For years I've tried to rationalize my love (and I do mean love) of chocolate milk. For some reason I crave it even more lately after I've worked out in any capacity. I have never been one for sports drinks, tended to hate Gatorade, and didn't drink much other than water with a bit of lemon if I had done any exercise.
Welcome Stewart's Chocolate milk. It's 1% milk, with no corn syrup (real sugar instead), and isn't as sweet as you might expect it to be, but with that awesome chocolaty goodness. It's only 150 cal per 8 oz. serving, and fat cal are low. The protein is as high or higher than some power bars and energy shakes and tastes a whole lot better. I've justified every single half gallon I've consumed as "healthier than a handful of cookies" because it also provides me with calcium and vitamin D, which let's face it, are not found in most snack foods.
I am vindicated in my love for chocolate milk. How stoked was I to see this as a headline article on aol the other day: Reasons to love milk .
Read it.
Love it.
And join me in my very happy quest to get ready for warrior dash and drink copious amounts of chocolate milk to keep me strong. After all, milk does the body good...pass it on!
love always,
B
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Sunday, August 29, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
I know women love shoes but...
is it really possible to be in love with a sneaker? Truly in love?
Yup.
I am not a runner, nor have I ever claimed to be. Running is typically the furthest thing from my mind. For years I've driven past runners and though of how tortured they looked, and vowed I'd never be one of them. Well, thanks to the dash I'm officially one of the running population. And this is where my beautiful shoes come in to play. I did my research, like the good nerd that I am, and found that one of the most reasonably priced and yet comfortable/durable/liked sneakers was the Rockridge by Montrail. In the category of running shoes that are designed for trail running, which I will be doing, these are not only the cheapest (not my deciding factor) but so highly rated that I had to take a chance on them.
I had been running in walking sneakers up until they arrived, which were hot, stuffy, and a bit uncomfortable. As I ran I couldn't help but think that I looked as tortured as those I saw and at which I had guffawed. My wonderful Rockridge kicks have kept my feet cool and fairly dry in spite of my sweatiness. I'm not saying they will make me any faster, which they won't, or make my running technique any better, which they won't, but by golly are my feet comfortable. If I'm going to be participating in this tortured activity called running, I might as well keep my feet happy and thereby keep me happy. I can't say enough about these shoes. And it doesn't hurt that I found them for 59.99, got a 20% discount, and the grand total with shipping was less than $55 bucks. Considering they're retailing everywhere else for much more, I'll take it!
As I continue my training, as we enter the "one month left to go," I'll keep you posted as to whether I continue to love them as much as I do now. As long as they keep my feet cool and support me on all terrains, I can't see why I wouldn't love them. Who knows, I might just make this running thing a habit. Might. ;)
Much love,
B
Yup.
I am not a runner, nor have I ever claimed to be. Running is typically the furthest thing from my mind. For years I've driven past runners and though of how tortured they looked, and vowed I'd never be one of them. Well, thanks to the dash I'm officially one of the running population. And this is where my beautiful shoes come in to play. I did my research, like the good nerd that I am, and found that one of the most reasonably priced and yet comfortable/durable/liked sneakers was the Rockridge by Montrail. In the category of running shoes that are designed for trail running, which I will be doing, these are not only the cheapest (not my deciding factor) but so highly rated that I had to take a chance on them.
I had been running in walking sneakers up until they arrived, which were hot, stuffy, and a bit uncomfortable. As I ran I couldn't help but think that I looked as tortured as those I saw and at which I had guffawed. My wonderful Rockridge kicks have kept my feet cool and fairly dry in spite of my sweatiness. I'm not saying they will make me any faster, which they won't, or make my running technique any better, which they won't, but by golly are my feet comfortable. If I'm going to be participating in this tortured activity called running, I might as well keep my feet happy and thereby keep me happy. I can't say enough about these shoes. And it doesn't hurt that I found them for 59.99, got a 20% discount, and the grand total with shipping was less than $55 bucks. Considering they're retailing everywhere else for much more, I'll take it!
As I continue my training, as we enter the "one month left to go," I'll keep you posted as to whether I continue to love them as much as I do now. As long as they keep my feet cool and support me on all terrains, I can't see why I wouldn't love them. Who knows, I might just make this running thing a habit. Might. ;)
Much love,
B
 |
| aren't they purty?!? |
Thursday, August 19, 2010
which burns more calories...
Running and resistance band workouts, or chasing after a 2 yr old and getting set up for tour groups and brides in 3 inch heels?
I'll give you a hint. It's the latter.
This weekend kicked my butt. I had every intention of working out on Sunday, but after my Saturday, my butt was wiped. I started my Saturday with dusting and vacuuming the bridal suite at Benmarl, getting it all ready for the bride to arrive. A quick change in the office, and I was out of my yoga gear and into my business attire, 3 inch heels and all. I spent the remainder of the day carrying cases of wine, cases of glasses, getting any necessary things for the tour groups and wedding, going up and down hills, and up and down the cellar stairs. I also had three bridal appointments, which meant showing the property around again and again, and again, and not taking a break. With only a small breakfast and roast beef wrap for lunch, I'm pretty sure I burned up more than I ate on Saturday. What I didn't count on was being so beat on Sunday that I didn't get in a workout at all.
