tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37689136596858231032024-02-18T23:24:35.591-05:00Fit for LifeLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826790165915830436noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3768913659685823103.post-25930971043946350482012-03-05T18:56:00.000-05:002012-03-05T18:56:38.867-05:00Hey, it's me again...<div style="text-align: center;">I'm a stranger to my own blog…. How sad is that?<br />
Left the damn thing high and dry without any rhyme or reason.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I didn't even check in to say happy Valentine's Day either. <i> </i></div><div style="text-align: center;">I can't even boast that I've been busy doing super cool things like traveling the world or meeting A-list celebrities on the red carpet.<br />
Nope!<br />
<br />
In all honesty, I've been a slave to my job: chained to my desk and locked up in my cube. <br />
I do get out occasionally, though. I'm actually on my second week of The New Rules of Lifting for Women.<br />
<a href="http://f4lblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/win-win-situation.html" target="_blank">Remember when I said that I'd tell you all about it?</a> Vaguely? Yeah, that's what I thought..<br />
<br />
Well, I'm on my second week of said workout and I feel……… fat. </div><div style="text-align: center;">(Seriously, I have gained weight, but I can't blame it solely on New Rules)<br />
The schedule is different from what I'm used to, so I'm trying to adjust to it all, but it's not easy.<br />
Here's a quick breakdown..<br />
<br />
The New Rules Workout is only 3 days/week with light/restorative workouts on rest days.<br />
<i>I can't complain with a yoga class every other day.</i><br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It uses a high protein diet.<br />
I'm somehow supposed to consume around 100 grams of protein in one day. I'm not big on counting my grams or anything, but that sounds like a lot to me.<br />
And the book gives almost no nutritional guidance on obtaining the holy 100g status for vegetarians except for a couple measly lines directing non-meat eaters towards "soy proteins" like tofu and seitan.<br />
<i>Sadly, I'm not a huge fan of that stuff. I like my veggies.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">In stage one, it's all weights, no cardio.<br />
I hardly sweat!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I miss my long, lost friend, <a href="http://f4lblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/fit-friday.html" target="_blank">HIIT</a>, I miss sweating (is that gross?), I miss huffin and puffin on Mr. Treadmill.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's super quick.<br />
One workout has 1 warm up and 5 exercises with 2-3 reps.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I honestly can't complain about this</i>. I tried to think of a reason why I want to spend more time at the gym, but I can't. It's quick and it's simple: I'm in and out of the gym in probably 30-40 minutes (counting locker room time, too, people).<br />
<br />
Overall, I'm skeptical.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Maybe this just ain't for me?<br />
Maybe I should've put the book down and dismissed the whole thing after I read the nutrition section?<br />
There's this small, rule-following voice in my ear telling me that I won't get the "desired results" if I don't follow The Plan exactly how I'm supposed to (protein!), but I refuse to break my vegetarian ways just for a stupid book.<br />
But, I also don't want to be so quick to quit, so I'm gonna give it at least two months and try my daily best for the 100g club.</div><div style="text-align: center;">(Okay, maybe less than two months, I'm in a friend's wedding in June. Perfect timing, right? Sorry Miss Seamstress, I just gained a couple LBs because I'm following this stupid workout, can you actually let the dress out instead of taking it in?).<br />
<br />
I'll keep you updated on my progress!</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826790165915830436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3768913659685823103.post-33114350979340912732012-02-06T16:48:00.001-05:002012-02-06T16:50:23.860-05:00Win-Win Situation<div style="text-align: center;">Look what I got myself for my birthday....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/New-Rules-Lifting-Women-Goddess/dp/1583333398" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FxRPDUitAY8lpHR54IN46E7B23zR23hOAYfNukBnus4b2L0u1L4JlktiFqXQMvnbcZSZbYILB0jB4e2EJBHBMhG_jmdl-PnqHf1JN1r-NZbz9E5SJYW727xX50621P2BRDyw87Wrs92M/s320/newrules.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh yeaaah. A book all about lifting for <i>women</i>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The amount of excitement I have for this book makes me feel extra nerdy, but I don't care -- </div><div style="text-align: center;">this stuff is cool, this stuff is interesting. </div><div style="text-align: center;">But when Rob asked, <i>"don't you ever</i> <i>get sick of reading about all this fitness stuff?",</i> it occurred to me that this book (or any book similar to <i>New Rules</i>) isn't for everyone. </div><div style="text-align: center;">But then I got to thinking... </div><div style="text-align: center;">There's an opportunity here -- </div><div style="text-align: center;">I do my nerdy thing with the book, find the good stuff, and then blab about it on the blog. </div><div style="text-align: center;">What do you think?! </div><div style="text-align: center;">I think this sounds like a win-win situation for everyone! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826790165915830436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3768913659685823103.post-15748518717770246922012-02-03T13:37:00.001-05:002012-02-03T13:41:48.914-05:00Fit Friday<div style="text-align: center;">Portions.... Boring, but important! </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Controlling portions is a great way to lose weight without depriving yourself, but studies have shown that people often overestimate portions during mealtime. </div><div style="text-align: center;">And I'm no exception:</div><div style="text-align: center;">I pile on the food and eat it all so quickly that I fail to realize maybe only half of the plate would have been enough.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Needless to say, portioning is definitely one of my weaker points when it comes to watching what I eat, but I've found that eyeballing portion sizes is easier when referencing tangible objects like baseballs and light bulbs. And after a while, it becomes second nature.<a href="http://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/media/pdf/diet/portion-control-guide.pdf" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_IQZhRfb4qFSyhcZCEfWjuMz1m1nzvFSu7HwxiHeiMe41U8wXSRhOxd8syp67UnXNJ7t_3TwxpeJM7h_jiVvT6IaluZGicRe0YcUHj-K0scQlzhIwimSDsWthxHi7DrCqAMBh9rP7Sfo/s640/portion-control-guide.jpg" width="492" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">So next time you're piling on the rice or pasta, think about baseballs!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And since I've been MIA lately, here's a peak at what I've been up to...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOUL6E6YbXaW3ueXEJFut-R0c0Gzkx1PcAws6xKkRHLEX0STBWlTR7Z9bi9zZ90u_9NizSOhC3GxPC_rYGj_sk5IguJG7rE5mgM4Rvc3kGSPsZ68OhwDjcnowQmVwjPP1WV-nErfRyOxy/s1600/shred.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOUL6E6YbXaW3ueXEJFut-R0c0Gzkx1PcAws6xKkRHLEX0STBWlTR7Z9bi9zZ90u_9NizSOhC3GxPC_rYGj_sk5IguJG7rE5mgM4Rvc3kGSPsZ68OhwDjcnowQmVwjPP1WV-nErfRyOxy/s320/shred.JPG" width="310" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ83pnCfvDJd94QXyQzCDYIA7THR5T9R4VbhsOffgnbHMyAzE1L1Xw-JzuxqTLyXFYOdd7BhV7HHFZp0KTaRsYJk8eiTolitQKNjqNU775O9xSXFJ5maqD0Em21JjiivA0CQjOOPblePS6/s320/haircut.JPG" width="320" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9MJIuDt1-dnMiVtYblApRVFrvYl2GrKFGQF0m08JIPwVk0zkAdrfcLJn00hJh15Gl-oMvEvf53gexKv2YMp5omVoMNotRnZD3Hrehyl9fKxI5WtYzIJLdBZUZH-fzRD35x3-kSJ39yW4/s1600/xtremesalad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9MJIuDt1-dnMiVtYblApRVFrvYl2GrKFGQF0m08JIPwVk0zkAdrfcLJn00hJh15Gl-oMvEvf53gexKv2YMp5omVoMNotRnZD3Hrehyl9fKxI5WtYzIJLdBZUZH-fzRD35x3-kSJ39yW4/s320/xtremesalad.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> 1- Rob and I went skiing in Vermont last weekend with his family... So much fun!</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>2- My sweet mama treated me to a salon session for my birthday. I'm normally a long hair kinda gal, but the upkeep has been driving me crazy. Hopefully the shorter locks will cut down on dry time.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>3- this week was filled with lots of salads and lots of veggies</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOUL6E6YbXaW3ueXEJFut-R0c0Gzkx1PcAws6xKkRHLEX0STBWlTR7Z9bi9zZ90u_9NizSOhC3GxPC_rYGj_sk5IguJG7rE5mgM4Rvc3kGSPsZ68OhwDjcnowQmVwjPP1WV-nErfRyOxy/s1600/shred.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826790165915830436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3768913659685823103.post-48141365056410097122012-01-24T14:26:00.001-05:002012-01-24T14:29:26.262-05:00Love and a Rant...<div style="text-align: center;">I saw this on <a href="http://pinterest.com/laura_remy/" target="_blank">Pintrest</a> last night and couldn't resist posting it today...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/235031674273182586/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lZu3mpP_-HDwsgpnn3aMUV9Ld3Ytl8DpR2jxsI2hu_7QH44TvDJTveOOk7dDMccVa5DL40U060KKQ9w_g1fh6oUaRIiZ1bmB0BK0XWT8fZCpJ9GkUr1PjVugEtHSs93LPnM2kGajIrpD/s320/food+pyramid-new.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> This is how it <i>should </i>be.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">I instantly fell in love.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(Sorry Rob, I'm cheating on you..... with a food pyramid. Wait, what? ...Nevermind)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's perfect, it makes sense.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Eat the most of the things that contain vital and naturally-occurring nutrients.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's how we should all eat.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Eventually, I cooled my jets and stopped lusting over a food pyramid and started to think about the old pyramid...</div><div style="text-align: center;">What I was taught in grammar school.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Do you remember this bad Larry? Yeah, it's bad.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTw_D22kCUTxQPBS_dr4dp872_xsjodLZB5QjrUN3nKrNZJ9MdB3sWawUdpR4FdAjzXa51y87OA9rY1uC22kyGiW-JAL22iUuQWsRtpokGFcXhhl-jqNr1KG75wXAFW14xCEdBTxoOqyWc/s1600/foodPyramid.