you going to spend your Friday night?

We are heading to dinner to celebrate my daughters 8th Birthday!!!!

Bells Canyon Hike

2010-06-10T05:30:00.001-07:00

Last night for the hiking group I am part of we hiked Bells Canyon.

It was so incredibly beautiful! Everything is so green right now. I am loving it.
It was a perfect night for a hike it was overcast and that helped keep us cool.

WE MADE IT!!!! Such a beautiful place we have to live and enjoy.

While we were enjoying the view the skies started to look a little threatening, sure enough. . . . DOWN POUR!!!! We got stuck in a short little thunder storm, I have to say it added to the experience :)

We were pretty soggy after the hike!!!!!

* Once again I have to give credit to my hiker friend/ trail boss Julie for the awesome pics!!!!

XBALM Giveaway! CLOSED

2010-06-07T23:01:00.003-07:00

I am the type of girl who always has to have something on my lips! I hate having dry chapped or sunburned lips its AWFUL. I have loved using XBALM. It stays on forever and doesn't dry out my lips!

I also liked the The Zinc FaceStik!

It totally kept my cheeks from turning PINK!!!

XBALM is giving you the chance to win a bunch of

XBALM LOOT!!!!

You will receive 10 XBALM Stiks, Tattoo Stik, Zinc Face Stik, Hand Sanitizer, XBALM tee, XBALM hat and a stack of XBALM Post-its.

GIVEAWAY:

1. Go to XBALM.COM and look around. Come back and leave a comment telling me what you learned!

2. Be a follower of my blog (leave a separate comment)

3. Follow or "like" XBALM on Facebook CLICK HERE. (leave a separate comment letting me know you've
done so)

4. Grab my button.

5. Spread the word:
-post this giveaway on your blog
-send out a tweet with this giveaway link
-put the giveaway link in your facebook status
-tell a friend, etc

(leave a separate comment for EACH and receive and extra entry for EVERY way you've got the word out)

Giveaway ends 12:00 am MST 6/15

I was not paid to post this review or giveaway. These are my own honest opinions.

City Creek Canyon Bike Ride

2010-06-07T23:00:00.001-07:00

Last night I road bikes with 3 girls from my neighborhood. We rode in the beautiful City Creek Canyon. We did 20 miles. It was so fun and really challenged me. I was passed by people on road bikes left and right! I so need one of those. A girl can dream right. . . . Until then I will get an even harder workout on a mountain bike :)

* Thanks Jodi for the awesome cell phone pics :)

I am so proud of myself I did awesome on my goals too!!!

Plans and Goals

2010-06-07T05:00:00.006-07:00

I have been running for just about 6 weeks now and drum roll....... I have GAINED 8 pounds, I weighed in yesterday. How did this make me feel? Well let me tell you, I could be mad and want to quit or be mad at the scale and blame it on anyone and everything. Instead I chose to investigate it and figure it all out. I think my eating has gotten a little out of control. I am working out so hard and thinking, I deserve to overeat or to not track my eating because I am doing so awesome working out. Well I have not been doing nearly as well as I thought. I thought back and realized I haven't lifted weights in over a week. Or for that matter even lifted regularly the past 4 weeks!!!! That is so unlike me, I love to lift and love the way my body feels during and after lifting. Am I using running as an excuse to get me out of my other workouts? Well whatever it is it has officially bitten me in the butt!!! Big time. Do I think I have 8 pounds of fat? NO, I don't. I know I have gained muscle, but not 8 pounds of muscle.

So I decided to revamp my fitness and nutrition goals. Not only to regain control but to teach me that I am not above tracking and planning. I think I had a power struggle with myself the past few week. I am proud to put that behind me and share my new goals :)

I know that losing weight is about 80% of what you eat. I know that I have been totally lax in my eating. I have never before cut out the high fructose syrups, so why now? I just don't think they are good for me. I am going to try it for a while and see how it goes. I already don't eat a lot of it processed food and that is usually where it is found so hopefully it won't be to hard. I don't eat a lot of pasta but decided that the pasta I do eat will only be whole grain. I decided I need to incorporate more veggies, I struggle in the veggies department. So if you have any yummy ways to enjoy veggies send them to my email. I am up for trying new things. Supplements I have been horrible at taking them if fact they have been non existent for a LONG time. So I know that getting back on taking them will be a HUGE help to my body.

On top of my goals I made a weekly workout schedule.

I can add to this schedule if my body feels up to it, however I CAN'T eliminate things :)

To top if all off my daily, weekly tracking calender.

