It is only the beginning..

hey guys! I took a little hiatus for a few days in trade for a little extra time with the fam! We spent the weekend at the pool.
This morning marks the first day of GPP RX + week. RX + week is our “hell week.” It is a week of 2 a-day workouts. We also follow a nutrition plan that was designed by our coach. It is pretty much going to be a good challenge for me. 2 a-day workouts plus the classes I’m teaching this week. It’s a guaranteed sore maker week for sure.
This morning after workout #1, I came home to enjoy a protein shake and plan my week out. I am having to plan on mostly AM back to back workouts due to work, kids, play time, husbands gym time, etc.
 
I haven’t done an early early workout in quite a while… Now that the Olympics are over I may get to bed at a decent time. I also may sneak in a nap during the twins nap during the day. Rest and recovery is crucial this week and I’m planning on staying on top of it.

In the mix:

• 1 Cup Silk Almond milk
• 1 scoop plant fusion Chocolate
• 1 C. Frozen Berries (Cherries, pom arils, raspberries, blueberries & strawberries)
• 3 C. Spinach
• Ice

Lunch came quick today, after a quick trip to Costco for a few groceries for the week. Which I got sucked into a VitaMixer demonstration.. (Now have pre-settings). At least the kids and I got a few different sample smoothies for standing through the 10 min. demo.
I welcomed this full blown salad.

In the bowl:

• Fresh spring mix
• Sweet potatoes
• Onions
• Tomatoes
• Cucumbers
• Green beans
• 2 hard boiled eggs
• Walden Farm dressing- Honey Dijon

I’m really going to miss fresh veggies straight from the garden once winter hits around here. They bring a salad to a whole new level. They are full of so much flavor and add just the perfect of amount of crisp and crunch to the bowl.
I taught body attack (which was a complete sweat fest). I’m sure the air conditioning was not on in that room cause it felt like it was 100 degrees in the room.
I had an hour before I had to be at RX + Workout #2.
And just so you know.. I’m not the only crazy..

There was a great group of GPP peeps to storm this hill sprint workout!

What a GROUP! This community continues to inspire everyday! How awesome are the kids that kept up with us? Oh, and threw water balloons at us when we were done…
Here are a few of my favorite girls of the night.

Day one is done and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the week has in store! I’m off to bed. I’m tired and my 5:30 am alarm is not to far off. Rumor has it the RX+ workout has something to do with bleachers..
If you’re a local folk. There is a deal going on right now to come try GPP. Don’t skip out on this opportunity! Check it out!
Question of the day:
This or that?
Group fitness or Community fitness?
Garden Tomatoes or Cucumbers?
Stay up late or Wake up early?

Back on the bike!~

This morning I took the oppurtunity to sleep in! I enjoyed the extra little shut eye, we didnt' get to bed till pretty late last night so it was nice to relax a little. Brent woke up first and went to the gym at about 7:30am (Yes, that is sleeping in for us) T & B didn't wake up till 9! I was able to get up and get a few things done. AKA laid in my bed and read "The Help".

source

I have honestly been reading it for over 3 months.. It really is a good book, I just think I'm having a hard time getting into it because I only pick it up every so often.. reading blogs>reading books sometimes.

Breakfast was a quick banana with almond butter pre-workout! 

After the workout I had errands to run so I just grabbed a Chocolate muscle milk and handful of pecans.

Lunch was simple salad that consisted of spinach, Grilled chicken, red pepper, avocado, toasted pecans and green beans.

So good! GPP started doing a "challenge of the week" at the gym  and this week it is to replace one of your meals with a salad! Or.. I suppose eat a salad for a meal? Either way...  I love my salads in the summer, especially with lots of veggies and an avocado is a must!
Tonight, I went on a 20 mile bike ride with one of my favorite ladies!  My last bike ride was like 2 weeks ago.. eeek!! My bike was just tuned and rode like breeze!

I decided training rides need to be done with friends.. It was so nice to be able to talk and draft! It was a great ride! In fact... every workout is better with a friend right?!

Q. Do you prefer to workout by yourself, or with a friend or group fitness class?

GROUP.. I love to feed off the energy in the room but I also enjoy a little "me" time and pounding out a workout myself.. but usually just when I'am mad or bothered by something, running helps clear my head. 

Q. How long does it take you to finish a book?

I've decided I just need to really invest in books on cd and listen to them in my car because by the time I have time to sit and read I'd rather sleep.. it seems to take me FOREVER to finish a book! 

