Tuesday Climb

My morning started bright and early!
Stadiums anyone?

It was actually kind of fun? We did 4 rounds of 4 sets of different runs/jumps climbing up the steps and then completed a 400m run after each set. Being back at the track reminded me high school and I think I want to start spending a little more time on the track.
Then headed to GPP to tackle this workout. Back to back workouts are no joke. I felt great and even better to have both workouts behind me.
I came home and made a quick recovery shake, I used frozen cherries and chocolate protein! The combination was perfect! I also added a little spinach to the shake for some greens to go!

So, yesterday I briefly mentioned we took the twins swimming over the weekend, what I forgot to mention was that I decided to take Bee down a slide.. a slide that took us underwater at the end. Bee just got used to the water and I had to go do something like that… (not on purpose.. I really didn’t know we would go under at the end.) Needless to say she didn’t let go of me the rest of the time. I took the babes back to a splash pad today to see if I could get her comfortable in the water again.

It was worth a shot…
No luck but we are planning another swim tomorrow.. slide not included.
After a day out in the sun, I came home and made a huge salad beast. After yesterdays salad with the garden veggies I knew it was exactly what I wanted today.



I had some zico coconut water to wash it down. I will admit plain coconut water is not my favorite. I usually just use plain for protein shakes and drink the coconut flavors with a little added flavor. Pineapple is my fav!
I taught pump tonight and finished off with some light cardio, I  jumped on a elliptical for about 15 minutes and started to read a new book I borrowed from a friend.

Yes, that is a real book. (The first real book I have started to read in a while…) I have heard nothing but good things about this book so I am excited to really get in to it.
Has anyone read it yet?
I’m off to bed, tomorrow the plan is to start it off with a hike up my favorite trail!
Question of the day:
What is your favorite flavor of coconut water?
Track Workouts? Yay or Nay?

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?

Lets Break Up

Happy Friday!!
I was asked to be a fitmixer Ambassador awhile ago . I am a huge fan of fitmixer products and what they stand for. The people behind fitmixer truly want everyone to be their best selves. Our health is an important part of lives and on the fitmixer website Candice, Alicia, and Robin blog about everything health and fitness! You may also take part in the fitmixer boot camp program for fun workouts that you can do in your own home.

They have several products that can help you reach your fitness and nutritional goals. These are the two I keep stocked in my pantry. Brent LOVES both of these as well!

 
As a fitmixer Ambassador, I will be writing a post each month about a specific health or fitness topic chosen by fitmixer. This will help spread the word about the company and their amazing products and I will be hosting a bunch of giveaways for you to win some of it! (I also have my affiliate link on the sidebar if you want to purchase some product for yourself) This month’s fitmixer topic is geared toward saying goodbye to something that holds you back from achieving your health and fitness goals by writing a farewell letter and dismissing the issue from your life. It can be anything really—junk food, your love for sugar, negative thoughts, excuses, etc. I chose doubt to break up with.
Dear Doubt-
It’s about time I face you and let you really know how I feel. Can’t you notice that we have an unhealthy relationship? You’re always in my head and preventing me from doing what I want and know is possible— and it’s time for it to stop. We have been together for a long time now and I know you may always be a dark shadow in my head. In order for me to reach my fitness goals we need to break up.
I know you know what I'm getting at here so don’t act like nothing is wrong. When I shoot for a PR time or sign up for a race, you invade my mind and whisper things that make me think I can’t do it. Why would you do that to me? It’s a constant battle and you always seem to be triumphant.
It is almost as if you never want to see me succeed or reach my goals. Did you know, I really have been trying to avoid you for months? I really want to improve my speed, strength and get out of this slump I feel like I have been in. Some days I feel great but you always step in to ridicule me and its preventing me from reaching my goals.
Doubt, I’m sick of repeating this dreadful cycle. This is the end. We are SO done. I am going to reach my goals and you can’t stop me anymore. Goodbye doubt. See you never.
Good riddance!
Candice
Question of the Day:
To what or who do you need to break up with? What would it say?
To enter to win 2lbs of Fitmixer Product, go here for a grand total of 7 different entries!

Banana-Chocolate Pancakes

Yep, you read the title correctly. Banana Chocolate Pancakes.

And yes, they are healthy and packed with protein and yes, even your kids will devour them!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cup gluten free old fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese
• 1/2 scoop chocolate protein powder (I used fitmixer)
• 1 Tbs. Cocoa Powder
• 1 very ripe banana, mashed
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
I threw all ingredients in the blender and mixed until well combined
Heat pan or griddle to a low-medium heat and spray with cooking spray
Pour batter onto griddle and cook for about 2 minutes each side
Top with syrup, nuts or even chocolate chips!!
Enjoy!