I really feel like the planning session, I had with myself has helped me out a TON!!! I was able to dig deep down inside and find out what was missing, in my nutrition and exercise. I honestly think it is so important to spend some time with yourself and look at your goal and plans and see where you want to be. Yes I had a half schedule but that was about it, I threw everything else out for focusing on the half. When in reality I needed to incorporate the half into what I was already doing.

How do you plan your goals and nutrition?

Send your yummy veggie recipes to healthystride@gmail.com

4.2 Run Followed With 25 Mile Ride

2010-06-05T20:00:00.003-07:00

Okay my run today was AWESOME!!!

I took Advil before bed, and some before I ran it totally helped! I ran with my friend Robyn. Today I wanted to run somewhere different so I ran a local trail. BEAUTIFUL!!!! I ran past a pond with ducks, buffalo, deer, and a beautiful rushing river.

I took it easy on the first half and push harder the second half. It was a great run.

I needed a great run after my last run. So I was grateful for a good run :)

Nope this isn't snow it's COTTON!!! Achoo :)

I finished my run and a few hours later went for an awesome bike ride. I am not a biker, I was taught to ride a bike when I was little. I haven't gotten on one for YEARS! Well my neighborhood is FULL of die hard bikers, and they talk to me about it all the time! Well. . . .I went for a spin today and LOVED IT!!!! I borrowed my Aunts bike and rode with my cute friend Jodi we rode 25 miles!!!!!!!

*I did wear a helmet on the actual ride :)

IT ROCKED! I am hooked, I want a ROAD bike!

I couldn't believe how many miles we covered in such a short time.

How did you spend your Saturday?

Sunset Trail and Runners LOW

2010-06-03T10:22:00.000-07:00

I am hiking with a hiking group on Wednesday nights.

We hiked Sunset Trail last night. It was a 3 mile round trip hike.

We saw this car that had crashed off the road higher up years ago.

Saw this BEAUTIFUL waterfall..... and enjoyed

*Thanks Julie for the AWESOME pictures.

I loved this hike and it was so fun to hike with a great group of people!!! I can't wait until next Wednesday.

Now for the RUNNERS LOW. . . .

Today I had a 3 mile run and I am just going to be totally honest here!!!

IT SUCKED :(

I was mentally prepared for this run, I got up, ready and excited to go! Ya um that excitement died REAL quick. My mind and heart wanted to run so bad.....my legs wouldn't move, my knees were throbbing, and my body was in shut down mode. I knew I had to get my 3 miles in however running them was NOT an option. I ran um let's say maybe a mile of the 3! I felt as if I was starting all over, like it was day 1 of running again. I came home and CRIED! Why did my body fight me so hard today???? I have been LOVING running, todays run left me stressed out and confused. I am now questioning why it was so AWFUL. Some of the the things I am thinking of are: Nutrition, am I eating ENOUGH? Stress, am I STRESSING myself out? Sleep I KNOW I am getting enough of this. Stretching, I need to be BETTER on this maybe this is why my legs felt so tight? Hydration, water am I DRINKING enough? I asked myself all these questions and my goal is to make sure I address all of those areas and get FAR AWAY from this RUNNERS LOW I experienced today!

Make me feel better tell me if you have experienced a RUNNERS LOW!!!!

truRoots Winner

2010-06-03T09:24:00.001-07:00

Tania

Congratulations!!!!!

email your address 
to
healthystride@gmail.com 

truRoots will get your prize out to you :)

Fastest Mile Yet

2010-06-02T09:42:00.000-07:00

On my training schedule today was a 2 mile run. I decided to try to push myself little harder then usual. I finished my 2 miles in 20 minutes and 14 seconds!!!!! That is just about a 10 minute mile :)

I really enjoyed my run today.

The sun was shinning and the weather was perfect :) I was so happy to feel my sweat dripping down my face. I know that's totally nasty. However every time I sweat I feel proud knowing that I pushed my body that hard and I am sweating from my hard work. My 5 year old hugged me after my run and said ewwww gross Mom you're wet only boys sweat......I was quick to tell her nope girls sweat too it mean we worked hard!!!

It was such a pretty day I snapped a few pictures along the way. All of my complaining yesterday must have been worth it!!!! The sun was shining brightly today :)

I am headed to Whole Foods.

I have never been there before I am excited to see what new foods I can find :)

* Don't forget to enter the truRoots giveaway!

Mood. . . .

2010-06-01T13:59:00.003-07:00

I am in dire need of some sunshine!!!!
For the last forever it seems it has been gray, gloomy, and down right dreary.