BUT...
since we are babysitting my 2 1/2 year old nephew, it's not exactly like I had a leisurely day off. He is a very active child and chasing after him, carrying him up and down the stairs (he's about 28lbs), and generally keeping busy I think exempted me from a workout that day too. It's so worth it, though, when he turns around and says "Auntie, thank you" with the biggest smile on his little face. Oh, to be 2 again...
Hopefully I didn't get too set back in my training. With only 4 weeks to go, I need to get totally in to training mode once he's gone. Saturdays will continue to be crazy with weddings and parties right up until I run the dash, so I'll continue to forgo working out on those days. Still alternating with my sprint/walks and resistance band workouts for upper body strength.
That's all for now :)
B
http://www.warriordash.com/
http://www.ccfa.org/
http://www.windhammountain.com/
I'll give you a hint. It's the latter.
This weekend kicked my butt. I had every intention of working out on Sunday, but after my Saturday, my butt was wiped. I started my Saturday with dusting and vacuuming the bridal suite at Benmarl, getting it all ready for the bride to arrive. A quick change in the office, and I was out of my yoga gear and into my business attire, 3 inch heels and all. I spent the remainder of the day carrying cases of wine, cases of glasses, getting any necessary things for the tour groups and wedding, going up and down hills, and up and down the cellar stairs. I also had three bridal appointments, which meant showing the property around again and again, and again, and not taking a break. With only a small breakfast and roast beef wrap for lunch, I'm pretty sure I burned up more than I ate on Saturday. What I didn't count on was being so beat on Sunday that I didn't get in a workout at all.
BUT...
since we are babysitting my 2 1/2 year old nephew, it's not exactly like I had a leisurely day off. He is a very active child and chasing after him, carrying him up and down the stairs (he's about 28lbs), and generally keeping busy I think exempted me from a workout that day too. It's so worth it, though, when he turns around and says "Auntie, thank you" with the biggest smile on his little face. Oh, to be 2 again...
Hopefully I didn't get too set back in my training. With only 4 weeks to go, I need to get totally in to training mode once he's gone. Saturdays will continue to be crazy with weddings and parties right up until I run the dash, so I'll continue to forgo working out on those days. Still alternating with my sprint/walks and resistance band workouts for upper body strength.
That's all for now :)
B
http://www.warriordash.com/
http://www.ccfa.org/
http://www.windhammountain.com/
Friday, August 13, 2010
Reflections...(and not just my legs)
Okay, so I know that I'm pale. Pasty white, to be exact. That's what happens with Irish/English/Scottish/German blood lines. Here's the fun part. I've been getting out of work late, and don't have time in the morning to go for a run. I went to my old high school (Marlboro High School) and ran the track for a mile tonight. There were no lights on for the track, but lights on for the parking lot. Well, I wouldn't need lights on for the track because...da duh daaaaaaaa! I reflect light. As I was running I looked down at my legs and noticed them nice and bright in the dark. Apparently my skin reflected enough that I lit up the track by myself. Stellar! It brought me right back to college when I played tennis with a friend of mine. We went at night, and he wasn't going to turn on the court lights because "your legs are bright enough to reflect moonlight". Funny thing is this was coming from a pasty white Irish boy too. That's how white I was.
I did a run/walk at the town park the other day, and figured out it's a mile and a sixth one time around the park (Cluett Schantz in Milton, NY). I did it one and a half times, and ran about half of it, though not continuously. I was quite proud of myself.
Then I got a dvd/resistance band workout that kicked my butt. Did that, and felt like I sweated more from that than from running. Whew, it was intense.
This week and next week we are babysitting my 2.5 yr old nephew, who's about 28 lbs. He loves to be carried, so I'm using the up the stairs, down the stairs with the baby as impromptu workout sessions. Hope it helps with my upper body and leg strength. And on Saturday, I will be running around Benmarl in my usual 3" heels for a fun 14 hour day, up and down hills carrying lots of wine and doing a lot of tastings. I figure with no time to formally exercise that day, work doubles as a workout.
So that's the end of week one. One down, 5 more to go. Hopefully I'll be in shape by 9/18. Otherwise...eesh. I'm gonna get creamed :)
Bye for now. Will keep you posted as to the progress.
B
http://www.warriordash.com/
http://www.ccfa.org/
http://www.windhammountain.com/
I did a run/walk at the town park the other day, and figured out it's a mile and a sixth one time around the park (Cluett Schantz in Milton, NY). I did it one and a half times, and ran about half of it, though not continuously. I was quite proud of myself.
Then I got a dvd/resistance band workout that kicked my butt. Did that, and felt like I sweated more from that than from running. Whew, it was intense.
