I knew I had a reason to feel happy for Friday yesterday. I ended up having a great afternoon. During the kids’ naptime, I snuck in a yoga session. Using the for unlimited classes through Teach Street, I stretched myself out nicely. I completed one of the Athlete Recovery classes and it felt fabulous.
Then, the afternoon continued to go well with a visit to the park in the beautiful weather.
Spending time outdoors always makes me happy. We really need to find the time for a hike sometime soon! Hmmm…don’t think we have anything going on yet next Saturday. Although it shall be interesting to see how my body would handle a hike, albeit easy with the kids, after long runs.
I love starting my weekend off with a long run. Getting out and moving my body first thing sets the positive tone for the weekend. Nothing beats a runner’s high, after all! This morning I set out for my long run and finished 7.02 miles. I did the same path as my last long run, but did try one thing new. I fueled with an Espresso Love Gu packet.
I had a small squeeze of it about 15-20 minutes before my run – mainly to make sure the flavor and texture wouldn’t make me gag. I’m a huge texture eater and didn’t want to end up out on my run wanting to upchuck. That wouldn’t be attractive. I then had another squeeze at mile 4 into my run and again at mile 6. I loved how easily I could consume this and it didn’t bother my stomach at all. As for the energy aspect? Let’s just say Gu is my new best friend. Check out my splits!
- Mile 1 = 9:12
- Mile 2 = 9:23
- Mile 3 = 9:12
- Mile 4 = 9:21
- Mile 5 = 8:52
- Mile 6 = 8:37
- Mile 7 = 8:35
- Average = 9:02
My only complaint was that the Gu is mighty sticky. That could just be a personal problem though, as I somehow got it all over my hands with my specialness. 😉
Once I finished my run I came home to eat. I needed something to hold me over until a special lunch date with Lee, so I gobbled up a mango coconut muffin and a green smoothie.
I even carried the mango goodness over into the smoothie by using almond milk, banana, frozen mango chunks, and (of course) spinach. I always crave green smoothies after my long runs and this one satisfied my hankering quite nicely. The mango, I tell ya. I just can’t get enough! And drinking a green smoothie out of a tropical beach cup that originally held a margarita is tres normal. Because I said so.
Now, I will leave you all with the FFF Features of the week! Happy weekend!
Featured Moment: Date Night
Featured Post: My Blogging Realizations
Featured Meal: Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Featured Workout: Two Great Weights Workouts
You all know how much I love weights. I certainly challenged myself this week. The following two workouts (one push and one pull) balanced out for some great overall training this week. Please note – these are two separate workouts for two non-consecutive days.
| Pull Moves (Hams, Back, Biceps) |
Push Moves (Quads, Chest, Triceps) |
| Step-Ups (holding dumbbell) |
Hack Squat Machine |
| Cable Row Machine |
Flat Barbell Bench Press |
| Stationary Barbell Lunge |
Leg Extension Machine |
| Narrow Grip Lat Pulldown |
Cable Crossovers |
| Rear Delt Flies |
Overhead Shoulder Press |
| Concentration Biceps Curl |
Triceps Kickbacks |
Featured Cuteness: Unpublished Easter Shot
B loving on his cousin, Enzo. Check out the cheeks on my boy. Love!
Featured Reading: Three New Blogs to Check Out
Katie @ Nourishing Flourishing
Her recent post about breaking points was exceptionally inspiring! Just like everything she writes. She knows how to keep a good perspective.
Erika @ The Teenage Taste
Young, but a genius in the kitchen already. And gorgeous photography to boot! Can we say Nutella Banana Bread, Oreo Muffins, & Spinach Artichoke Hummus? That’s all in the past week!
Lori @ What Runs Lori
This chick is inspirational! GREAT workouts, motivational topics, delicious food ideas, and a fun personality.