This is the LOVELY skies and view I get to enjoy day after day!!!

Come on Utah bring me spring!!! It's June 1st show me some sunshine.

PLEASE!!!!!!!

It is totally messing with my head, mood, patience, and energy.

Seriously I have felt all of these ways today!

I am just glad I have a night out with the girls to look forward to!!!!!

I am headed out right now to get my 3 miles in for today.

I hope I stay dry :)

Do you find that the weather affects your mood?

How do you deal with moody weather swings?

The Best Kind of Donut

2010-05-31T16:59:00.004-07:00

Isn't edible!

It's a day spent with family hiking Donut Falls.

Today we wanted do something active, free and fun!

We headed up to Big Cottonwood Canyon and did a 6 mile round trip hike. This is something I was even proud of myself for doing. When I was overweight going on a hike would be the LAST thing I wanted to do. I am so happy that I have made the changes I have so that I can enjoy life to its fullest.

I loved that my family was doing something active. As I watched my kids climb the mountain, I couldn't help but smile. They are being taught at a young age to enjoy the great outdoors, and to be active every chance they get.

The Beautiful Donut Falls!!!!

We had made it to the top, the sense of accomplishment was HUGE!!! I made sure to tell my kids how proud of them I was. I wanted them to experience how awesome it is to accomplish a goal. When we started on the trail we told the kids it would be challenging in parts, but to push through it. When we reached to top the smiles on their faces let me know how proud they were to reach the top.

I have to close this post giving thanks to those who fought for and lost their lives in war.

What a great day it is to remember those who have passed on.

I hope everyone has enjoyed

Memorial Day!

Rest At Its Finest

2010-05-29T22:40:00.013-07:00

Knowing that my official half schedule starts on Monday I planned to take this weekend off ! I though it would be a good idea to rest my body a few extra days, before I put my body through a hard training schedule. I am so excited to start my official training! I know that as soon as I complete a day and cross it off my schedule my half will be here before I know it. That alone makes me SO excited :)

-Weekend Recap-
Friday night was spent going to dinner at The Pie, it's a local pizza joint in Salt Lake City. Being a life long Utah resident I hadn't ever been there. Oh boy was I missing out, it was SUPER yummy!!! We went with my sister and her husband. It was in the basement of a pharmacy up by the University of Utah.
Super cozy and super cute. A must visit spot if you visit Utah.

You better believe I indulged in this gooey goodness! Everything in moderation RIGHT?

I did have a HUGE green salad before my slice of pizza :)

We washed our pizza down with a tasty peach rainbow from Pace's Dairy Ann.

-Saturday Night-

We met up with some good friends of ours for dinner, batting cages and frozen yogurt!

Way To Much Fun!

We rocked it in the batting cages! If you haven't done the batting cages before I highly recommend it.

The beautiful view we got to enjoy while batting! YES that is still snow in the mountains,

our spring is being really slow on bringing us warm weather.

We finished our date night off with some frozen yogurt.

We worked so hard playing baseball, we deserved a treat :)

How have you spent your weekend so far?

What are your Memorial Day plans?

truRoots Giveaway CLOSED

2010-05-27T05:00:00.003-07:00

I am super excited about this giveaway!

It contains the main ingredient to make one of my favorite snacks!

Southwestern QUINOA

2 cups water
1 cup quinoa grain
Olive oil
½ tsp Cumin
½ tsp Garlic Powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup salsa
1 can black beans, rinsed
Corn chips
Bring water to boil, add quinoa. Simmer for about 20 min. While hot, toss with a little olive oil, cumin,

garlic powder, & salt. Gently stir in salsa & black beans. Serve with corn chips

truRoots is giving you the chance to win a basket with
1 bag of each product, recipe cards and a t-shirt!!!!

GIVEAWAY:
Giveaway runs until 12am MST June 3rd. There are several ways to enter, please leave a separate comment for EACH entry:

1. Go to truRoots.com and look around. Come back and leave a comment telling me what you learned!

2. Be a follower of my blog (leave a separate comment)

3. Follow or "like" truRoots on Facebook CLICK HERE. (leave a separate comment letting me know you've
done so)

4. Grab my button.

5. Spread the word:
-post this giveaway on your blog
-send out a tweet with this giveaway link
-put the giveaway link in your facebook status
-tell a friend, etc
(leave a separate comment for EACH and receive and extra entry for EVERY way you've got the word out)

* I was not paid to post this review or giveaway. These are my own honest opinions, of one of my favorite things.

Sleep

2010-05-26T09:40:00.001-07:00

Getting enough of this?