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Whats that weird ingredient in your healthy snack? via fitsugar.com

lemon balm

Today I had a "new to me herb" that I got from a friend. (Thanks Judy!)

I had no idea what lemon balm was.. and or what to do with it! I love experimenting with new things so I of course googled "lemon balm" to find out exactly what I could do with these green leafs. 

After researching it and finding out that it is versatile and a great addition to any salad, smoothie, eggs, and fish I knew it was made for me. After brainstorming several different options I came to the conclusion that a lemon balm tuna salad would be delish!

{Lemon Balm Tuna}

• 1 can of no salt added albacore tuna

• 1 tbs grapeseed veganaise 
• 1 tbs mustard (any mustard would work)
• 1/2 lemon
• 3 leafs of lemon balm finely chopped
• 3 tbs Purple onion finely chopped
• Diced red pepper (optional)

Mix all ingredients in a bowl, squeezing desired amount of lemon juice in.

and place on top of your choice of salad greens (spinach, arugula, romaine). I used Romaine.

Super Easy, and came together in a flash. The lemon balm was a sweet, subtle addition that gave it just enough of a lemony fresh flava!!

This tuna salad was perfectly paired with some Rutabaga fries and sweet potato fries!

Rutabaga peeled and chopped

Sweet potato peeled and chopped 

I simply just cut them and spray with olive oil and sprinkled half of a simply organic ranch packet over the top and some chili powder for a little added spice! 

Baked at 350 in the oven for 20 minutes turning every 10. For crispier fries continue to bake for an additional 10 minutes till desired texture is achieved! (Note: Make extra for a quick and healthy snack!)

This was a perfect lunch after a tough workout, including a carb, protein, veggies and healthy fat makes for a great recovery meal. Makes me feel strong and healthy and FULL! 

Q. Anybody have any "new to me" spice or herb ingredient? 

Q. Anybody have any recipes for lemon balm? Link it up in the comments! 

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..6 years..

Hey friends! Hope your all having a relaxing Sunday! It's been pretty chill around here.
First I'll recap the weekend cause its been fun!
On Friday, I took the twins to the pool for yet another attempt to get them to like it! We had a little luck.. T actually sat IN the pool. (this is big deal.)

..BFF's..

B on the other hand..

"get me away from the water!!"

We met up with my friend Jacquelyn who has the most adorable little girl! T's future wife.
They had fun and B warmed up a little bit..
Saturday, I taught Pump in the am and headed out afterwards to do a 7 mile training run. I strapped on the garmin, tied up my shoes, took two steps and decided I didn't want to run.. WHO am I? I know... but hey, it was just one of those days.. I had no desire to run, no drive, no motivation.  I could of done it, nothing was stopping me. Besides myself. I actually fought with myself in my head for awhile to just get it done. But that is exactly what I would of done- fight. It would of been the longest 7 miles of my life and I prefer to run when I want to not just when I should.  Maybe, it was the fact I was just excited to get to the lake.. either way, my body was not craving the run.
I headed home because we had to get to the lake for the GPP beach party.
We even got a little boating in. Wakeboarding > Running. The water was super choppy! So today, I kind of feel like I ran a marathon yesterday.. Does that count toward my TRI training that just happens to be in 27 days?

"I just got used to the pool.. NOT the lake!"

Today Brent woke up not feeling so well, :( sick hubby's are no fun.
I got up and started got some things done around the house before the twins woke up. Feeling accomplished I turned on the new Body Attack release to learn it. It's so fun and I can't wait to teach it!

Breakfast went undocumented.. but it was a banana with almond butter and handful of this and handful of that and a half of this...3 boiled eggs.  seriously random. Lunch was worthy though.

{Salad beast of all salad beast.}

• Romaine lettuce
• Spinach
• Brussels sprouts
• Red Peppers 
• Chicken

I was indecisive on my dressing.. so I just rolled with them all..

a little olive oil, a little (last of) TJ's Raspberry Vinaigrette and some mustard! Not just any mustard & passion fruit habanero mustard 

Mustard lovah!

We picked up this perfect mustard while we were in Hawaii! It is so good! The habanero part scared me off a little since I am not a fan of spiiiiiiiicy things. But after a little sample it proved to be worth the purchase! This mustard has a happy medium, spicy yet sweet. I love it! I have been using it on top of my grilled chicken and even my veggies! 

Today actually marks 6 years since my mother passed away


















                   I love you mom!