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTw_D22kCUTxQPBS_dr4dp872_xsjodLZB5QjrUN3nKrNZJ9MdB3sWawUdpR4FdAjzXa51y87OA9rY1uC22kyGiW-JAL22iUuQWsRtpokGFcXhhl-jqNr1KG75wXAFW14xCEdBTxoOqyWc/s320/foodPyramid.gif" width="320" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">CEREAL is listed as one of the food groups in which you should consume the most of...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Last time I checked, most brand name cereals had more than the recommended daily sugar allowance in just one serving.</div><div style="text-align: center;">What, did General Mills produce this <i>thing</i>?</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's not on the pyramid, but I'm sure whoever developed this would have put bagels in the same category, and I know from first hand experience (<i>uh, nothing cures a hangover better than a bagel and cream cheese</i>) that a bagel everyday will only make you <i>fat</i>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Nevermind the recommended 6-11 bagels.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> That <i>thing </i>is archaic.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway, I digress.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I just wanted to show <i>my </i>beloved pyramid with you all.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Print it out, tape it to your fridge, and live by it!</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826790165915830436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3768913659685823103.post-41610787816298224422012-01-23T17:11:00.000-05:002012-01-23T17:11:17.873-05:00Chia Seed Pudding, a Date, a Run, a Foam Roller, & Snow<div style="text-align: center;">This weekend was quite exciting....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I made chia seed pudding,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=yXn&sa=X&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1016&bih=596&tbm=isch&prmd=imvnse&tbnid=hiCM0PdzqzlXuM:&imgrefurl=http://fooddoodles.com/2011/03/15/chocolate-chia-seed-pudding/&docid=l4kk8GR9_hsoHM&imgurl=http://fooddoodles.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/dsc_0069.jpg&w=3275&h=2301&ei=TtYdT5ukLaKC2AWPg92CDA&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=203&sig=111542997498904191740&page=1&tbnh=121&tbnw=159&start=0&ndsp=15&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0&tx=88&ty=47" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QGLTv16Essu1zsYfUi9VgZm0lpdakVXpV3vcfzVpCHuDQ7pQx4w5rCDd3CmjOfxF7ocllrVUvmJ-KDvNVl45uYOKqfImVmgu5OdExAOE8kj_XAeO6ZvF2axPpjTp1gxRcNOX-ImQs_Ef/s200/chia+seed+pudding.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> ran outside in the city,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6HrpMI7YXesaIRwESGlpDpLvOsB8FTh6b8qm02YgEsvvtvqyImnyzEWrUtfa2Oz3zxNKXEJ7MV_QbIF0IgJKI4l0w-VLuaFbzW0bcc3nbcQ_PfFaB1wrLlysgiae7GUkLWCNo1l8nMYi5/s1600/run.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6HrpMI7YXesaIRwESGlpDpLvOsB8FTh6b8qm02YgEsvvtvqyImnyzEWrUtfa2Oz3zxNKXEJ7MV_QbIF0IgJKI4l0w-VLuaFbzW0bcc3nbcQ_PfFaB1wrLlysgiae7GUkLWCNo1l8nMYi5/s200/run.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">went on a date with Rob,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4f2eIKUltmnEPhkD-I18Iyb-39dNwUrCP4x7eb3dWGi9UGyYXcK-Nu_wEunrgRYiWagprzYaqJ7sCpNf2jwDwrXwPmgn513CDwDxHzGgM7CsnhIFs52bAejy3FsFyFnE4Mty1KLBN2MET/s1600/date.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4f2eIKUltmnEPhkD-I18Iyb-39dNwUrCP4x7eb3dWGi9UGyYXcK-Nu_wEunrgRYiWagprzYaqJ7sCpNf2jwDwrXwPmgn513CDwDxHzGgM7CsnhIFs52bAejy3FsFyFnE4Mty1KLBN2MET/s200/date.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> purchased a mini foam roller,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-TG6qx9rqZPFh_OChz_V4gcN8dPjvCqRCYMmbfCEK5rY7OMqLFuY9A43Im9kK08z3GfY8TQx3OcPeG6Rv3-AF5IUK2SpCaFppfFUvEB7bNJovin6jZkHRhPdeC4atbAO4GmU2yfTA1OK/s1600/mini+foam+roller.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-TG6qx9rqZPFh_OChz_V4gcN8dPjvCqRCYMmbfCEK5rY7OMqLFuY9A43Im9kK08z3GfY8TQx3OcPeG6Rv3-AF5IUK2SpCaFppfFUvEB7bNJovin6jZkHRhPdeC4atbAO4GmU2yfTA1OK/s200/mini+foam+roller.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">and it snowed!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQembYLOCbCrj5uSTGpdB9OKZ1voJJDWoy_mLTg22gVJiFJz55ZsEQzbeRCYUYUwDGbmwe_UDXOHaYOEsVrKzCAlSm8QV68PbXkoj091UjGT5d6SlBQPG4O4dT5juAGmEnS05EKJJbJWZ/s1600/snow+road.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQembYLOCbCrj5uSTGpdB9OKZ1voJJDWoy_mLTg22gVJiFJz55ZsEQzbeRCYUYUwDGbmwe_UDXOHaYOEsVrKzCAlSm8QV68PbXkoj091UjGT5d6SlBQPG4O4dT5juAGmEnS05EKJJbJWZ/s200/snow+road.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzzC-9dO0dNRuyimm82PiiNeSzjYqXlQH2IZ0vfM31QOzWasBIwDybKh-jqp063ax89NKuHzblGoQeZtCtN2nTLa54siV4LNpEcIj8VgxDB0cNr0MKa9JrjcavPWhJTeDCyRFjCX3kgf0/s1600/snow+feet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzzC-9dO0dNRuyimm82PiiNeSzjYqXlQH2IZ0vfM31QOzWasBIwDybKh-jqp063ax89NKuHzblGoQeZtCtN2nTLa54siV4LNpEcIj8VgxDB0cNr0MKa9JrjcavPWhJTeDCyRFjCX3kgf0/s200/snow+feet.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Oh... and the Patriots are going to the Super Bowl, that's kinda cool, too! </div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826790165915830436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3768913659685823103.post-74923751869857185932012-01-20T12:49:00.000-05:002012-01-20T12:49:00.550-05:00Fit Friday<div style="text-align: center;">Yesterday I received a special request for a Fit Friday topic.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Can I tell you how psyched I was when someone actually ASKED me to blog about something!?!??</div><div style="text-align: center;">It pretty much made.my.day.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOZi4FXDzuEfY0EZSzTkJd0QK5kYGd4XtDT5NZFuqign2-3nkxalE44MC3df6EpcviLul-rtYTDSMiopIv_YROhrDGpf2PDXwwYQkcA5ajxe7L2usnWclP8iCsQiavsf_4Dlq8YEu_4I9/s1600/arms-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOZi4FXDzuEfY0EZSzTkJd0QK5kYGd4XtDT5NZFuqign2-3nkxalE44MC3df6EpcviLul-rtYTDSMiopIv_YROhrDGpf2PDXwwYQkcA5ajxe7L2usnWclP8iCsQiavsf_4Dlq8YEu_4I9/s320/arms-5.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>awkward attempt at an arm pic..</i>?</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The <i>special </i>request was arms. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Hot, sexy, lean, toned arms.</div><div style="text-align: center;">NOT steroid, gym rat status, arms.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Somewhere between Kirstie Alley and Kelly Rippa.</div><div style="text-align: center;">....But, probably more towards Kelly Rippa... Because she's cute.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, arms it is!<br />
<br />
First and foremost: drop the light weights.<br />
Did you drop them?<br />
Ok, good. Now find the HEAVY weights.</div><div style="text-align: center;">heavy weights = zexy arms.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Seriously, do not x-out of this post or dismiss me completely because I'm telling you to use heavy weights!!!</i><br />
You need muscle for tone and definition and the only way to build that muscle is heavy weights. <i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Heavy weights DO NOT = big, dude-like, grossly toned arms.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It takes years to develop huge muscles like those women you see at the gym.</div><div style="text-align: center;">You <i>will not </i>be heavy weight status by lifting 6-12.5lb dumbbells 3-4x/week in combination with HIIT.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But, you <i>will </i>have sexy and toned arms!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Okay, so "heavy" is a relative term -- if you're in moderate shape, start with 6-10lbs.<br />
I started with 6s, quickly moved to 7s and 8s, and now I use 12.5lbs.<br />
I was a newbie though, and I didn't figure this all out until later..<br />
So start around 8, feel it out, and then adjust accordingly.<br />
The last couple reps should be HARD.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Like you got that angry weight lifter face going on.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Veins poppin, mean muggin, gruntin it's so heavy.<br />
Ok, maybe not grunting, but you get the idea.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mariodigregorio.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/body_building.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudfsvCVqn4M1216h9cPSF7lSx1ovAQqXxpxLC-BoWKhnmh7H8TN-eq4bem0egM8pfLhFUR6Ye3SEIdPWMJ3hAKNlcnUVxt_V0ez455TQymBjRhiuRx-gIWzZAZPRLq56eJnqR9GnRKhRT/s320/body_building.jpg" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>hahahaha, i had to</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have I convinced you yet?<br />
If you're still not convinced, you should read <a href="http://www.onefitfoodie.com/2011/11/kicking-your-workouts-up-notch.html" target="_blank">this</a> and <a href="http://www.onefitfoodie.com/2011/08/fat-loss-tips.html" target="_blank">this.</a><br />
And even if I have convinced you, you should still read those little nuggets -- lady's a professional.<br />
<br />
Personally, I don't have a specific "routine" for arms, I just have a bunch of exercises that I prefer.<br />
I choose 5-6 of these exercises for 3 sets of 10-15 reps with 12.5lb DBs and combine with 40+ minutes of HIIT (HIIT newbies should do less) OR I'll do 3 sets of 10-15 reps of 5-6 exercises before/after spinning (the class I take can be defined as a form of HIIT).<br />
I know, I sound like a broken record, but I really do believe that HIIT is vital for weight and fat loss.<br />
So seriously, don't skip your interval training.<br />
<br />
Here's my arm faves:<br />
<a href="http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/tricep-pushup?workout=9681" target="_blank">the tricep push up </a><br />
<a href="http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/biceps-curl-1?workout=24543" target="_blank">biceps curl</a> (obviously)<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCOAtPIjaQY" target="_blank">21s biceps curl</a> (I use weights, but resistance bands are cool)<br />
<a href="http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/alternating-shoulder-press2?workout=6210" target="_blank">alternating shoulder press</a> (and <a href="http://www.fitlink.com/exercise?type=stability+ball&exercise=shoulder+press" target="_blank">non-alternating</a>, too)<br />
<a href="http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/the-one-minute-hammer-curl?workout=16251" target="_blank">hammer curl</a><br />
<a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/reverse-fly/MM00740" target="_blank">reverse fly </a><br />