There are plenty of nights that I feel like I don't get enough sleep. I find I am over tired at bedtime or my mind is over racing of the things to do tomorrow. Which is super annoying because I can't do anything about what needs to be done tomorrow, while it's midnight!

A few tips to a better nights sleep.

Journal or make lists before bed, it takes your mind off of what needs to be done. It also helps you remember them the next day.
Sleep with a fan on or a sound maker for white noise. I sleep with my ceiling fan on high every night. If I don't have it on I can't fall asleep. It totally helps me!
Keep the temperature of your room 70 degrees.
Try and keep your bedtime the same time every night. Your body will know bedtime is coming and start preparing to relax. I am pretty good at this one, I try and be in bed by 11:00-11:30 pm.
Keep your cell phone away from your bed. This way you are not tempted to check just 1 more email, or read that text message that you just heard be delivered.
Keep laptops, work and TV's our of bedrooms. Beds are for sleeping, and relaxing.
Take a hot bath or shower before bed. This helps your body relax and be able to fall asleep. This is one I really would like to do but I always take WAY to hot of showers and then I am overheated and can't fall asleep.
Make a bedtime routine. Wash your face, brush your teeth, pj's whatever your routine is. This way your body will recognize that bedtime is coming.

Why is sleep so important?

Sleeping is just as important to our health as is eating well and getting exercise. It is damaging to our health and bodies to overworked and not get enough rest. While we are sleeping our bodies repair, strengthen, recover from the daily workouts and stresses in our lives.

I find on nights that I get a good nights sleep, I preform better the next day. I am stronger in my workouts, nicer to my kids and husband, and just less irritable.

What are your bedtime tricks?

How many hours of sleep do you get?

How many hours would you like to get?

BlenderBottle Giveaway Winners

2010-05-25T07:23:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the winners of the

BlenderBottle Giveaway!!!

cincimom11

Sherron, Shoes To Lose

Skye's The Limit

Confessions Of A Sailorswife

Allie, That Girl Is A Running Fool

Send your shipping address to healthystride@gmail.com

with BlenderBottle in the subject line, and your BlenderBottles will be on the way!

Enjoy your new BlenderBotttles :)

Are You Finding Happiness Today?

2010-05-24T11:19:00.000-07:00

"Happiness doesn’t depend on what we have, but it does depend on how we feel towards what we have. We can be happy with little and miserable with much." –W.D. Hoard

How often do you find yourself saying "I'll be happy when...."?

We tend to tell ourselves oh I'll be happy when I loose 10 pounds, or when I have more definition, or when I shave a minute off my time. Better yet when I loose weight my house will always be clean, or I will be a better/nicer mom when I loose weight, I will be way more organized. I will do more, I will take pride in how I look when I actually look and feel good!!!

Then you get to this point and you want MORE!!!! Or you are unhappy that you STILL are unhappy when you reach these points. I am guilty of this too! Now don't get me wrong, it's very important to PUSH ourselves and challenge ourselves daily. However it can NOT be our focus, our focus needs to be in the in the moment today. Not next week or the next 5 pounds, or when I am better, stronger, faster. We need to be happy with what we gave and achieved today. For our tomorrows could be taken from us, and we will have never found that happiness. Each individual person is responsible for their own happiness. Happiness is provided by oneself not by others. We can either choose to be happy or choose to be unhappy. Lately I have really been trying to focus on what I have accomplished or achieved. I am trying not to dwell on where I could be or what I could have done. I am trying to find peace and happiness in today. Some days this is a challenge! We are people who always desire more. So I am flipping this challenge.

I challenge you and me both to find the joy and successes in today!

It's important that we give our best everyday and try our hardest each and in every way. If we can go to bed at night knowing we gave it our all. We will be at peace with ourselves and be a little stronger and a little better tomorrow! For we know today we gave it our ALL!!!

How are you going to find happiness today?

*Don't forget to enter my BlenderBottle Giveaway!

What The Hail?

2010-05-22T12:15:00.000-07:00

Utah Weather is CRAZY!!!!

Today I ran my first 5 miles!!! Well 5.4 to be exact :)

When I started out my run it was semi sunny and nice! About 10 minutes into it I was greeted by ugly gray skies, about 5 more minutes and HAIL, it was hitting my teeth and getting stuck in my eye lashes. Once the hail passed it was rainy and windy!!!!! This wasn't going to stop me from running my first 5 mile run though :)

The temperature was a cool 49 degrees.

I was STRONG though and finished PROUD!!!

Today I ran 5.4 miles in 1 hour and 11 seconds!!!!