 Reflecting on her passing kind of just puts me in a funk all day. Hence my handful of this and that kind of day. Whenever this day passes I tend to really reflect on her and her memory. It has been 6 years but yet it feels as if it was yesterday. My mother was the most giving, kindest, and beautiful mother I knew. I strive to be a great example to those around me as she was.
She passed away on July 31, 2005 due to health complications. Every year at 5pm we meet up at her graveside to show our respect. As hard as it is to visit her, this time the babies made me smile.

Hi Grandma!

I promise this week will good one! I am completely recommiting to my diet, training, and having a good time with these two munchkins along the way.
I have my meal plan, & new recipes to blog! One is in progress on its way to perfection.

I haven't really decided whats for dinner yet.. but with Brent being sick and me in my little funk, I think I'll just make a chocolaty shake, with a side of dark chocolate chips and probably a couple more.. (Chocolate makes things better!) I told you- I recommit tomorrow:) Sometimes a girl just needs her mom & when you can't have that, chocolate works wonders. ;)

Q. How do you get out of your funk?
Whether it be in fitness or emotionally I just take a step back and take time to re-focus! I make a plan, and I roll with the punches.

Q. Have you ever just stop running because you simply didn't feel like it?
Usually, I can get over it if I just start running. My mind was telling me to go for it but some days you just have to listen to your body. 

baby love.

Last night I was up pretty late working on my to-do list and when my alarm went off at 5am I didn't even hear it! The second alarm went off at 5:30 and I groaned. Just not ready to get up yet, I think I require at least 7 hours to function.. but with everything I want/need to do today I had to get up to get my workout in! (I can sleep on the plane right?) I got to GPP for the 5:45am class, I love getting the workouts in nice and early, especially on run days because the sun isn't blazing and the weather is PERFECT! THIS is the workout we did along with a 1 mile run. I changed the run for a 5 miler. I don't want to jinx myself but my foot felt okay from my last run so I went for it! My garmin battery was low :( Usually, I'm all about keeping track of my pace while running. I like to challenge myself to be faster each mile... But today I just enjoyed it. I took it easy and I enjoyed each and every step. I think my hamstrings enjoyed that favor.. ;) The key to running... just keep one foot in front of the other till you cross the finish line.. I got home with just enough time to shower quick and make my shake to get out the door for work!

1.5 C. Almond Milk

4 frozen strawberries

handful of blueberries 

5-6 ice cubes

1 scoop of vanilla elite protein

1 tsp of cinnamon

1 handful of spinach

I grabbed 5 boiled eggs to snack on while I was at work.. and I was smrt and mixed my boiled eggs with my raw eggs and so I couldn't tell which was which.. but Brent taught me a trick..

SPIN the egg! 

Boiled eggs spin Fast and Raw spin slow!

who knew?

I snagged the boiled ones and sped to work. Leaving Brent with this smiling face.

Cheeeese!

After work I got home and went to visit my friend at the hospital who just had a baby girl!! She is a doll! Literally, I held her and couldn't believe how perfect she was! All 4lbs and 6oz of her! 

I love each and every one of these girls! Congrats Lauren! She is so precious!

Lunch today was pretty much a repeat of last nights dinner!

Off to finish some last minute things before we leave!

ALOHA!

Q. Do you compete with yourself on your runs? Garmin nazi?

real life.

Summer is all about fresh from the garden lettuce, veggies and fruit not to mention tan skin, swimming, boating and vacations!!! When lunch rolled around today a salad topped with grilled chicken, peppers and strawberries sounded perfect! My friend Judy from GPP gave me some lettuce from her garden!

 (Thanks JUDY!) All the veggies were grown in the backyards of my friends/family.. yes. I know I need my own garden so I stop mooching off my friends.. but lets be real. I don't think I have gardened a day in my life and assured everything would die. 

the lettuce of my life

I love all the colors and flavors of this salad. Each and every bite was so good, I literally inhaled it. I also had an apple with cinnamon after to hold me over till later. 

"from the top of 'o salad"

I could eat a garden everyday. That is for shizzle. 

So along with the combined birthday party a few weeks ago, we had an oppurtunity to be part of a new thing called "moving pictures" through Gallery Photography. Its a video combined with pictures of us just playing with our twins. Ever want to know what life is like with twins? Pure Bliss.

Okay, pure bliss yes, but you should of seen my sweaty pits by the end of this.. haha! Oh and don't worry, I did get my hair done finally yesterday. So ignore the 5 inch regrowth.. this is the real life. 

Q. Do you have a garden? Want to share?.. haha!

Q. Favorite "Summer" food?

PEACHES. love them.