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Weekly Workouts and Protein Two Ways

What a Monday. I can already tell this week is going to be a crazy week in many ways. But, in order to make sure I don’t miss any workouts, I’m going to share them with you before we get to today’s highlights.

Weekly Workout Plan

Monday: 7 mile run in Central Park with my office running group

Tuesday: Abs+Arms followed by an AM hour yoga class at Equinox

Wednesday: AM run+ PM Summer Solstice Yoga in Times Square

Thursday: AM spin at Equinox

Friday: AM long run with Leticia

Saturday: Dancing the night away in Chapel Hill at a wedding (this counts as cross training right?)

Sunday: Long walk

I love running with my co-workers on Monday as it is a perfect way to relieve some stress and it helps keep me accountable on the eating front. I used to be a horrible stress eater and little things like this have helped me change my habits. Knowing that a group of people are waiting to run with you at 6pm can make a handful of chocolates or a bag of M&M’s far less appealing in a moment of stress or temptation. Instead, today I went for pretzels and almonds! In case you’re looking for a great NYC running route, here’s the route we took tonight. I really enjoyed the few hills, beautiful reservoir path and dodging tourists. We joked that it makes you feel like you’re in some video game. image

This week is a bit of a chaotic mess on the workout front due to a quick trip down to Chapel Hill for a high school friend’s wedding along with some special events. I don’t normally specialize in two a days but as marathon training ramps up, I wouldn’t be surprised if there was at least one 2 a day in the schedule each week. Normally one of the workouts is a more relaxing yoga like workout to stretch and restore my muscles versus beat them up further. Also, you’ll notice the worlds “at Equinox” in my workouts plans more and more. I love the convenience of Equinox but feel I need to do a better job trying their different classes versus spending unnecessary money hopping around to NYC’s boutique studios. So outside of the occasional Soul Cycle date with Bo or friends, most of my workouts will be outside or at Equinox unless they are special blog events.

The rest of today’s highlights revolve around protein. As part of a Fitfluential and GNC partnership, I have the opportunity to review a few of their different protein powders. Today I tried the 100% Whey powder two different ways: oats and smoothie. I was amazed at how well the protein blended with my oats and loved the vanilla flavor. It wasn’t very sweet due to the low sugar but was just enough to give both a bit of flavor.

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After my run with the group all I wanted was a relaxing night in the tub. There is nothing like a few good magazines, bath salts, candles, music, and a smoothie after a long day.

008Before we part ways, I have a reminder and a Pintrest update.

Reminder: If you’re in the NYC area, Athleta is sponsoring this year’s Summer Solstice Yoga event in Times Square on Wednesday from 7:30am-8:30pm. I’ll be sweating it out with Theodora during the 7pm yoga class if you care to join!

Pintrest: I created a new board tonight on Pintrest featuring my upcoming races! If you are interested in health, beauty, running, travel, or recipes I’d love for you to follow my boards!

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ashleyd /

The First Hot Run of the Season

There is something to be said for waking up early during marathon training. The streets are empty, you can watch the sunrise if you’re really early, and the air is fresh and cool before the scalding sun comes out.

This morning, Melissa and I both chose sleep over running early. While neither of us regret the extra few minutes in bed with our loved ones and comfortable sheets, our run wasn’t as enjoyable as normal today. Needless to say I looked like a roasted beet by the end of the 7 mile run.

While we were each relaxing in our beds this morning, New York City’s Memorial Day started with rain. When I first woke up, all I could hear was the torrential downpour.

“So much for my run outside with Melissa.”

In fact, I tweeted my disappointment that my long run would have to be on the boring treadmill.

Luckily, the running Gods listened to be and the clouds melted away within an hour. By 10:30, Melissa and I were meeting in front of my apartment for our first warm Summer run, each equipped with plenty of water.

Even though it was only 80 degrees at the start of our run, it was humid and sunny.

But, luckily the sky was blue, the rain had cleared, and there were signs of patriotism everywhere from the flying flags to dogs with patriotic bandanas.

Our route took us about 5.25 miles before we split off in our own directions.

While our pace wasn’t as fast as normal, we were able to run the whole time in the torturous heat and even kept up constant conversation the first 1.5 miles. While we were tempted to run the Williamsburg Bridge, the lack of shade and the sheer length of the bridge deterred us today. Maybe next time when we start earlier! I even saw a blog reader (HI ELISE!!) along the way! I love when that happens!

I had to tack on an extra out and back loop once I reached my house since I was just shy of my 7 mile goal. But, by the end I was able to finish the route averaging a 10:02 pace which I’m okay with considering it was my first hot, mid morning run of the season and I was running and chatting for the first portion.

All I wanted when I walked through the door was an ice cold shake! I told Melissa that all I crave when it’s hot is cold fruit, water based vegetables like celery and cucumbers, protein shakes, and cold wine!

Bo and I have finally broken into our protein powder stash, now that summer’s heat has arrived, and discovered a new favorite protein powder: Sun Warrior! I bought it via Gina’s Open Sky promotion ages ago but the bag got lost in our pantry. The chocolate flavor blends wonderfully and isn’t too rich to enjoy alone with water and ice

Now I’m off to conquer today’s very enjoyable to do list: pedicure, some shopping, and cooking a delicious dinner including this soup recipe and this salmon recipe!

Happy Memorial Day and thank you to those who have served for our country both past and present.

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