A Little Behind...

Last Friday, I had my second double-day. I started my morning with a little run (30 minutes, similar to Tuesday) in preparation for my St. Patty's 5K that I ran in San Francisco on Sunday... it actually felt pretty good, but I also realized that it will take A LOT of effort for me to become the runner I want to be. I just can't seem to get any faster, which means it takes FOREVER for me to go the distance I'd like to run (ie: 13.1 miles). As with anything, I suppose I'll have to be patient, stretch, and practice :)

In the afternoon I was pumped, as usual, for my back workout:

my goal right now is to be able to do a pull-up, so I have more lat exercises than usual...

Saturday I failed to do my cardio/ab workout as planned. I wasn't very motivated, and I convinced myself that my 5k Sunday would count (God forbid I do more than I planned...) I also wasn't quite on target with my eating (ok, I was eating white chocolate chips by the handful from the bag)- which is what inspired me to start a 30 day "no-sugar-added" challenge. I'm cutting out all sweets, flavored yogurts, protein bars, dried fruits/trail mix, and anything else that has "sugar" of any kind on the label. I'm also avoiding aspartame and other sugar substitutes, with the exception of one packet of stevia/day. (I am also having my pre-workout/protein shake around my workouts- they make me happy :) and this isn't a deprivation challenge, it's about creating a new lifestyle) If you'd like to join us in the challenge, don't hesitate to ask!! 

Sunday an amazing group of friends from the gym went to San Francisco to run a 5k! It was an incredible adventure that I will never forget! We had such a great time... as we always do! 

I am the leprechaun in the front... and, I would have a picture of my delicious lunch from Sol Food, but I demolished it in 11.4 seconds. Insert steak, grilled onions, fried plantains, white rice, black beans and a yummy side salad <here>

To compensate, on Monday I did this to my legs: 

Superset 1

-- Leg Press: 4 sets, 20 reps

-- Jump Rope: 4 sets, 1 minute, 30 seconds rest

 Superset 2

-- Leg Extension: 3 sets, 20 reps

-- Reverse Lunge (off step): 3 sets, 10 reps/leg, 45 seconds rest

Superset 3

-- Hamstring Curl: 3 sets, 20 reps

-- TRX Front Squats: 20 reps (jumping), 45 seconds rest

Superset 4 

-- Sumo Squats: 3 sets, 20 reps 

-- Walking Lunges: 3 sets, 30 steps, 60 seconds rest

And then I decided to really kill myself doing 30 minutes of elliptical intervals. Needless to say, it was a great calorie burner!! 

Today I am sore, sore, sore!! But that didn't stop me from doing an intense cycle session this morning! I actually rode 10.5 miles in 30 minutes doing intervals... and then I thought I might throw up. 

I've been busy with work, but with this sugar challenge in place, I will be experimenting with new recipes and making new "desserts." Tonight I will be making Mint Chocolate Ice Cream... YUM! 

Mint Chocolate Ice Cream 

(picture to be added later...)

Ingredients:

1 c unsweetened vanilla almond milk

1/4 c plain Greek yogurt

1 scoop chocolate protein powder (whey is ideal)

tiny drop of mint extract

1/2 c table salt

ice

Directions:

Combine first 4 ingredients until smooth

Pour mixture into small ziplock baggie. seal. set aside. 

Fill gallon size ziplock baggie half-way with ice. add salt. 

Place small baggie into large baggie. seal.

Shake vigorously ~5 minutes. until mixture becomes creamy. 

Remove small baggie. rinse. (Pour into bowl &) consume.