I would have NEVER thought I could do this until I tried.

What have you accomplished that you thought you NEVER could?

* Don't forget to enter my BlenderBottle Giveaway!

Just A Number

2010-05-21T09:50:00.000-07:00

I know that for many people they OVER focus on the scale!

Our weight loss is about much more then the number on the scale.

It is more about how our bodies feel, and the changes it's making!

When I weigh in the scale comes 4th in the order of importance to me.

My order of success goes like this:

How My Clothes Fit: I can tell in my jeans, they button easier and there is less going on over the top of them. My shirts may lay a little flatter too. Let's be honest who doesn't like to feel their clothes get baggy! I think that is more gratifying then the scale. The scale tells us and our clothes show us!

Measurements: I try and take measurements monthly so that I have a chart of changes. 1/4" is a loss! I get excited about any move in measurements.

Body Fat: Testing our body fat is a great tool to use it shows us a fat loss %. I will tell you in the last month I have not lost a pound! I am running like crazy, hitting the gym hard, and eating VERY clean. The scale hasn't moved but my body fat has.

The # On The Scale: If you are weighing more then 1 time a week STOP. It's not healthy to do so, nor are the scale mind games fun to play. Make sure you always weigh at the same time of day. NEVER reweigh yourself later in the day. The number on the scale fluctuates from 2-4 pounds during the day! When I weigh it is first thing in the morning. I jot that number down and don't think about it or really even care about it. The scale is JUST A NUMBER.

Do you abuse the scale?

What tools do you use to measure your successes?

PS Tomorrow is my 1st 5 mile run!!!!

*Don't forget to enter my BlenderBottle Giveaway

3 Strikes You're Out.....

2010-05-20T13:34:00.000-07:00

At The Old Ball Game

I get to spend 2-3 nights a week watching my Husband Coach and my 10 year old play baseball. I LOVE it! I get to sit out and enjoy the weather, the young energy of baseball boys and feeling part of the great community where I live!

I always come prepared. . . .

With a bag full of healthy snacks so that I can AVOID. . . .

THE SNACK SHACK!!!!!

There is NOTHING healthy at the snack shack!!!!

Now don't get me wrong, I totally support people going to the snack shack, a treat is fine every once in a while. I used to hit up the snack shack for my nachos with EXTRA cheese, a hot dog, cotton candy, and a snow cone to wash it all down! However if you are spending a good 2 hours at the ballpark 2-3 days a week. Your health can't afford your snacks to come from the snack shack every time.

You MUST go prepared with some healthy snacks in your bag!!!!

What are some of your favorite on the go snacks?

* Don't forget to enter my BlenderBottle Giveaway

Running in the Rain

2010-05-19T10:30:00.000-07:00

It was down pouring. I was dressed and ready to go run. I had dropped my preschooler off and was ready to hit the asphalt. I was NOT excited to run in the rain!

For a few reasons. . . the biggest one was I didn't want to ruin my shoes!!!!

Or be dripping wet or cold!

However I got my lame excused thinking out of my head and went for it!

As I was running .5 miles into the run. I stopped stood there and thought this is so LAME!!!

I am going to run back to my car and just go to the gym. I thought longer and harder and decided I was the LAME one!!!! I knew that as soon as I stepped foot on the treadmill, I would be complaining running on it! After my little conversation with myself. I headed off and powered through my run! You know what it was AWESOME!!!

I loved running in the rain :)

Even though I was soggy and wet! I enjoyed it, in fact I look forward to running in the rain again.

Nope my shoes were not ruined at all......my worrying about them was a waste of energy.

Post run hair!

Totally wet and frizzy mess!

How do you feel about the rain?

* Don't forget to enter my BlenderBottle Giveaway

BlenderBottle Giveaway CLOSED

2010-05-18T09:49:00.000-07:00

I am a HUGE fan of BlenderBottle!

I have used one for over 4 years. I use it daily, sometimes multiple times a day.

It is a portable mixer! It uses a Spring thingy, wire ball, whisker ball, mixer thing, scrambler, little whipper, and the magic ball. Though it answers to many names, it's actually called a BlenderBall. Made of surgical-grade stainless steel, the BlenderBall wire whisk makes short work of your mixing needs. Simply drop the ball in with your ingredients and shake. Its variable speed action is up to you! Gently swirl it to stir, or shake it fast to whip it up. The ball is designed to remain in the cup until you've enjoyed the contents.

I personally own 6 BlenderBottles. I make sure I have extras for when they are in the dishwasher. My favorite things to use my BlenderBottle for are my eggs, protein shakes, salad dressing and pancakes.