<a href="http://www.trainwithmeonline.com/exercise_17_Stability_Ball_Skull_Crushers.html" target="_blank">skull crusher on stability ball</a><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXr5go_Ba6M" target="_blank">this is a must watch video</a> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">armpit fat? <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ER2eDeqCKMs" target="_blank">watch this!</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">and, I've never tried this, but it looks fun! <a href="http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/t-row?workout=22798" target="_blank">T row</a><br />
<br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;">I feel like I should also mention food in this post, because you don't want to gain weight <i>and </i>build muscle.</div><div style="margin: 0px;">In my own experiences, I've found eating clean to be very helpful when combined with weight training. </div><div style="margin: 0px;">Eating clean means no preservatives, no chemicals, nothing you can't pronounce.</div><div style="margin: 0px;">I'm no expert at clean eating, but it's definitely something I keep in mind on a daily basis. </div><div style="margin: 0px;">I find the easiest way to eat clean is to cook your own food. </div><div style="margin: 0px;">Make your breakfast, lunch, and dinner so you know <i>exactly </i>what's going into your body.</div><div style="margin: 0px;">Also, I'm a fruit and vegetable crack head (did I cross the line?).</div><div style="margin: 0px;">Eat your fruits and veggies, peeps!!! </div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826790165915830436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3768913659685823103.post-61050403119613927322012-01-19T07:59:00.001-05:002012-01-19T11:07:01.354-05:00High School Burnout<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgCMag2sEvkY4XTvxxarKmcTyJqc5t7Agmbi5mibfP6qaggvGgb92BgME8EBrqpuPpcmBB1oVPGPWl0f4b7q46blhX9DcJsBSLXqBwkPVIdx5UJ5hdWuoAuX2M4r3tU_igoMaS7agNRzt/s1600/highschool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgCMag2sEvkY4XTvxxarKmcTyJqc5t7Agmbi5mibfP6qaggvGgb92BgME8EBrqpuPpcmBB1oVPGPWl0f4b7q46blhX9DcJsBSLXqBwkPVIdx5UJ5hdWuoAuX2M4r3tU_igoMaS7agNRzt/s320/highschool.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>we were BABIES! sorry erin, sorry jess </i>:)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">Wait.... what? That doesn't even make sense.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope you didn't see the word "burnout" and think that I was about to explain how I've burnt out on the gym and that I plan to eat bonbons all day and cancel my membership tomorrow.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Nope. Not this post.<br />
<br />
This post is about how to <i>prevent</i> burnout...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Because we all know that the same work out day in and day out is torture.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's like a real life <i>Groundhog Day </i>starring YOU as Bill Murray's character.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Not only is the same workout every day torture for you mentally, it actually loses effectiveness each time you do it. That is, your body actually remembers routines/runs/intervals/etc. and adapts over time to operate more efficiently. So your once killer workout <i>isn't</i> so killer after the 5th time in a row.</div><div style="text-align: center;">(HIIT vs extended steady cardio is a similar concept)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Neat, right? The human body is so cool! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>nerd alert</i><br />
<br />
So the best way to beat burnout and burn more cals is simply: <i>mix it up!</i><br />
<br />
Here's how you can (should!) mix it up:<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Fit Friday. </i>Sorry<i>, </i>I had to do it. Use FF to add a little spice to your gym routine.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Workshops</i>. They're always happening where I practice yoga and I'm sure there's lots where you are, too. You'll learn new postures and usually there's some kinda added bonus (i.e., adjustments-- my favorite, a more intimate setting, typically more advanced)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Find a new spot. </i>Getting a day pass at a random gym or attending a class in a foreign studio is a great way to learn new stuff that your body has <i>never</i> encountered before.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Groupon</i> (or any other discount site). Use Groupon to find said "new spots". And, um, hello? How can you <i>not</i> pass up insanely cheap prices for typically expensive classes/memberships?! Some offers are pretty random,<br />
too -- pole dancing? That counts!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Mix it up.</i> Wait, am I on repeat? If you go to spinning every Tuesday, why not try some HIIT on the treadmill instead. Just be sure to work as hard and as long as you would at spin.<br />
<i>Explore What Mr Tready Has to Offer.</i> Using the incline option on the treadmill is an awesome way to surprise those skinny legs of yours. Or what about those cool (but maybe kinda scary) "fat burning"workouts they have pre-programmed into it's little computer brain? Hey, it's worth a shot!<br />
<i>Run outside. </i>It's <i>completely</i> different than running on a treadmill. Trust.<br />
<i>Dive into different machines.</i> Use a machine you've never used before. I'm sure you'll be sore tomorrow!<br />
<i>Use Your Friends.</i> No, not <i>that</i> way. Have your homegirl bring you to her favorite class or let her show you her running loop.<br />
<br />
I'm very conscious of this whole "burnout" thing and it's something I think about a lot.<br />
And if the day comes when I'm no longer physically active, I surely don't want the reason to be, "I burned out".<br />
I also don't expect to have the same workout regimen/routine 5, 10, 20 years from now.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">That'd be a lot of Groundhog Days.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">So I make it a point to <i>not </i>get burnt out on whatever I'm currently interested in.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">If I start to feel the itch, even just a little bit, I'll back off and direct my daily workout attention elsewhere.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Do you have any tips or tricks to avoid burnout?</b></div></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826790165915830436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3768913659685823103.post-87560083435344750102012-01-17T12:25:00.001-05:002012-01-17T12:25:37.643-05:00Twelve Items<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">I recently read somewhere that you should have no more than <i>twelve</i> items in your closet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Twelve quality and versatile items that can be mixed, matched, and accessorized to create endless outfit options. I don't think I could possibly exist on so few pieces, but this "twelve items" concept got me thinking about starting my own closet slim down.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Soo.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">one afternoon,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">4 overflowing XL trash bags,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">9 pairs of jeans, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">15 pairs of shoes, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">and a countless number of hangers later,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">my closet is finally complete!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Yes, on my day off I decided to <i>clean my closet.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">For the first 3 hours, it was a great idea... but, the last 3... hm, not so much.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">But it's done and I feel so much better!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">I discovered things I forgot existed, like...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">an Abercrombie sweatshirt from high school,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">(<i>uh, does </i>anyone<i> even wear Abercrombie anymore?</i>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">a pair of shoes that has to be almost 10 years old,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">a couple things that still have tags on them,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">(<i>oops</i>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">and lots of blackmail-worthy pictures.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_jMC5tbQ0_bie8E9QVcvDlbmjaGdOTVuqq96xEnbQIr81MgMWMVK8jAZ6aAcekG9NYgOPViywGIIKinbAlH_8xxPB7Kdc-Vj-sJQ7NeLUrliBeC1Lc12WNnNgQX72XfII4TaKW3jq5XSQ/s320/closet+collage+before-2.jpg" width="314" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>don't judge... it was out of control.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-MOJtKbvLFK0q8LxWUneB2LUsMQtzAHzEK-MATiR1NpBcPY2ttCChXJNhtPdJy4IiVtTtphEeipigQ16lluAoi9pkmQ85doQ5hgG7NpAlMuLKsUvytO9UceTPzcNdh9P2nREOOgeK6yX/s320/closet+collage+after-2.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>definitely an improvement...</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>can you tell i tried to sort by color? we'll see how long that lasts...</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuM6Vl47yIGhJbq8iRDGOADGwPe2gPP9w32zDsmJxpRggkPT7aQB6Idz4Z2AoMjDZu90UNjzwm7OTx6JaSzbfFZSlazVtVUgrQbWgeTBgiu69crOlODaKY9STTCpVj5WuqyOv9jYgnrj3_/s1600/extra+hangers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuM6Vl47yIGhJbq8iRDGOADGwPe2gPP9w32zDsmJxpRggkPT7aQB6Idz4Z2AoMjDZu90UNjzwm7OTx6JaSzbfFZSlazVtVUgrQbWgeTBgiu69crOlODaKY9STTCpVj5WuqyOv9jYgnrj3_/s320/extra+hangers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>i don't even know where all these hangers came from!?</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQ1T0XKibw8NrTjgrHTArrwMJMxZEePYHPXp_r8WMHxC91aF0Ed-G7YRQrYiOyIvEpSIPTTsehkYXe_weCIYRJFpypB1kBJ70JQNTG1anj5t7ZIdyaVWSV-3wAMuiQi5cYRz_UMSkhpww/s320/jeans+to+donate.jpg" width="239" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>adios designer jeans, you were a fad i will not miss</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(painful throwing away all that $$$)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWtc3IjDLu4QpPjAU03jU9Fj8jCQyqMqsuw_ntk7FRz9FTF9Dp2dLxF8yfxplyE4VfIsJRF-b-Kk3fDzmKqFwxL5Bvd3r7nrjr0JcVitaAKScFcqRTDljUKplnDRjXW0NuWcuYI3Ct9Jqn/s200/old+shoes.jpg" width="200" /><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuqGmlHt0rdXCH2saqVPvg18ynQXf1keA1LNrDYsGKZWmGO3y31KLLign4CHTkAbP1jCxWRcZjM6V7jTDT9LReBFK0irPoHtVCQjQkq_N6-vOo1CkxjV7KDIbuy__Ua5QKrk3CzhqhL32/s200/running+sneaks.jpg" width="200" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>left- these two pairs of shoes were probably the hardest things to part with. alotta days spent in those bad boys. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>right- WHY was i hoarding ALL these running shoes? </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Have you heard of this "twelve item" rule? What do you think?</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>What's one thing in your closet you can't live without?</b></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826790165915830436noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3768913659685823103.post-89604960694463655482012-01-13T16:43:00.000-05:002012-01-13T16:43:26.784-05:00Fit Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">HIIT. <br />