Other then eating chocolate for breakfast we spent most of the day at the farm.


Fed the cows, rode the horse, pet the goats and smelled the pigs. T & B loved hanging out with some friends today at the farm. They talk about the farm ALL day whenever we get to hang out there for a little while. Not a day goes by that don’t make me smile. They are so fun right now, even though they can’t keep quiet for 2 minutes, they just LOVE to play and are non stop. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
WORKOUT:
I did get this ab workout in and felt like going on a little run but it was 100 degrees today and I didn’t feel much like melting to the asphalt so I took it inside for a easy 6 miles. I even stopped and walked at an 12% incline for a few minutes, whenever I felt like I wanted a little water. ----> which I had 2 full bottles by the time I was done! I guess I was a little thirsty today. It was a good run to wrap up the workout of the day.

Not every day needs to be a butt kicker. In fact, you need to give your body a break and let it recover from those tougher workouts before you throw another at it. High interval training is usually my workout of choice but lately I have enjoyed cruising at a comfortable speed and just relaxing a little. Some days I like my workouts to be hard and fast, other days I wouldn’t mind zoning out on the treadmill or a short run outside- no Garmin, going out with no pace goal to achieve and simply enjoying the run.
My snack today including one of my favorite things..

Fresh Garden Tomatoes!! Big ones are the BEST. Bad news? I think they may hurt my stomach? A little while after I ate it I experienced a little stomach ache? ugh… oh, well.. it was delicious and I could eat them like an apple.
Tomorrow is FRIDAY!! I am subbing a attack class in the morning so I better get to sleep…
Goodnight!!
Question of the day:
What is your absolute favorite garden Veggie/Fruit?
How much water do you drink during your workout? / All day?

PR’s and Problems.

Half way through the week. We will make it.. right?
At GPP we have a board known as the GPP Wall of PAIN. You can read more about it here.

It is where we record PR’s of the entire community. It includes 1 RM of movements, time records of certain workouts, MAX push-ups, Double-unders, and a few other fitness challenges.
The board is all for fun and is to inspire others to reach a goal of their own.
We are all strong in different aspects, whether it be in the gym or in our life. We are also not great at everything that comes our way, but we can always try to be better. That is just what I’m trying to do.
I want to be my best me. How about you?
Yesterday, I set a new PR with my power clean. I probably wouldn’t even of attempted 140 if it wasn’t the support and encouragement from my coach and friends.

140! Last time, I pulled 125 just 2 months ago, so I was surprised that I PR’ed by 15lbs.
I went for the 145 but failed 3X… I think I just have to get a faster transition to get under the bar, oh and probably not be afraid of it. I feel like I hesitate a little bit.. next time.
Today’s workout was sweaty and fun.

I decided to practice a few different skills- double unders and clean and jerk. I didn’t hit a PR with my doubles- max was 21.. I hold my breathe… must breath… Something to work on right?! Although.. you think breathing would come naturally.. ha!
I got up to 125. I was feeling a little low on energy today so I called it good for the day.

So, I have had a few PR’s but have a few things I need to work on.
Speed: I need to get the transition faster in both the clean and the jerk. Coach Meg helped me realize that if I get more speed, I will be able to get more OH. So, I’m going to work on it. It’s the little things that can make a big difference.  THANKS MEG!
I have been staying up WAY to late watching the Olympics and I can tell the lack of sleep is starting to get to me. Once the Olympics are over I’ll make a goal to get to bed at a decent hour.. but until then it would just be an unrealistic goal. Lets just face it.
I’m cutting it short tonight. Its time for BED. Riiiiiiiight after the female 400m hurdles..
Question of the Day:
What is something you are working to be better at? In the gym or life in general.

Olympic Test

Happy Monday!!
I hope your week got off to a good start today, and if not, tomorrow is a new day right?!
We had a great weekend!

• Wicked
• Wheelers Farm
• Olympic Marathon

I know this picture has been posted on about a million other blogs, but how amazing are these women! Seriously. When Flanagan crossed the finish line and fell to her knees I just wanted to get down and crawl over to her and pick her up.I have never ran a marathon in 2:37? and probably never will..  What a team. They inspire me for sure!