BlenderBottle is giving away
2 orange 28-oz BlenderBottles to 5 lucky winners!!!

This is a great giveaway and I am excited for 5 lucky people to have two of my favorite things.

GIVEAWAY:
Giveaway runs until 12am MST May 25th. There are several ways to enter, please leave a separate comment for EACH entry:

1. Go toBlenderBottle.com and look around. Come back and leave a comment telling me what you would use your BlenderBottle for.

2. Be a follower of my blog (leave a separate comment)

3. Follow or "like" BlenderBottle on Facebook CLICK HERE. (leave a separate comment letting me know you've done so)

4. Follow on twitter. CLICK HERE

5. Spread the word:
-post this giveaway on your blog
-send out a tweet with this giveaway link
-put the giveaway link in your facebook status
-tell a friend, etc
(leave a separate comment for EACH and receive and extra entry for EVERY way you've got the word out)

* I was not paid to post this review or giveaway. These are my own honest opinions, of one of my favorite things.

Food Riot

2010-05-17T11:50:00.000-07:00

Why is it that on Sundays after being at church I come home STARVING? I feel like I could die. I’m telling you I suck on eating well or even in moderation on Sundays. Why is this?

Yup I am willing to admit that I need to have a plan in place for the after church munchies!

I literally walk in the door and head straight to the fridge.

*FOOD RIOT

Standing ones self in front of the fridge, cupboard, or pantry. Shoving the food into your mouth as FAST as you can because you feel as if you are a bottomless pit!

Yup I was on a FOOD RIOT yesterday after church!

Yesterday I downed chips and salsa, Triscuts with a wedge of laughing cow cheese, a few slices of lunch meat and a few handfuls of my favorite dark chocolate!!!! WHY DO I DO THIS??? Mind you this doesn’t include half the bagel with peanut butter I ate when I ran home to grab my bag I had forgotten.

That said, I normally will eat these foods. Just not in a mad dash way and at the same time. Yes it is a HUGE improvement over what the heavy Lindsay would have eaten. The old me would have indulged in a few Peanut Butter and Honey sandwiches on white bread, with Oreo’s, lots of chips and maybe toped it off with some ice cream! Sick I know!!!

I have been at this long enough to know I should just make a meal and sit down and ENJOY. Instead I choose to stuff my face full of food. Then I sit and feel GUILTY with upset stomach.

As I was talking to my, Mom she asked me why do you feel guilty? She said are you over on your calories, your carbs, your fats? What’s the stress??? I came to the conclusion that I wasn’t mad at myself for eating what I ate. I was disappointed in the way I handled the eating. I wasn’t over on anything.

I think everyone has some sort of FOOD RIOT moments! I think sometimes they are okay.

It is more about the manner in which we handle them.

I am putting my plan into place right now!!!! Next Sunday when I come home I will slice an apple and eat it while I make me a meal to sit down and eat!
That way I can still have the food but in a more enjoyable manner.

When does your FOOD RIOT hit? How do you deal with it?

Today I worked arms, abs and 25 minutes on the elliptical.

Push It

2010-05-15T12:15:00.000-07:00

Today my run was awesome! The weather was PERFECT.

I am a sucker for good weather and todays was great. I just wish it would stay 70's year round!
When it hits the 80's and above, I will be complaining about the HEAT!!!

I ran 4.7 miles in 51.14

While I was running, I kept thinking about how amazing our bodies are. We can push them to take us places and to do things that we didn't think were possible. I have only been running about 3 weeks and when I started, 2 miles KILLED me! I am really enjoying running and seeing how far I can push my body. I am excited to see just how far I can push mine!!!!!

How are you going to push your body next week?

My First Zumba Class

2010-05-14T08:22:00.000-07:00

What is Zumba?

It is a dance fitness program that combines Latin and International music with dance in an effort to make exercise fun!

Was it fun?

Yes it was a BLAST!!! I loved that there were people of all walks of life in this class, the young, the old, the beginners, the pros, the fit, and the unfit! It was fun to just JUMP around and DANCE :) Even though I made made a total fool of myself.

Was I coordinated???

Um NO not all!!! I was almost an embarrassment to my cute friend Julie!

Will I do another class?

YES!!!! Only if my friends will let me go again ;)

Have you done Zumba? Do you like it? Does this make you want to try it?

Today is a rest day, so no workout for me.

Have A Happy Friday Everyone!

Tasty Chicken Tacos

2010-05-13T12:33:00.000-07:00

My cute sister in-law sent me this yummy recipe for chicken tacos. So I tried them out last night for dinner.