You've heard me talk about it before, but what exactly <i>is </i>HIIT and <i>why </i>is it so amazing?<br />
HIIT is technically <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-intensity_interval_training" target="_blank">defined </a>as: an exercise strategy alternating periods of short intense anaerobic exercise with less-intense recovery periods.<br />
Basically, sprints. <br />
Doesn't that sound lovey? <br />
It's like you're back in high school sports running up and down the field <i>working your ass off.</i><br />
Lovely.<br />
Well, take those memories and preconceived notions and FORGET THEM.<br />
And then try HIIT.<br />
You'll thank me in a month.<br />
<br />
But, back to the technical stuff. <i>I need to be somewhat credible here. </i><br />
(This is super simplified, some of this stuff is way over my head, but believe me, it just works.) <br />
Basically, when you're going all out, your body uses different muscle fibers that are not normally used during extended periods of steady cardio. <br />
Somehow the use of these different muscle fibers enhances your body's ability to burn carbohydrates, which in turn, causes your body to burn fat…. For hours after you exercise.<i> </i></div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Now, that doesn't happen with long/steady/boring cardio</i><br />
<br />
<b>Here’s why I love HIIT:</b><br />
<i>1. Fights Boredom: </i>I used to LOATHE the treadmill. Like, really loathe. Like, I couldn't stay on the thing for more than a mile. But then, I was introduced to HIIT and now I actually look forward to my time with Mr. Tready. Seriously, there's nothing better than challenging yourself to finish those sprinting intervals and then rewarding yourself with a recovery period.<br />
<i>2. Increases Cardiovascular Endurance: </i>So when I do have a big chunk of time that I want to spend running, I can, because HIIT helps to build endurance. <br />
<i>3. Less Time, More Results: </i>I mean, could it get any better than that? You burn more calories in 40 minutes of HIIT than 40 minutes of steady cardio.<br />
<i>4. Versatility: </i>HIIT is so versatile -- you can use it in almost any physical activity (cycling, running, walking, swimming, and even yoga) and can be altered in any number of ways (i.e., your tolerance for sprinting intervals may be drastically different than your friend's, but that's ok, you'll build up endurance and speed as you do more HIIT).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2orFy_c7jmSwgK1t2boXYg27TXRH_slPEh3_CM8ATKlHvI4HLpKr6vEpNPLbbkz3S5qgJ7e0zI6Zrj9fauMt_Dhh5w_76O2nHYXTStYcBukPFkxBKeu8_Y3v87oM612uPB6kfrn0ynSPT/s1600/082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2orFy_c7jmSwgK1t2boXYg27TXRH_slPEh3_CM8ATKlHvI4HLpKr6vEpNPLbbkz3S5qgJ7e0zI6Zrj9fauMt_Dhh5w_76O2nHYXTStYcBukPFkxBKeu8_Y3v87oM612uPB6kfrn0ynSPT/s320/082.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_8cRooDdWS4C1Txy-P1RERPmMF2tdaHoHE6IcYbdnkkraQR42m0ufxbaM427228cUIDJTjgYxjYL0CowD-O57rt6DGaxSLc87Vbs31tUKaPGEu7ySnFFti6Dx_1Xt0QaUpvWtQj90Yjo/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_8cRooDdWS4C1Txy-P1RERPmMF2tdaHoHE6IcYbdnkkraQR42m0ufxbaM427228cUIDJTjgYxjYL0CowD-O57rt6DGaxSLc87Vbs31tUKaPGEu7ySnFFti6Dx_1Xt0QaUpvWtQj90Yjo/s320/044.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgGMeMV1ntD5hS_C4BHiBjxLJqNYkgsBGNqR7_PA44AG_ytQxQDeD8KO7kj0S0VumZ6qwxHiGHBYCcrP6hDlxndYkSwpEUnT1rMHLTiyTEQIKPOs2Vk5QehXBv46blDvZ80tZuiaRoDCC/s320/266.JPG" width="320" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkginLlRcTccoPswrl4SBttruyChLzX5uYFHSwvaZeBIWediFXhyphenhyphenn31zZXUOiFlWmbXS4bABrSSN6JjAatpUe-g74_kDtktE21lO7GRF_2OSE3SpCS-qTUjQZCCTQViXIXXOFXCDFkZlH/s1600/250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkginLlRcTccoPswrl4SBttruyChLzX5uYFHSwvaZeBIWediFXhyphenhyphenn31zZXUOiFlWmbXS4bABrSSN6JjAatpUe-g74_kDtktE21lO7GRF_2OSE3SpCS-qTUjQZCCTQViXIXXOFXCDFkZlH/s320/250.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>1- fishing/snorkeling/sunset cruise</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>2- enjoying the first sunset of the vacation</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>3- eagle pose</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>4- rob with puppy. awwwww</i><br />
<br />
</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826790165915830436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3768913659685823103.post-81000995311058392812012-01-12T12:06:00.001-05:002012-01-12T13:47:19.096-05:00Life After Pura Vida<div style="text-align: center;">Finally, I'm back!</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Why is it that you always need a vacation after a vacation?</div><div style="text-align: center;">I spent most of this week catching up on work and life.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And now I'm exhausted.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But life goes on... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">And the weekend is in sight!<br />
<br />
I'm not sure if it's the exhaustion or what but, I've been struggling to write this "vacation" post since I got back.<br />
I have 5 different drafts and several different ideas on how to communicate/display/post it all.<br />
I <i>really </i>can't make up my mind.<br />
So, I'm gonna stop wasting time and share a few pictures today and maybe some more tomorrow.<br />
I hope that's okay with you?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88jfejTORrfbvwlERWvNMMl2kpkb7mKnfmzPD3CDxMr998BZkShti7TxzS8_iVx6ct4ff9Q6mpmjvdWt8EnLq6Nv33PaRSsfUfqeY8L8UOfQOL0rDDJisxCnbNnDF2tUh8MwnIUJjBdtl/s320/zipline+collage.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdAwe6y-AZ5z8-hTrQTh5gUKdEEtNzRQiYjxF3fsE7nf4jHblX5HALG0cIVwskDR0FHyWDw2wk-zyVoYM4A01tgHuGOpOCSY-ot7qavNi5corQodtV5mio8Qr2QBmim1Zp-2ow3bMfZ9t/s320/102.JPG" width="320" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vhQ87fOblwU0d2gsD0PgZTQg7l0un2prpbd9ZGpNrN_KunFdi5isyZH-0acm9P0LkbXk0cWdqPpDto8V299GSK2hyphenhyphenbArGaoSXNx2KE7AbHMIl7wbeKG6cCLTTerwzxtouJrqMNVRsgwW/s320/127.JPG" width="320" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWbsgFXX3jQj64FyjN31fPTxM3Yzyl6RPMqNOZEmDh1RGKSV__87LII5bYZ5Mu9IsmtrEK3hXvlt1vADzKZamncNzhSK7zTOQDtWXPlmyxAvSjcoqHtp9Uyp1Bhwz6DbFrabAm8JMogPK/s320/284.JPG" width="320" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWGjwUQsb9UWNyk0G4At7CL391oPApKj3_kJLPak8NzTURsY1k42W6O7L3R-221V8f5U5dPPvg7rgsPFXvUKauCxRZc5xoQomDWJ4V4CcLuHcMhImNYrY_3kt3j7cV4ZVofetS1ffd7rN/s320/053.JPG" width="320" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8AMrsOHcrdQEtrfNHWyy5O4xqy_WRyZ8G1XMGoq68YSvCZQT59Urh9R3xQOb5UpVWZMSbx30rQI_K8V_kPKO1cLhhxdqZ14YCeLC3VNPHoZd_kV_5BoDD8y9NQ3PzlopHPf2u01lHRMz/s320/040.JPG" width="320" /></div><i> 1- we weren't able to go hiking (huge bummer), so we zip lined!</i><br />
<i>2/3- fishing/snorkeling/sunset cruise. i think this was rob's favorite part of the trip. if there's an open bar and free food, he's there!</i><br />
<i>4- we took some yoga beach pics. i'll share more tomorrow... maybe.</i><br />
<i> 5-</i> <i>fishing is a nightly ritual for the Ticos</i> <i>of the surrounding villages. they used a tin can and fishing wire </i><i>to catch their dinner.</i><br />
<i>6-</i> <i>on the second night i treated myself to <span style="font-size: small;">a </span></i><span style="font-size: small;"><i>piña colada </i></span><i>at happy hour. it.was.amazing.</i> <i>(and gone in seconds.)</i></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826790165915830436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3768913659685823103.post-6892580791918798242012-01-04T17:23:00.000-05:002012-01-04T17:23:31.284-05:00Vacation!<div style="text-align: center;">I'm off to Costa Rica tomorrow! ..... And only bringing a carry-on!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Oh, it's so liberating! </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's what I've got stuffed in my tiny suitcase (relatively speaking, I'm usually an obsessive over-packer):</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0dgg0CCgIMgrLgAj9Emq9gzGPGhGre2SrhlzvcgkXx3QAX0lXPupijGxWPcQsinR6qubI3tZjjZZbGxWsnA9BywrYhmnz0afqhuZSy5J3VMKxsZlmSSdajr5AccXbM2GjBeXGA07g9Xp/s1600/Picnik+collage-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0dgg0CCgIMgrLgAj9Emq9gzGPGhGre2SrhlzvcgkXx3QAX0lXPupijGxWPcQsinR6qubI3tZjjZZbGxWsnA9BywrYhmnz0afqhuZSy5J3VMKxsZlmSSdajr5AccXbM2GjBeXGA07g9Xp/s640/Picnik+collage-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLDinxeUCOvPqPfyqRe2pWDMW_YRjkLlQ5HuwC9TGZPuteC-AghPROcwpwsj4E5s-8avPhZJR56MEyiWDDwyHyTgqSUmjs8dQDaSBzPPadNvVZJoAUOGC9sF6L_eMqjLQGd4P2EtjixKf/s1600/day+wear-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLDinxeUCOvPqPfyqRe2pWDMW_YRjkLlQ5HuwC9TGZPuteC-AghPROcwpwsj4E5s-8avPhZJR56MEyiWDDwyHyTgqSUmjs8dQDaSBzPPadNvVZJoAUOGC9sF6L_eMqjLQGd4P2EtjixKf/s640/day+wear-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZY7eNiVs1KkyaDGmqgJG1YT2K-T5pvPzS-SPm9wknAzP6Cat5WvfVElz0pjT2lHSUzVFtNuyWSY8f3ywY5qsg7h6avRS-8Yhm6xl-BMggr1rPL9zjm4xEG5GyXw54ybxZw-IOWdiywUFr/s1600/day+wear-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I packed lots of versatile pieces that can be easily mixed and matched and used for more than one purpose (i.e., stripped tank top can be used as a top and beach cover up). </div><div style="text-align: center;">And, from what I've read/heard, Costa Rica isn't the most "glamorous" vacation, so I'm not bringing anything over the top. </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">active wear: <a href="https://pinterest.com/pin/267964246548029441/" target="_blank">1</a>/<a href="http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/" target="_blank">2</a>/<a href="https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=63511" target="_blank">3</a>/<a