• A hike with this handsome guy

This morning I had planned to go to GPP first thing but a certain little boy woke up at 4:30 am and demanded blues clues. Yep. Blues Clues. Three hours to be exact. I tried to fall asleep but was interrupted after every episode… MAAAAILTIIIIME….
I decided to push back my workout to a later time in the morning and made a little breakfast in hopes to catch a little energy.
Breakfast:

3 eggs + 1 whole egg, spinach, mushrooms, and peppers. Along with half of a frozen banana and almond butter that was devoured while my eggs cooked.
Mid morning I whipped up a protein shake to take on the go for post workout, along with lunch because I had some errands to run this afternoon and knew I wouldn’t make it home in time for lunch.

In the mix:

• 1 C. Almond milk Vanilla unsweetened
• 1/2 banana
• 2 handfuls spinach
• 1 scoop elite Egg Vanilla
• 1 tsp. lemon juice
• Ice

Workout:
I went to GPP for the WOD then did a quick 3 mile run after.
Lunch:
I totally ate in the car while running errands- Lucky me even forgot a fork. Totally classy.

When I got home and got the twinners down for a nap I was craving cake.
Microwave Blueberry Muffin

I haven’t made one of these forever. Mainly because I only have ONE can of pumpkin left…

Mix together:

• 1/2 C. pumpkin
• 1/2 C. egg whites
• 2 Tbsp. Coconut Flour
• 1 tsp. Cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. Baking Powder
• 3-4 drops of NuStevia Vanilla Drops
• 1/4 C. Frozen Blueberries

Cook in microwave for 5 minutes.
Workout #2
When Brent got home from work, I went to Body Attack and then did half of this workout I created earlier. I was sweating after just one round!
I have been loving watching the Olympic sprint competitions and wanted to see how fast I can push myself. Watching them has definitely been motivating to get my training in!

Ready, Set. BANG!
Dinner came after another fun park trip!
 
These two would swing ALL day if I would let them. I don’t mind taking them to the park everyday. It gets a little energy out for them and their excitement for the park makes me smile.
Dinner:
Dinner came together pretty quick.
Roasted yellow squash, simple spinach salad and some grilled chicken covered in Walden Farm Honey Dijon Dressing.


I am loving all the fresh veggies, I have collected from friends gardens… I really may start my own next year but I’m afraid plants come to my house to die.
Now, I’m just relaxing on the couch with a little Olympic Gymnastics. I should probably go to bed just in case someone wakes up again.. (he usually sleeps great, but lately I think he has just been dreaming blue clues.. or maybe cause it’s the only time of the day we have to actually watch TV?)
Pretty good start of the week!
Question of the day:
Which Olympian inspires you?
Do you have a garden?

Tabata Climb

Last night was amazing!! We headed to Capitol theater with Brents side of the family for an 8 pm curtain call to see Wicked! Brents dad bought us these tickets last year. I have been anticipating this night ever since! Wicked has always been a musical I have been wanting to go to since I was in high school!

What a group!

Warning: All pics from Iphone.. I brought my SLR but NOT the sim card! #fail

It was such a fun musical! It was our first time seeing Wicked and we both really enjoyed it. I really was a fan of Gaaalinda!
Workout:
This morning, after a late night I slept as much as possible before getting up to teach Body Pump.
After class I tackled the GPP workout and completed this Sprint workout.

I used my gym boss interval timer for the tabatas. It is a FREE APP!
This is the same one I did yesterday. If you are wanting to absolutely drip “liquid awesome” This is a great workout for you.
I did 100 timed sit-ups before stretching. Phew. I really started to slow down after about 60. I would like to sub 2 100 sit-ups again. I will have to try again when I’m not exhausted…

After every run/workout I am going to be spending a little extra time stretching and rolling.

So today I spent a good 15 minutes stretching and rolling afterwards. I have a foam roller at home but the chances of me taking time once I get home is little to none, especially with the twinners who also like to roll at the same time as mommy. My IT bands are tiiiiiiiiight, I can feel huge knots on each side.. eek. Stretching and rolling is so important to your training to help prevent injury and that is something I need to be better at. I am done with injuries this year, so you know I’m going to do all I can to prevent anymore!
I made a quick trip home to get some protein in my system. Before heading to the zoo for the day!

Green Beast Please!
In the mix:

• 1 C. Unsweetened silk almond milk vanilla
• 5 frozen strawberries
• 1 tbs. Chia seeds
• 2 handfuls of spinach
• 1 scoop elite egg smooth vanilla
• 4 ice cubes

I hope your all having a great weekend so far! I can’t believe it is already August!! Summer is almost over! I have to spend some more time in the sun while I can!
Question of the day:
Would you rather?
Long distance Run or Sprint?