1 1/2 lbs chicken cubed
1/8 C red wine vinegar
1/2 Lime, juiced
1 teaspoon white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 green onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 tomato, diced
Shredded lettuce, cheese, salsa

Sauté chicken in saucepan over medium heat for about 20 min. Add vinegar, lime juice, sugar, salt, pepper, green onion, garlic and oregano. Simmer another 10 min.

They were so good and healthy! I used Lynn Wilson corn tortillas and they only have 40 calories, and 9 carbs each! Way better then flour tortillas :) I loaded mine up with chicken, lettuce and lots of salsa and indulged.

I downed them in no time, you must try them out!

Today I ran 3.2 miles in 38 minutes.
Tonight I am doing Yoga and attempting a Zumba class it should be VERY interesting!
Given the fact I have ZERO coordination ;)

What's In Your Fridge?

2010-05-12T12:49:00.000-07:00

Today when I was grocery shopping, I was over looking what was in my cart. I had a huge smile when I noticed how healthy my cart was!

I know to some my cart still may not be totally healthy. However for how my cart used to look this is VERY healthy! I am amazed at the way I grocery shop now. I don't buy prepackaged meals or sugary processed foods. I now actually take the time to stop and read a label. I like to see what the ingredients are and make a informed decision. I now care to look, research, choose and decide what I want to place into my body. Where as before I didn't think twice about loading my cart up with Toaster Strudel, Eggo's, Hawaiian Rice Bowls and boxes of sugared cereal or whatever else sounded good. I DID NOT CARE!!! I am happy to say I very glad I care now. My body is grateful to me that I care.

Shopping is so much work! We load the stuff from the shelf to our carts, from our carts to the checkout belts, and then back into our carts again!!! Just to take it out of our carts to load it into our cars, to come home and unload it into our fridge and cupboards! Phew I am tired just typing all the steps!

It is an AWESOME feeling though when your done putting it away! I love looking into my fridge and seeing it loaded with fresh fruits, veggies and yummy healthy food!

What is in your fridge? Does it need a healthy overhaul? What foods are you willing to get rid of?

*Today workout is Legs at the gym!

Joys Of Womanhood

2010-05-11T13:19:00.000-07:00

I want to eat anything and everything in sight today. I have a raging appetite, and to top it off the scale wasn't very nice today! Note to self , don't weigh when you are PMS!!!

My skin is broken out and my face is puffy!

My poor Husband and kids have had a very irritable, emotional , grouchy Mom and Wife for the last few days. I have no desire to do anything!

So today I thought I would research and post some tips on dealing with PMS! Our bodies are amazing and if we are in-tune with them we can cope and try to be happier!

A great chart with some tips of what to consume and not to consume!

Healthy eating and exercise help a TON with dealing with PMS.

If you're thinking to yourself that you look fat, studies show that on average a person can gain anywhere between 1-4 pounds before your period! So we are not just imagining that we are fatter, puffier or bloated we really are and we have something to blame it on!

Cut the salt. Reducing the sodium levels in our bodies helps in prevent retaining water.

Body Aches try some Yoga , or relaxing in a LONG hot bath. Don't be afraid to take a pain killer either.

So instead of sitting here feeling sorry for myself, and thinking of all the yummy food I'm craving. I am going to head outside and hammer out my run for the day! Then tonight I am going to hit a Yoga class and come home a nicer Mommy!

How do you deal with PMS? What are your cravings? Share your tips and tricks!!!

Time

2010-05-10T13:24:00.000-07:00

You will never find time for anything. If you want time, you must make it. -Charles Buxton

In a day and age where we are so busy. We are constantly being pulled in many different directions. From being parents, to working full time jobs, to keeping a house together. I am often amazed when people say they don't have time to work out! When I hear people say that I want to scream YOU DON'T HAVE TIME NOT TO!!! My days are much more prodcutive and energetic when I make the time.

It is one of those things that we must MAKE and TAKE the TIME to exercise! Trust me there are plenty of days that I try to pull the "I'm to busy" card. However once I make the time to get a workout in I feel so happy that I MADE the time.

I am a mid morning exerciser anytime between 930 and noon is a good time for me.

I like to head to the gym or for my run while my kids are all in school. I find that if I wait until the evenings I am to tired, or my nights are full of taking care of homework, dinner and bedtime. However if I don't get it in the mornings, I will sneak away in the evening to get it done!