href="http://www.backcountry.com/merrell-solo-origins-hiking-shoe-womens?CMP_SKU=MER0353&MER=0406&CMP_ID=SH_FRO001&mv_pc=r126&003=7162907&010=MER0353-SM-S8&mr:trackingCode=98347A1E-27F7-E011-87D9-001B21A69EB8&mr:referralID=NA" target="_blank">4</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">beach basics: <a href="https://pinterest.com/pin/167407311118149666/" target="_blank">1</a>/<a href="https://pinterest.com/pin/79868593361134330/" target="_blank">2</a>/<a href="https://pinterest.com/pin/257197828688966525/" target="_blank">3</a>/<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-eReader-eBook-Reader-e-Reader-Special-Offers/dp/B0051QVESA" target="_blank">4</a>/<a href="https://pinterest.com/pin/104427285079213772/" target="_blank">5</a>/<a href="https://pinterest.com/pin/57350595224282929/" target="_blank">6</a>/<a href="https://pinterest.com/pin/275564070919257218/" target="_blank">7</a>/<a href="http://www.3floz.com/default.aspx" target="_blank">8</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">day wear: <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/index.jsp" target="_blank">1</a>/<a href="https://pinterest.com/pin/273453008593954386/" target="_blank">2</a>/<a href="http://www.crocs.com/home/homepage,default,pg.html" target="_blank">3</a>/<a href="http://jcrew.com/" target="_blank">4</a>/<a href="https://pinterest.com/pin/217580225716845639/" target="_blank">5</a>/<a href="https://pinterest.com/pin/230950287110573273/" target="_blank">6</a>/<a href="http://www.zappos.com/cross-body/COjWARCS1wEYmtcB.zso#%21/the-north-face-cross-body/COjWARCS1wEYmtcBWgLiBOICBAECAws.zso" target="_blank">7</a>/<a href="https://pinterest.com/pin/46302702388392805/" target="_blank">8</a>/<a href="https://pinterest.com/pin/213006257345266696/" target="_blank">9</a>/<a href="http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446446524&afsrc=1&site_refer=GGLPRADS001&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=0885427922292&ci_gpa=pla&ci_kw=%7Bkeyword%7D" target="_blank">10</a></div><br />
</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826790165915830436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3768913659685823103.post-73830937800129754482012-01-03T13:31:00.000-05:002012-01-03T13:31:39.585-05:002011: A Wordless Year in Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZ7apP_qmAP1245iA2Lq_fEZNMu3ky8oAa87ICYHClfUXttrS96TI4CB2PgN4cZm9DbGF5jvRmNxt0IRtcmlyCeXL_WrN_AF1UXcvHC5hJFvj4PHvqtB_4YjGVhe_BVMNF0oSpWfl8i_m/s1600/Picnik+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZ7apP_qmAP1245iA2Lq_fEZNMu3ky8oAa87ICYHClfUXttrS96TI4CB2PgN4cZm9DbGF5jvRmNxt0IRtcmlyCeXL_WrN_AF1UXcvHC5hJFvj4PHvqtB_4YjGVhe_BVMNF0oSpWfl8i_m/s640/Picnik+collage.jpg" width="493" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZ7apP_qmAP1245iA2Lq_fEZNMu3ky8oAa87ICYHClfUXttrS96TI4CB2PgN4cZm9DbGF5jvRmNxt0IRtcmlyCeXL_WrN_AF1UXcvHC5hJFvj4PHvqtB_4YjGVhe_BVMNF0oSpWfl8i_m/s1600/Picnik+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826790165915830436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3768913659685823103.post-48323104443654534582011-12-30T11:42:00.000-05:002011-12-30T11:42:01.941-05:00Fit Friday<div style="text-align: center;">The very last Fit Friday of 2011!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Crazy, ain't it?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hello, 2012!</div><div style="text-align: center;">(I've finally caught on to the whole <i>it's twenty-twelve, not two thousand twelve</i> thing. <i>So proper</i>)<br />
<br />
....Anyway! Back to what I'm here for...</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I've been digging this kettlebell workout from Women's Health Mag for the past two weeks.<br />
<br />
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<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's so quick and so simple and I'm left feeling it for days.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">BUT! before the kettlebell comes HIIT (which <i>really </i>burns the fat).<br />
Ooh... Is this a two-for-one FF?<br />
HIIT & KB? Lucky you!<br />
<br />
This is my super simple HIIT routine:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Start with:</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">10 minutes easy to moderate pace</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Repeat this 5-8 times: </i></div><div style="text-align: center;">2 minute sprint (huffing and puffing, can't talk you're running so fast)</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 minute rest (easy to moderate or uphill FAST walk)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>End with:</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">10 minutes easy to moderate pace<br />
<br />
I'll occasionally switch it up with an incline or mix up the intervals.<br />
Do whatever works for you.<br />
<b>Be creative.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b><br />
I hope you all have a wonderfully groovy New Year's weekend!<br />
Be safe and have fun!<br />
<br />
</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826790165915830436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3768913659685823103.post-31101213123031598892011-12-29T13:20:00.000-05:002011-12-29T13:20:08.168-05:00Gateway<div style="text-align: center;"> I was a late bloomer.<br />
While nearly everyone around me had taken up the hobby of running, my big butt was glued to the couch watching re-runs of The Newlyweds on MTV.<br />
I mean, I'd occasionally dabble in the sport of running, but it never went further than a couple [miserable] runs.<br />
My attempts at becoming a "runner" were often road blocked by one thing or another:<br />
too hungover from the night before, too tired from studying all night, lack of confidence, lack of motivation...<br />
The list of <i>excuses </i>went on and on.<br />
But, to be honest, a big part of me never took to running because <i>I thought I was bad at it.</i><br />
In high school, I was the punk who WALKED the mile which was a requirement for every student's annual fitness assessment.<br />
Yeah. I would never be caught doing that today.<i> Ah, high school. </i><br />
<br />
Anyway, with the encouragement of friends (primarily my college roommate, Frankie), I made a commitment to myself to give running a chance.<br />
Without excuses.<br />
I wanted to be a good runner.<br />
I knew what I had to do. I had to <i>practice </i>running to be a good runner.<br />
I wasn't a natural Olympic gold medalist runner (and nor will I ever be!).<br />
So, I started small (about 1 mile) and worked my way up to longer runs and even ran a half marathon in 2010. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_oFmSVGZMzdWpeOl1IkKIAy3ScG8Tiare0lW9A9-uk33LIRPQHiQuWH2Rr7o-No1etEoyn_X-hzjWlGMEk1UECgLbJtaksTvapAZgI301JLiiMiQElskp5p2vV5wujqlyWijSBu3_wet/s1600/67070_1620303717008_1518888887_1547665_3568498_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_oFmSVGZMzdWpeOl1IkKIAy3ScG8Tiare0lW9A9-uk33LIRPQHiQuWH2Rr7o-No1etEoyn_X-hzjWlGMEk1UECgLbJtaksTvapAZgI301JLiiMiQElskp5p2vV5wujqlyWijSBu3_wet/s320/67070_1620303717008_1518888887_1547665_3568498_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BAA 10/10/10 Half Marathon</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Even today, I am by no means a "great" runner, but I'm sure as hell better than I was in high school.<br />
And I'm not even a diehard, life-long runner like my college roomie, Frances.<br />
I'm practically a newbie in the grand scheme of things. <br />
So, so what if I'm not running as fast as I'd like to be?<br />
I'm RUNNING! I'm doing something ACTIVE! And it's FUN!<br />
<br />
Looking back, running was my gateway into the world of fitness and a healthier lifestyle.<br />
Running got me off my ass and into shape.<br />
(There is a lot more to "getting in shape" than just running, but just the act of being active helped push me in the right direction)<br />
I just needed a little help from friends and a little reality check.<br />
And after running for several years, I've accumulated a couple tips I've learned along the way that I'd like to share with you.<br />
<br />
<i>Just in case you too need a little help from a friend.</i><br />
(or, for the seasoned runner, these are just some things I've learned along the way -- maybe they'll help you too!)<i> </i><br />
<i> </i><br />
<u>LM's Top 10 Running Tips:</u></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><ol style="text-align: center;"><li>Pace yourself. Start slow and gradually pick up the pace. You don't want to end up exhausted half way through your run.</li>
<li>Invest in a good pair of sneakers, it will truly make a huge difference. If you're from the Boston area, <a href="http://marathonsports.com/" target="_blank">Marathon Sports</a> specializes in finding you the right running sneaker. Frankie recommends <a href="http://www.fleetfeetsports.com/" target="_blank">Fleet Feet</a> as good resource for people outside of the Boston Area.</li>
<li>Try running outside -- it's fun and certainly more entertaining than the treadmill. Take in all the scenery around you.</li>
<li>Before hitting the road, map out your run with online apps like <a href="http://mapmyrun.com/">mapmyrun.com</a>. Knowing your distance before heading out will help you pace yourself and you'll be more likely to stick to your plan. </li>
<li>If you run the same loop everyday, try switching it up. It's good to shock your body with a new running loop! </li>
<li>Make sure your belly isn't full <i>or </i>empty: wait about 1-2 hours after you eat before hitting the road.</li>
<li> Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. It's hard at first, but after a while it becomes meditative and almost second nature. Also, inhale through your belly (not chest) when you breathe. <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/article/1,7120,s6-238-267--12989-0,00.html" target="_blank">This article</a> talks about belly breathing.</li>
<li>It may seem counter-intuitive, but if you need a break, don't stop completely -- just slow down to a manageable pace.</li>
<li>Watch your posture. Don't slouch forward, keep your head up and shoulders back, <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/425941-how-to-pick-up-knees-when-running/" target="_blank">pick up your knees</a>!</li>
<li> If you find yourself at a brutal hill, repeat the mantra: "NOBODY BEATS YOU UP THE HILL!" (<a href="http://marchingtogeorgia.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Frankie</a>, the true diehard runner, taught me this one. Thanks Fran!)</li>
