ashleyd /

Happy Groundhog Day!

Happy Groundhog Day and welcome to any new readers who have headed over due to the giveaway!! We’ll see what he has to say but i’m doubtful the North’s winter is over. We’ve only had two snow showers to date in NYC and it would be an odd winter if we didn’t have a late February or March surprise. As much as i’m ready for sunshine and warmth again, I really do love nights curled up on the couch in warm pj’s, a cup of tea, and staying toasty with a blanket and the heat.
AM WORKOUT
This morning I listened to my body and ran instead of spinning. Bo and I both felt like doing our own thing versus spinning. This also allowed us enjoy an extra 25 minutes of sleep. I did a speed workout on the treadmill and then completed Fitnessita’s Week 3 workout for the winter shapeup! My speedworkout looked like this:
Warm-up @ 4.5 5 minutes
6.0  5 minutes
7.5 2 minutes
6.1 5 minutes
7.5 2 minutes
6.2 5 minutes
7.5 2 minutes
6.2 5 minutes
7.5 2 minutes
6.2 2 minutes
4.5 cooldown 5 minutes
I really enjoyed this workout as it kept things changing and pushed me a bit. The Winter Shapeup was great as well and I was able to complete both of these in about 75 minutes!
Breakfast
This morning I decided to take a quick picture of the breakfast i’ve enjoyed at my desk for the last week. It’s pure comfort food!
1 banana
2 Tbsp flax
1/2 c oatmeal
1 Tsp cinnamon
1 Tsp salt
1 Tbsp PB2
Don’t you love that super cute mug? 🙂
Have a great day! Don’t forget to head on over to Missy’s site for her weekly giveaway! I would LOVE to win some TLC!!


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ashleyd /

Breakfast and morning workout

Good morning!

Sorry for the late post but work has been killer this morning! When my alarm went of at 5:45 this morning I could barely get out of bed. Youch! It was a good pain though as I could tell I worked my body during class last night. I agree with Melissa that stretching could be longer at Physique so I think i’ll just make sure to stretch an extra 5-10 minutes after class. I do think the 1.5 mile walk each way to and from the studio helps get the blood moving and loosen up the muscles. After downing a slice of light wheat bread with some all natural almond butter (less than a Tbsp) I headed down to the Wall Street NYSC. I really like this location because it isn’t too busy and has a TON of treadmills unlike some of the uptown locations which are always smelly and cramped. In addition the architecture and woodwork inside is unreal! Luckily I read Caitlin’s post about running inspiration and hopped on the treadmill telling myself I had to do at least 1 mile before I could head to the elliptical. At this point I KNEW 10 miles was out of the question but the 3 miles I did felt great! I did an easy 3 miles in 30 minutes, 15 minutes on the elliptical, 5 minutes with the foam roller, and then 20 minutes of arms from the Oxygen issue:

Barbell Bench Press 4 sets of 6 reps 40 lbs

Standing Shoulder raise 4 sets of 6 reps 17.5 lb weights each nad

Tricep Rope Pressdown 4 sets of 20 reps 30 lbs

Tricep dips: 3 sets of 20

Pushups: 18 standard pushups on toes

This mornings breakfast was the same as yesterday per the plan: 3/4 c oats, 1.5 c water, cinnamon, and a sliced banana. I also added the suggested supplements today per the plan and am anxious to see if I notice a difference over the next few weeks (Fish Oil, Womens Multivitamin, Folic Acid, and Amino Acid Complex)

Work is crazy busy today and I really, really need to do 10 miles tomorrow. Therefore, my plan is to do a 20 minute stretching yoga session and abs later this evening to breakup the work monotony.

Finally, don’t forget to head over to Bobbi’s rocking site to not only receive lots of inspiration but also try for a great Danskin jacket! http://nhershoes.blogspot.com/2009/04/she-says-time-for-another-giveaway.html

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ashleyd /

Good morning and a question for the established bloggers

The good thing about living by yourself is that you can go to bed anytime you want and stay up as late as you want. Last night was the first time in ages that i’ve stayed up reading in bed. But, my eyelids didn’t thank me this morning as I woke up after only five hours of sleep feeling puffy, exhausted, and lacking energy. At least it is my rest day today so I didn’t have to head off to the gym. But, with a girl’s beach weekend in Charleston beginning this afternoon I’m a little upset with the puffy, exhausted feeling. Why do we do this to ourselves? We know we should be doing something else but we do the enjoyable thing anyway and pay for it later. *sigh*

Okay, today begins with what has quickly become my favorite meal of the day! I’ve only been eating oats for about a year now and I discovered them through http://www.katheats.com/ which is where I believe many people first discover creative oats. I have fallen in love with pumpkin oats because they keep me full so long and provide lots of great nutrients. But, this morning, in an attempt to finish the “Great American Eatdown” (yes, when times were rough growing up our family would do this to save money by eating everything in our pantry/fridge instead of going to the grocery store. Imagine beans & franks casserole, tuna salads, cereal night, etc.) So, this morning i’m enjoying another favorite- apple, banana cinnamon oats.

Ingredients:
1/2 c oats (healthy carbs)
3/4 c water
3 egg whites (I save money by buying eggs vs egg white cartons) (protein)
cinnamon (flavor)
1/2 banana sliced (fruit/nutrients)
1/2 small apple diced (fruit/nutrients/fiber)
splash of vanilla (flavor)
1 serving PB2 (2 tbsp)

I have only recently discovered stove top oats! Oh my gosh they make all the difference in the world. My oats are creamier and more delicious than ever! It also allows the PB2 to melt through the oats. Unless I have to make breakfast at the office I now use the stovetop everyday for my oats. If you haven’t tried it or think it’ll take too long I suggest you try it at least once. Hey, it’s better than losing your breakfast due to an explosion in the microwave.

Today is going to be a crazy day as i’m trying to get ahead with work since tomorrow is a vacation day, pack for 3 days in Isle of Palms/Charleston, pack for 9 days in NYC, and still remember to pay all my bills, etc and make it to the office by 1:30pm for a meeting! Oh yes, I guess in my lunch post i’ll explain my weird living situation as that will help you better understand my life right now.

Question for established blog ladies:

What is the best tool/setting/option you have on your blog?

Until then, I hope you have a healthier, happier day!

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