Today I want you to post a comment telling me how you get your workout in? I know we are all really busy, so I am anxious to hear how you fit your exercise in!!! Or if you are using the "I don't have time" card, tell me how your going to MAKE time :)

For my workout today I worked chest, back and light abs followed by 30 min. on the elliptical.

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T08:33:00.000-07:00

Being a Mother is one of the highest salaried jobs....

since the payment is pure love.

-Mildred B. Vermont

I hope you all have a Happy Mother's Day!

4.1 And I'm Feeling Alright

2010-05-08T13:23:00.000-07:00

Today was a long run for me.

I ran 4.1 Miles in 48.38 :) I hit my groove about 1.5 miles into the run. Once I hit my groove I was on a roll! I felt like nothing could stop me! I was even annoyed that I had to stop when my shoe came untied.

During my run today when my iPod started playing this song.

I loved it so much when he sings, Now I've been happy lately, thinking about the good things to come and I believe it could be, something good has begun. At that moment in time to me, I was loving running and how my body and mind felt. I honestly felt like "something good has begun." I actually enjoyed my run today!

Everybody jump on the peace train!

Happy Saturday :)

Newspaper

2010-05-07T07:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday there was an article in the newspaper written about me. I thought it was very well written and I'm excited to share it with you today!

Today is a rest/recovery day for me so no workout plans for today.
I hope everyone has a Happy Friday :)

Some Days are Better Then Others

2010-05-06T12:04:00.000-07:00

“It's when things get rough and you don't quit that success comes.” -Unknown

Today it is cold and windy here. I knew I had to go out and run. I had tried to make a few excuses to put it off until later, however you gotta take advantage of the time the kids are ALL in school.

When I looked out my window and the sky looked like this. . .

I was even less thrilled to be heading out into the cold nasty weather to run.

I conquered the war inside me not wanting to go!!!

Do I look like I am having fun????

My hands were freezing and my mind wanted me to quit.

I powered through it though!

Don't I look happy???

Today I ran 2.7 miles in 35.48

Now that I am home in my warm house looking back on my run. I am enjoying the "small victory" of powering though and accomplishing my workout for the day!

When have you powered though?
How does it make you feel after?

Whether you think that you can, or that you can't, you are usually right. -Henry Ford

2010-05-05T09:19:00.000-07:00

You have to believe in yourself, you're stronger then you think you are and have more drive and determination deep down than you know!

When I first started my journey and looked like this. . .

I believed that one day I would achieve my goals! Sure there were days that I thought it would never come. On those days I took it minute by minute and hour by hour. One of the best tips I have is DO NOT worry about tomorrow until it is here. Have a basic game plan and STICK to it. You will overwhelm yourself if you’re constantly worrying about the journey. You have to take time to enjoy the journey! Right now you're thinking enjoy??? Ya right. . . . how? Trust me you will find ways that make you enjoy the journey :) Relish in the simple victories!

One thing that I did everyday was. . . I had a piece of paper written with 3 statements that I read to myself over and over again.

I would read this paper every morning!
I would repeat the words when I was struggling through my workout, or food choices. I would tell myself over and over again. I am healthy- I am tone- I am fit I CAN DO THIS!!!

Having a Positive Mental Attitude helped me a ton!

How do you stay positive? Or are you just starting? If you're just starting pick 3 words and post them and let me know what your new motto will be!!!!

Have a Happy Wednesday Everybody!!!

I'm headed to the gym :)
* Today I doing arms, abs and 30 minutes on elliptical.

Good Thing Utah

2010-05-04T12:34:00.000-07:00

Today was an exciting day for me! I was featured on Good Things Utah!!!

It was so awesome to be there to share my story! The GTU girls were amazing they made me feel so welcome, and comfortable!

The set. . . .
I was intimidated at first, but as soon as things got rolling I became more comfortable.

Today's show was filmed at the BEAUTIFUL Grand America Hotel

The people there are so kind. I was even escorted to the bathroom!

Right before we went live, and a HUGE deep breath!

The wonderful hosts who made me feel so welcome!!!
It really was just like sitting around talking with girlfriends.

After we were done filming! Aww it was such a fun time!

It is my hope that I can inspire, help and motivate many! Please, please don't hesitate to leave me a comment or e-mail me. I love hearing from you!

Half Schedule

2010-05-03T19:52:00.001-07:00

Okay all you experts out there, how does this look? Is it a good schedule to follow? Do I need to change anything? This is one I liked best. I found it here http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/novice.htm
I changed just a few things to work with my 10k and 5k schedule. My official start date is May 31st!!!

Make sure and "TUNE" in for tomorrows post ;)