</ol><div style="text-align: center;">Happy running!</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826790165915830436noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3768913659685823103.post-86867353177698690332011-12-27T10:54:00.000-05:002011-12-27T11:24:13.471-05:00A Life Update: Holiday Weekend<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Did you all have a fabulous holiday weekend?</div><div style="text-align: center;">I know I did</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I spent lots of time with family, ate lots of food, opened lots of gifts (I was spoiled this year), and I even lit the Menorah!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzu2m3xyJAXfA2oBUrTZWYqaraXD9upF8eSYr9cD_wyCJPIyxYGa6lQz9V2lwWJY4Hn92l5RlKnao9xTPWF74k7nNIujZpFP_rxwmDuH81taXBTBTk0Xk4lI1OKNZRiBHYApXEJREM3gZf/s1600/Christmas+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzu2m3xyJAXfA2oBUrTZWYqaraXD9upF8eSYr9cD_wyCJPIyxYGa6lQz9V2lwWJY4Hn92l5RlKnao9xTPWF74k7nNIujZpFP_rxwmDuH81taXBTBTk0Xk4lI1OKNZRiBHYApXEJREM3gZf/s400/Christmas+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> christmas eve/the aftermath/lilly/rob/christmas cioppino/</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>christmas morning run/lilly/christmas eve dinner/brian</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now it's back to the grind... Kind of. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Maybe not <i>totally </i>back to the grind until after the New Year.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Speaking of the New Year.. Have you thought about your New Year's <a href="http://f4lblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/resolutions.html" target="_blank">resolution</a>?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826790165915830436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3768913659685823103.post-81304553633243417152011-12-23T12:55:00.000-05:002011-12-23T12:55:54.107-05:00A Non-Fit Friday<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't have a Fit Friday for you today, but I wanted to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy Hanukkah! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjftzRTQrdMM8WC5fNCNA-ays_7fTXCN4U0hnr8bJtwc_amIOH0dKILV1PZkzQi4exBua_zqP1VhL6uL-gbgpIUt8N_Ak6o0MlHLjcDOSiswSOPxomhMR2f2u8OUcXz18v9LLRV0XVoQaG0/s1600/rob-laura-holidays3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjftzRTQrdMM8WC5fNCNA-ays_7fTXCN4U0hnr8bJtwc_amIOH0dKILV1PZkzQi4exBua_zqP1VhL6uL-gbgpIUt8N_Ak6o0MlHLjcDOSiswSOPxomhMR2f2u8OUcXz18v9LLRV0XVoQaG0/s320/rob-laura-holidays3.JPG" width="253" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I hope you find some time between friends and family to do something for yourself: </div><div style="text-align: center;">practice yoga, go for a run, or take a spinning class. </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">We all need to get away from the fam every now and then!</div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">xoxo</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826790165915830436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3768913659685823103.post-64073251613928399742011-12-20T16:59:00.000-05:002011-12-27T11:25:23.096-05:00Holiday Cheer<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Merry Christmas week and happy Hanukkah!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Are you guys all pumped up for the upcoming holidays? </div><div style="text-align: center;">I am! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Which is totally weird because I've forever been known as the Christmas Scrooge...</div><div style="text-align: center;">But, something's different this year. </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've put a lot of thought into my gifts and I'm even digging the occasional cheesy Christmas song.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> (Maybe even a whole Christmas album. Shhh.. don't tell anyone!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRaxgo7scVxdqQ5QGZ5_4lD_mSvC0TLOsAnYXnbmxeErv-pJ0szTfANo5a_A-BgZdfugBxpOSDbP9is83a7M_EclBkm4lHyVXiThCb6DrGcF_xE-sLXTlH7h7A3hZWujBl1wfOWKRNKSK/s1600/frenchtoastandtree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRaxgo7scVxdqQ5QGZ5_4lD_mSvC0TLOsAnYXnbmxeErv-pJ0szTfANo5a_A-BgZdfugBxpOSDbP9is83a7M_EclBkm4lHyVXiThCb6DrGcF_xE-sLXTlH7h7A3hZWujBl1wfOWKRNKSK/s320/frenchtoastandtree.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>egg nog challah bread french toast / christmas cheer</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>In the next few weeks I'm really looking forward to...</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Spending time with family and friends</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lots of good food</div><div style="text-align: center;">The family Yankee swap </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Giving Rob his gift</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cooking from my new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cook-without-Book-Techniques-Vegetarians/dp/1605291765" target="_blank">cookbook</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/End-Overeating-Insatiable-American-Appetite/dp/1605297852" target="_blank">this</a> book</div><div style="text-align: center;">Skiing</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Running outside in the cold </div><div style="text-align: center;">(I don't get to run outside very often in the winter -- it's dark when I wake up and dark when I leave work)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Relaxinggggg......</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Oh.... And I'm also excited for my trip to Costa Rica with Rob! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Last night I did <a href="http://www.womenshealthmag.com/video/killer-kettlebell-workout#/video/all" target="_blank">this</a> <a href="http://f4lblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/fit-friday_16.html" target="_blank">kettlebell</a> workout with some HIIT and I'm feeling it today.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Have you tried using kettlebell yet? If not, you should!</b></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826790165915830436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3768913659685823103.post-2543509361354900042011-12-16T15:26:00.000-05:002011-12-16T15:26:12.726-05:00Fit Friday<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">I like my Fit Fridays short and sweet. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I give you the goods and then I'm gone before you know it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyN5pS0j34eEJeWlSJFlkw3wllqHKoGWMkHvGZGqtDn6_O2XOzkWeNNH4gaS_DH7ktjYNA27HjlYb744QaKrOJunOo6knrtwXY80TBodFg3rEAcPkWrruTJlIh0uE5p-xs-0lrY3cxyfk/s1600/woman-using-kettlebell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyN5pS0j34eEJeWlSJFlkw3wllqHKoGWMkHvGZGqtDn6_O2XOzkWeNNH4gaS_DH7ktjYNA27HjlYb744QaKrOJunOo6knrtwXY80TBodFg3rEAcPkWrruTJlIh0uE5p-xs-0lrY3cxyfk/s320/woman-using-kettlebell.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>this looks fun, doesn't it? </i><a href="http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/821878/kettlebell-workouts-why-you-need-to-pick-up-a-kettlebell" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway... I've <i>known </i>about kettlebells for a while now, but never really considered adding them into my usual routine. But, after I stumbled upon <a href="http://www.onefitfoodie.com/2011/10/kettlebell-training-info.html" target="_blank">this post</a>, I'm thinking about giving the cute little things a try. </div><div style="text-align: center;">(cute? what? they kinda are!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Check out the link, read it, digest it, do it. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm gonna.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Have you tried a kettlebell routine before? What do you think? </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a good weekend!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826790165915830436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3768913659685823103.post-90888274343637391242011-12-15T13:44:00.000-05:002011-12-15T13:44:22.979-05:00Question For Ya<div style="text-align: center;">Hi Friends, happy Thursday! </div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope you are all well :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I think I caught the blogging bug because I've been itching to blog ALL week. </div><div style="text-align: center;">If I could, I'd blog every day. </div><div style="text-align: center;">But, I'm sure you'd all get sick of my instagramed pictures, weird posts, and silly Fit Fridays.</div><div style="text-align: center;">(PS. I did <a href="http://f4lblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/fit-friday.html" target="_blank">this</a> Fit Friday last night and I'm sore today. My armpits are killing me! I'll definitely be spending more time with the assisted pull up machine. That thing <i>kicked.my.butt.</i>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway, I have a long list of stuff <i>I</i> want to blog about, but I wanted to get your opinion. Is there something you're dying to know more about?<br />
Nutrition? Fitness? Healthy living? Something about me? </div><div style="text-align: center;">Comment below, tweet me, facebook message me, or send me an email if you're shy.</div><div style="text-align: center;">If I have an answer or something to say in response to your question/topic, I'll be sure to blog about it!</div><div style="text-align: center;">(click on the little picture of me on the left hand side of the page to find my email)</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fit Friday coming up tomorrow, yeehaw!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcYM92XjUhDshNlOoR72mEd3-4lQ7l3gT5TKOYrhcv4vbpH_5LRfCOKZEZtzQxMp7qGVhnhncwvkfqCpB7_SGkB44iJnsheYr3ufGbv_iZAjaGn-42I3CdVpghPKh8yzjCE-9jIAdEPyc/s1600/pinkberry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcYM92XjUhDshNlOoR72mEd3-4lQ7l3gT5TKOYrhcv4vbpH_5LRfCOKZEZtzQxMp7qGVhnhncwvkfqCpB7_SGkB44iJnsheYr3ufGbv_iZAjaGn-42I3CdVpghPKh8yzjCE-9jIAdEPyc/s320/pinkberry.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>So, I might've had half of this treat before dinner last week..</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826790165915830436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3768913659685823103.post-52048740021603218282011-12-13T13:33:00.000-05:002011-12-27T11:25:23.097-05:00Resolutions<div style="text-align: center;">While everyone is endlessly going on about the holidays, I've been thinking about New Year's Resolutions. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What's yours? <i>Have you even thought about it? </i></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have two: use less toilet paper and read more. </div><div style="text-align: center;">(<i>Is that TMI? Whatever, it's real!