A Crazy Pride Filled Day

What a crazy day it has been! Bo and I went to bed really early last night and therefore missed the multiple phone calls, text messages, and news flashes regarding Bin Laden’s death. Living in New York City, this event takes on a whole new meaning. This morning at the gym, the news and surrounding thoughts were on the tip of everyone’s tongue. My spin teacher, who is pretty relaxed, even played some American themed music, in honor of the event. One of my co-workers, a native New Yorker, put it into perspective for me when she explained, “We all remember where we were when his group changed our lives.”

binladendeath2 binladen1Ten years ago, I was sitting in my first period AP European English class when news reached our school. Our entire upper school was brought into assembly so we could watch the news. My aunt worked in the city at the time and therefore I was one of the students most affected in our Savannah, Georgia school. It wasn’t until noon that we found out her morning meeting had been cancelled and she was safe and sound in her Hastings home. P050111PS-0210

My morning workout went by much faster than normal since there was such interesting news on television. I did 1 mile of hills before my 45 minute spin class and then 1 mile of sprints after the class. This was the first time in ages I’ve successfully tacked on a run before or after my spin class. It actually felt great! The running loosened my legs after the tough spin class and left them feeling more relaxed than they normally do after Dave M’s killer hill and interval workouts!

Breakfast

I’m trying to give up coffee this week as I found myself drinking it way too much last week. Therefore, I enjoyed an iced green tea with this morning’s bowl of oats. I also added a teaspoon of peanut butter for some extra staying power.

IMG_0976 Lunch

I realized that for almost a month straight, I enjoyed a Greek salad every single day! Therefore, last week I found myself moving towards less healthy options as I experimented more. I’m pulling the reigns in this week but keeping the options healthy. Each day, I’m challenging myself to change out at least 2 of the toppings, ensuring that I keep them on the healthier side. Today’s new toppings were chopped green beans and asparagus. I loved the added crunch!

IMG_1885 (640x478) Today’s salad included romaine lettuce, garbanzo beans, red onions, asparagus, green beans, chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, a few olives, feta cheese, and fat free Italian dressing! It was delicious!

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The rest of my evening is dedicated to finalizing our Bermuda trip plans, which includes fun things like choosing spa treatments, deciding which day we want to scuba dive, and whether or not we want to fit in a round of golf. We’re also trying to book our hotel for our 4th of July Miami trip tonight!  I can’t wait to enjoy plenty of time on the beach this summer!

Question: Was your day affected by last night’s events? How?

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Sunshine Day

 

Happy Wednesday! This morning when I woke up the birds were chirping and the sun was already shining! There is no better way to start the day than a sunshine filled walk to the gym! I can feel summer right around the corner and spring is doing it’s best to appear this week!  This is the warmest forecast we’ve had since Fall! imageThis morning’s workout was a tempo run, including some hills and speed to mix things up. Based on my Mini 10k training plan I needed to log 5 miles today. To keep boredom at bay, I switched it up a bit and kept things changing throughout the 5 miles!

Mile 1 6.1-6.3 mph Incline: 1
Mile 2 6.2 mph Incline: 1-8 rolling hills
Mile 3 6.2 mph Incline 2
Mile 4 6.2 Incline: 1-5 rolling hills
Mile 5 6.5-7.0 Incline: 0

While this wasn’t your typical tempo run due to the last mile not being a cool down/recovery, I loved this workout! I was nice and sweaty by the end but I was never bored once!

IMG_1564 (640x480) After I finished I spent 10 minute on the mat foam rolling and stretching.

Our walk home from the gym was more scenic than normal due to all the flowers in Gramercy Park!

IMG_1819 (640x478) IMG_1818 (640x478) IMG_1817 (640x478) IMG_1816 (640x478) IMG_1815 (640x478) IMG_1814 (640x478) How cute are those little shoes which were left to dry on the rod iron gate?

I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday! I’m heading out to tour stores in Long Island today which will definitely be an adventure. I’ve never taken the LIRR alone, nor have I spent time in suburban Long Island!

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A New Trail Discovery

 

Last night when my grandfather suggested we enjoy Italian for dinner, I knew that meant one thing only: a morning long run! I normally only eat Italian or pasta the night before races and long runs so it instantly got me excited for an outdoor run in Savannah.

My dad, who is definitely not a runner, surprised me with a great trail suggestion for this morning’s run. Our county, Chatham County, purchased hundreds of acres in 2000 from the YMCA in order to create miles of recreational trails. Like any public development, the project has taken years but is now well underway.

I enjoyed a delicious sandwich thin breakfast including 1 thin schmear of peanut butter and a half of banana since I knew I wasn’t doing more than 7 miles due to time.

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The trail is only ten minutes from my parent’s house and I was able to enjoy the sunrise as I crossed over the bridge.

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At this point, the paved portion of the Whitemarsh Island trail is only 2 miles long but the plan is to make it over 10 miles by the time it is done. They are well on their way as there were over 20 workers out this morning laying asphalt, clearing brush, and bull dozing.

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Luckily, it connects to the YMCA’s 1 mile trail which circles their property. IMG_1511 (500x373)

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It was more humid than I expected and my legs were exhausted from yesterdays hill workout on the treadmill and three days of walking with my mom. I easily could have stopped after my speedy first 3 miles which I did in a 9:45 pace, but keeping with my promise I pushed on and finished 5 miles. It wasn’t the 7 I had planned but it was a gorgeous trail and I enjoyed getting outside with nature.

Five miles and 48:45 minutes later, my legs were happy to be done but my body wanted more time in the sun.

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Luckily, my mom and I have plans for one last long walk before my afternoon flight back to New York City!

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