This week and next week we are babysitting my 2.5 yr old nephew, who's about 28 lbs. He loves to be carried, so I'm using the up the stairs, down the stairs with the baby as impromptu workout sessions. Hope it helps with my upper body and leg strength. And on Saturday, I will be running around Benmarl in my usual 3" heels for a fun 14 hour day, up and down hills carrying lots of wine and doing a lot of tastings. I figure with no time to formally exercise that day, work doubles as a workout.
So that's the end of week one. One down, 5 more to go. Hopefully I'll be in shape by 9/18. Otherwise...eesh. I'm gonna get creamed :)
Bye for now. Will keep you posted as to the progress.
B
http://www.warriordash.com/
http://www.ccfa.org/
http://www.windhammountain.com/
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Six weeks and counting...
So, here goes nothing. I signed up for the warrior dash back when I found out about it, with all hopes that I would be running it no problems by the time it arrived on 9/18/10. I figured, since I had 5 months left to train, that I would be in phenomenal shape by the time it arrived, and that I'd be able to conquer the dash no problem. Well, here I am, 6 weeks away, and still haven't begun training. Why, you might ask? It goes something like this...
I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in 1991, and have been dealing with it on and off for the past however many years. It's as much a part of me as I let it be, and I've tried not to let it limit my life. In 2008 my intestine perforated, and I underwent emergency surgery to save my life, as I had severe peritonitus and gangrene internally since they estimate it perforated a full 3 days before I actually felt it. As a result of that surgery, I ended up with a permanent colostomy, a great new outlook on life, and felt ready to take on the world when it was over.
They left in my rectum, knowing that it was in bad shape and needed to come out eventually. This past January 2010 my lovely remaining rectum ate through what was left of my large intestine and fistulaed. Once again, I found myself undergoing an urgent surgery to take out the diseased rectum bit and switch my colostomy and permanent ileostomy. I went through surgery, started recovery, and should have been healed by now. Problem is, 6 months later, and I still have leaky heine. So...
Now you can officially call me sweet cheeks. We're filling the hole that won't heal with Medihoney, and hoping that will foster the healing process. I don't know though. I have one month left until the surgeon wants to go back in and see what's been going on. Fingers crossed.
In the meantime, I signed up for something I heard about called Warrior Dash. It's a 5k on crack cocaine. Translation: a 5k, on the side of a ski slope, with an army ranger style obstacle course peppering the run. I figured it would be a good way to show the world that having an ostomy doesn't mean not living life. It means I can do everything you can do, I just do it with a bag.
So, with only 6 weeks to go and considering I haven't even started training yet, I'll keep everyone posted on how it goes. My friend Mehul has developed a workout plan for me to try that is lower impact to not impede healing, and yet should still whip me in to shape. Hopefully.
And on September 18, 2010, I will be covered in mud, soaking wet, leaping over fire just to prove that I CAN run the warrior dash (or walk it really fast). I can't wait to earn my fuzzy viking helmet!
Much love.
B
http://www.warriordash.com/
http://www.ccfa.org/
http://www.windhammountain.com/
I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in 1991, and have been dealing with it on and off for the past however many years. It's as much a part of me as I let it be, and I've tried not to let it limit my life. In 2008 my intestine perforated, and I underwent emergency surgery to save my life, as I had severe peritonitus and gangrene internally since they estimate it perforated a full 3 days before I actually felt it. As a result of that surgery, I ended up with a permanent colostomy, a great new outlook on life, and felt ready to take on the world when it was over.
They left in my rectum, knowing that it was in bad shape and needed to come out eventually. This past January 2010 my lovely remaining rectum ate through what was left of my large intestine and fistulaed. Once again, I found myself undergoing an urgent surgery to take out the diseased rectum bit and switch my colostomy and permanent ileostomy. I went through surgery, started recovery, and should have been healed by now. Problem is, 6 months later, and I still have leaky heine. So...
Now you can officially call me sweet cheeks. We're filling the hole that won't heal with Medihoney, and hoping that will foster the healing process. I don't know though. I have one month left until the surgeon wants to go back in and see what's been going on. Fingers crossed.
In the meantime, I signed up for something I heard about called Warrior Dash. It's a 5k on crack cocaine. Translation: a 5k, on the side of a ski slope, with an army ranger style obstacle course peppering the run. I figured it would be a good way to show the world that having an ostomy doesn't mean not living life. It means I can do everything you can do, I just do it with a bag.
So, with only 6 weeks to go and considering I haven't even started training yet, I'll keep everyone posted on how it goes. My friend Mehul has developed a workout plan for me to try that is lower impact to not impede healing, and yet should still whip me in to shape. Hopefully.
And on September 18, 2010, I will be covered in mud, soaking wet, leaping over fire just to prove that I CAN run the warrior dash (or walk it really fast). I can't wait to earn my fuzzy viking helmet!
Much love.
B
http://www.warriordash.com/
http://www.ccfa.org/
http://www.windhammountain.com/
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