</i>) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm not even sure what the word "less" means, really. Like, only use 2 or 3 squares per wipe? I don't know about that. Maybe I'll make it more general and change my resolution to: "be more mindful when using paper products". I mean, I know I could definitely cut back on <u>all</u> paper products, including printing paper (my job entails LOTS of paper. It's disturbing, actually). </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Revised New Year's Resolutions: </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>be more mindful when using paper products</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> read more often.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">I like it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway. What I'm trying to say here is that you <i>should</i> be thinking about your New Year's Resolutions. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Think about it for a day or two... or a week... </div><div style="text-align: center;">It should be a reasonable, achievable, AND sustainable goal. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Do your research. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b>(did you know I work in research?)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Your NYR <u>can't</u> be, "I want to lose 20 lbs by the end of the week". It should be more like, "I want to make an effort to work out at least twice a week" <i>or</i><i> </i>"I plan to run at least 3 road races in 2012".</div><div style="text-align: center;">AND</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Your NYR can't be, "I'll run outside every day" if it's darker than dark outside when you wake up at 5AM and when you're done with work at 5PM. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Make sure your NYR is plausible.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Also, consider things/events/people/feelings that could potentially keep you from achieving your NYR and come up with solutions to these "obstacles". When you have a goal, it's good to have a back-up plan just in case sh*t hits the fan.<b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">After you've thought it all through, create a reasonable plan and make your sweet little NYR happen.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAE-e6r40WNLCemEzX3NpzxqWjVee4iGX_6PmULj0RCN2bO0kbyyjELGhbN2bEEppdtWObAVrhRldZZ1kzatKZ3EpDIU4zvyctwzNoLMfapzc3b2FBoJxhMjpmIXCtg5j_6Ev6FRcDgnBy/s1600/wintersky.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAE-e6r40WNLCemEzX3NpzxqWjVee4iGX_6PmULj0RCN2bO0kbyyjELGhbN2bEEppdtWObAVrhRldZZ1kzatKZ3EpDIU4zvyctwzNoLMfapzc3b2FBoJxhMjpmIXCtg5j_6Ev6FRcDgnBy/s320/wintersky.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>winter sky via Rob<br />
</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">It takes more than just a quick thought to come up with a New Year's Resolution. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Take some time now and think about it, plan it, and make it happen. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>You'll be happy you did come January 1st.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826790165915830436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3768913659685823103.post-7644571058037451742011-12-12T13:11:00.000-05:002011-12-12T13:11:02.317-05:00The Benefits of...<div style="text-align: center;">Fish oil!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Do you take a fish oil supplement? I just started last week and I think I'm hooked. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Improves skin condition, increases focus, reduces risk of heart disease..... <i>I'm in!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'd been thinking about adding it to my daily routine after <a href="http://www.rachelwilkerson.com/" target="_blank">Rachel Wilkerson</a> (one of my favorite bloggers) and Adam Bornstein at <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/bornfitness" target="_blank">BornFitness</a> both mentioned great things. And after coming down with <i>another </i>cold I promised myself that I would take vitamin C every day, so why not add some [totally unrelated] fish oil into the mix? </div><div style="text-align: center;">I've been using Spectrum Fish Oil but I plan to buy some higher quality product once I've finished this bottle. Adam Bornstein recommends <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nordic-Naturals-Ultimate-Omega-Fish/dp/B002CQU564" target="_blank">Nordic Naturals</a> as an "industry favorite" (pricey, but worth it!).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.fish-oil-advice.com/benefits-of-fish-oil/" target="_blank">This website</a> </i><i>claims that fish oil can....</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ease depression</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lower cholesterol</div><div style="text-align: center;">Reduce inflammation</div><div style="text-align: center;">Eliminate joint pain</div><div style="text-align: center;">Improve skin condition (big selling point for me!)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Promote weight loss</div><div style="text-align: center;">Improve vision and focus</div><div style="text-align: center;">Reduce risk of heart disease</div><div style="text-align: center;">Reduce soreness from weight training</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Some of the "benefits" seem a little far fetched and the site is not a totally reputable source, but I'm sold! </div><div style="text-align: center;">(I thought the website was funny more than anything)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll keep you updated if I notice any noteworthy benefits myself.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">On a completely different note, I'm beyond excited to get back into the swing of things. Last week I took it <i><u>really</u></i> easy and didn't work out at all. It was hard to resist the gym and yoga, but I wanted to get better as soon as possible. I went to "an hour of power" on Saturday and that was my only physical activity all week (Rob and I went for a bike ride, too, but less than a mile on a bike does not count! BUT better than nothing, I guess!). </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tonight I'll be doing some yoga and tomorrow I'm planning some HIIT and weights -- I cannot wait!!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's some pics from the weekend. Rob and I got our first Christmas tree!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm8OnsnOrxjtFukYRNDLGzHVp73y-0O12K8ziV-oSVx0NaD0U6AZIemF5WiZOT9MttbM_vyB2yP3450U04ocGRBezqS7SoeQm0M_lT61Hpe-dgXAS5dxdOc5US_0icUyRGL0ZComtaw3DK/s1600/robandteddy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC204punh5A54iXd90z824v90Q4_XnXC5Ix5sXLfL4IzboomXe96zu3TAI7CbD-p-dnhZp9QAtDp7uP4pJLcNMr6M7lvIyGyjQOJyyMMpL-uw0jCJ4iQgWFCKODWHBjPOJqT_Jljf2h89V/s1600/lauratree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC204punh5A54iXd90z824v90Q4_XnXC5Ix5sXLfL4IzboomXe96zu3TAI7CbD-p-dnhZp9QAtDp7uP4pJLcNMr6M7lvIyGyjQOJyyMMpL-uw0jCJ4iQgWFCKODWHBjPOJqT_Jljf2h89V/s320/lauratree.JPG" width="238" /></a></div> <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLObvvOerbYWmSimGDckIw5sikINYy2JykE2E5Fvp6_pt5VH6Yagd-vLjPpwbM9Aj7-YVoDPWPd7KQlvIHDpdlj64P0BXd3DUSJ42gCAcR_Jsb9ndhFRMOtLqlUaj-GhwfrKmtPMmWRWUj/s1600/robminitree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLObvvOerbYWmSimGDckIw5sikINYy2JykE2E5Fvp6_pt5VH6Yagd-vLjPpwbM9Aj7-YVoDPWPd7KQlvIHDpdlj64P0BXd3DUSJ42gCAcR_Jsb9ndhFRMOtLqlUaj-GhwfrKmtPMmWRWUj/s200/robminitree.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rob, mini, and tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGLXcIpK5d4HCc6hVpHZEt36jI6PGHzWnFJJ-XewhNeDme_JcCDnhYpGYhRPvAUsMXwZRxafnIBvfwCWKaZ3rXKn7W1B6YeMSUMm3KLW0cWRn229BY5_gRfDVlfQM8Mh0QgyfsCsJhQtl/s200/treehome.JPG" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our first tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826790165915830436noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3768913659685823103.post-91295822215927426302011-12-10T13:01:00.000-05:002011-12-10T13:01:40.042-05:00Fit Friday........ On Saturday?<div style="text-align: center;">Fit Friday on a Saturday.... Say what!? </div><div style="text-align: center;">A day late, but better late than never, right?</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm gonna keep this short so I don't take up too much of your time on this fine fine weekend. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, let's get to business!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">A forewarning: these videos and links are awkwardly awkward and slightly......... <i>pornographic</i>. The whole site is a little raunchy, but they have some good stuff!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a 7 minute interval routine using only your body weight. I love workouts like these.. No equipment and quick. They use an interval timer (So cool. I need it!) but any kind of watch/clock will do. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's the breakdown:</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <u>7 minutes total</u></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 minute mountain climbers</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 minute split lunges</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 minute plank butt squeeze</div><div style="text-align: center;">50 seconds plank </div><div style="text-align: center;">1 minute reptile push ups</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bodyrock.tv/" target="_blank">via</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">... pretty simple, right? </div><div style="text-align: center;">now go on with yo bad self and work it out!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(yup, I just said that.)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://0.gvt0.com/vi/UiV3KkO_L6Q/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/UiV3KkO_L6Q&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UiV3KkO_L6Q&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">bonus!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bodyrock.tv/2011/06/15/dead-mans-burpee-challenge/" target="_blank"> Dead man's burpee challenge </a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(I couldn't link up the actual video like above -- too raunchy. Look and see for yourself!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a good weekend!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I hope I didn't offend anyone. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Love you all!</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826790165915830436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3768913659685823103.post-58774069374107177122011-12-02T08:57:00.000-05:002011-12-02T08:57:23.563-05:00Fit Friday<div style="text-align: center;">TGIF is all I have to say about this week. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGnZsu47sntYvwVDX7OhvF75RF1yj6vmyEymkEdXZLlALMNSakSpKNixK4wXl_QzY3rSCLqOU7X4BCG-Y6cTGOwNWvgcDbuiLg_U53FA8p8EhjvKK8j_7GdOfK26btH-MuIcXwnxcoy5-B/s1600/sunset.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGnZsu47sntYvwVDX7OhvF75RF1yj6vmyEymkEdXZLlALMNSakSpKNixK4wXl_QzY3rSCLqOU7X4BCG-Y6cTGOwNWvgcDbuiLg_U53FA8p8EhjvKK8j_7GdOfK26btH-MuIcXwnxcoy5-B/s320/sunset.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sunsets are the only redeeming quality of my PM commute</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've been waiting <i>all week</i> to share this beauty. I can't wait to try it myself. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Maybe next week. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Timed workout: <b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>1 mile run</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>100 push ups</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>100 squats</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>100 pull ups</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>100 squats</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>1 mile run</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This looks tough but definitely doable! I'm thinking that I'll probably do 5 sets of 20 to break it up a little bit.</div><div style="text-align: center;">If this is too intimidating for you -- try 50 of each instead. </div><div style="text-align: center;">It's <i>your </i>workout, do what works for <i>you</i>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.whatrunslori.com/2011/11/starting-a-fitness-routine-and-quick-workout-ideas/" target="_blank">via </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Rob and I are going to NYC this weekend and I hope we do <i>ALL </i>of the following: </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dylanscandybar.com/" target="_blank">Dylan's Candy Bar</a> (don't judge)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.brooklynflea.com/" target="_blank">Brooklyn Flea Market</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Seeing <a href="http://mailthehorse.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">these guys</a> at <a href="http://petescandystore.com/" target="_blank">Pete's Candy Store </a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">(I've been told there's actually no candy at Pete's. I'm disappointed.)</div><div style="text-align: center;">And, DUH, of course I wanna see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">(Very unlikely that ALL will happen. We always tend to plan more than our schedule allows for. Wishful thinking, I guess.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Got anything good planned for this weekend!? </b></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826790165915830436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3768913659685823103.post-51458812131033623502011-11-29T13:08:00.000-05:002011-11-29T13:08:04.198-05:00Make YOU a Priority<div style="text-align: center;">We all know that any type of moderation around the holidays is quickly forgotten, so it's super important to make sure being active is a priority, even if it's only for 20-30 minutes. It's <i>SO </i>easy to let your holiday plans interfere with your work out routine, but don't let that stop you! Make sure to set aside some <i>you </i>time -- make yourself and your well being a priority because <i>you can't enjoy the good life without good health. </i>(a little dramatic, but it's the truth!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway, with all that being said, I knew this weekend was going to be three things: filled with lots of good food and good wine, schedule-less/go with the flow (completely different than my normal weekday schedule: work then workout), and busy. I knew I had to make getting any type of physical activity <i>my </i>priority... </div><div style="text-align: center;">And I did! </div><div style="text-align: center;">AND... I ate, and I drank, and I was very merry, too!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Here's how I kept active over the long weekend: </i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tuesday: 1 hour weight training class and 30 min of HIIT</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wednesday: quick 2 mile run (I was literally running against the sunset -- MUST MAKE IT HOME BEFORE DARK! was my mantra)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thursday: quick pre feast 3 mile run</div><div style="text-align: center;">Friday: 2 hour power yoga "detox" workshop</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sunday: skiing (not a lot -- two runs, but they were <i>tough!</i>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>How did you stay active during your long weekend?</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizg-_OjA4ufprIdzO7iuhlXueXXbswCgbehbtv6Xab-XShMjJ8GWlLw3ux-_BNYjTeVEMtAmQdDaN43yO7OLr-Wf8UbiBX4X0KJmTU88AHTVbBjrXS94PhvZOFHfiUlG70xF7O5jppwBzu/s1600/blurry+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizg-_OjA4ufprIdzO7iuhlXueXXbswCgbehbtv6Xab-XShMjJ8GWlLw3ux-_BNYjTeVEMtAmQdDaN43yO7OLr-Wf8UbiBX4X0KJmTU88AHTVbBjrXS94PhvZOFHfiUlG70xF7O5jppwBzu/s320/blurry+photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826790165915830436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3768913659685823103.post-56187687231157277442011-11-28T10:45:00.000-05:002011-11-28T10:45:03.047-05:00Long Weekend Update<div style="text-align: center;">I'm alive!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm sure you've all been wondering where I've been these past few days since I rudely neglected this sweet little blog! Well, I'm happy to report I've been up to lots of fun things and I've got some photo documentation to prove it! (<i>mostly all Instagramed </i>(follow me @ laura_remy!)<i>... in all different filters, so please pardon the lack of organization and artistic creativity</i>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I took Wednesday off from work to help prepare for Thanksgiving. Mom and I went shopping, cooked, and spent some quality mother-daughter time together.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlbe6AUE2d6yXY_hgwHU9LNSDSgheTv7GYej2Pqm6cqkM7GvZrnTgvcgEEBenbQ330lKLRkBDhwdD4bPSXkQL1op8PSLPEYTFPkDyThtbeX_F2zLm4dH8_gza0TY34PWps4YZTxEhH6AU/s1600/mom+thanksgiving.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlbe6AUE2d6yXY_hgwHU9LNSDSgheTv7GYej2Pqm6cqkM7GvZrnTgvcgEEBenbQ330lKLRkBDhwdD4bPSXkQL1op8PSLPEYTFPkDyThtbeX_F2zLm4dH8_gza0TY34PWps4YZTxEhH6AU/s320/mom+thanksgiving.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hi Mommy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"> Thursday was the day of feasting. We ate a lot and were very, <i>very </i>merry! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXc4OGUKetTOj_5dOnsXSg_MTpehaO6hIXoTZdyBH0dTNdzljp4cwnT4VrYjC7_iR0SWbJOxth_aZRh19oUHZr95N_S8_JNsejjH6xQ3no-czVv7D252YyFUM-Km4w9ahKtqD4yH5EkFY/s1600/thanksgiving+dinner+plate.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXc4OGUKetTOj_5dOnsXSg_MTpehaO6hIXoTZdyBH0dTNdzljp4cwnT4VrYjC7_iR0SWbJOxth_aZRh19oUHZr95N_S8_JNsejjH6xQ3no-czVv7D252YyFUM-Km4w9ahKtqD4yH5EkFY/s200/thanksgiving+dinner+plate.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoeonpKIGnLQVsbIGePiGC6mX069F8ZrKCeQhc_KNqPQ6xxyTXAsP4BgI5NoWBScw8kuyZZqxahzz2B0gR80M3PGNu8uTjkcFG1D4Fbl_-szn-T7vg20sGgS1ieU2I3AO-zLx8OSkDy81/s1600/thanksgiving+family.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoeonpKIGnLQVsbIGePiGC6mX069F8ZrKCeQhc_KNqPQ6xxyTXAsP4BgI5NoWBScw8kuyZZqxahzz2B0gR80M3PGNu8uTjkcFG1D4Fbl_-szn-T7vg20sGgS1ieU2I3AO-zLx8OSkDy81/s200/thanksgiving+family.JPG" width="200" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Friday was my 5-year high school reunion and all I can say is that I paid for it on Saturday. Typically, I stick to one or two drinks and save anything more for special occasions. Let's just say Saturday was pure torture. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> (It was actually Rob's reunion, too -- we went to high school together. Cute, <i>right?</i> But seriously, it was nice to have him there with me because I am queen of awkward and he'll talk to anyone who'll listen.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-eb89LyBjcEkJ3ia3hNBAOIMQH4Tz1DZBbu2uc37Id4BHK7AWj4igT2LvdED28J8AyZQXGHWD2hBLTIV6KkpQUstThVfVfzzZMyokgVkRB2IXu6KOcp_2XTPbcP7zdWZFuEVr1g1i_r8/s1600/5-yr+rob-laura.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-eb89LyBjcEkJ3ia3hNBAOIMQH4Tz1DZBbu2uc37Id4BHK7AWj4igT2LvdED28J8AyZQXGHWD2hBLTIV6KkpQUstThVfVfzzZMyokgVkRB2IXu6KOcp_2XTPbcP7zdWZFuEVr1g1i_r8/s320/5-yr+rob-laura.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't Rob so handsome!? (pardon the red eye. thanks)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Saturday Rob and I went up to Vermont for the season's first ski trip. We stayed at the Clay Brook Residences which is right at the base of the mountain. One word: amazing. This place was gorgeous and the people were unbelievably accommodating. I didn't want to leave. </div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmSSjgOpQyA2HXj9-CPuLYlFRAa3YPGt0NQzvvQv5aHkzjL0DW4Asx3bwe61s2-YxF-RV77ppwRTr_hdIq7gwi_cnUehTGy7hF2QWBJ2iPNWK3RLg1tieD_SvXPwqH1DuO8Vp41R7eJ7z/s1600/rob+sugarbush.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmSSjgOpQyA2HXj9-CPuLYlFRAa3YPGt0NQzvvQv5aHkzjL0DW4Asx3bwe61s2-YxF-RV77ppwRTr_hdIq7gwi_cnUehTGy7hF2QWBJ2iPNWK3RLg1tieD_SvXPwqH1DuO8Vp41R7eJ7z/s320/rob+sugarbush.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to be artsy with this one....</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">Sunday was shred day! We picked up our ski passes and took a couple runs down the ol' mountain. There were only 2 trails open, so we weren't there for long, but, needless to say, it felt awesome to be back in skis. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcbiIzx59fpXND4i5ETxhW6E-iCFjR3DLllTUrsxI_O9MiYvu48iDYEbG2rp4JxdhyphenhyphenWLQ8hcUlnzUFpCNG20L2gtdjAKaQjfqTv_j2cZraUqSdSkjyuAA0143DL8hkhjv-IC3-eaP4wqA_/s1600/first+shred.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcbiIzx59fpXND4i5ETxhW6E-iCFjR3DLllTUrsxI_O9MiYvu48iDYEbG2rp4JxdhyphenhyphenWLQ8hcUlnzUFpCNG20L2gtdjAKaQjfqTv_j2cZraUqSdSkjyuAA0143DL8hkhjv-IC3-eaP4wqA_/s320/first+shred.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob refused to smile so I decided to be scary... It made sense at the time?</td></tr>
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"> And today, <i>I'm back to the daily grind. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>PS. Happy Cyber Monday! Where are all the good deals this year?!</b></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826790165915830436noreply@blogger.com2