I know on the weekend I like easy reading. I don’t think reading gets easier than bullet points and highlights, so that’s where my focus shall lay today. I left off yesterday morning with a recap of my June goals. Since writing my goals out worked so well for me, I figure why not go for it again? I promise to keep it short, sweet, and to the bullet point.

Personal: A Balanced Life of God, Family, and Personal Passion

• at least 20 minutes each day in concentrated, quiet prayer and Bible study
• create and begin a study plan for my personal training certification
• continue following our budget and tracking our expenditures daily
• remain balanced with my time to work effectively and keep priorities in line

Health/Fitness: Continue Trusting My Body & Making Healthy Decisions Regularly 

• one new healthy recipe each week
• participate in the 3000 in 35 #fitblog #fitabs challenge because I neglect core work so easily and community makes exercise more fun
• continue using healthy coping mechanisms when faced with stress or difficult emotional situations
• keep up with my half marathon training
• stretch or foam roll for 10-15 minutes daily <— I’ve let this habit slack and I feel it!

Blogging: Have Fun While Developing My Biggest Personal Passion

• only commit to things I can give full attention to working on
• continue producing quality content in a variety of topics <— let me know if you have anything you want me to write about!
• apply to Fitfluential’s ambassadorship
• organize and complete 75% of the Healthy Living Summit panel prep work
• remain connected with all of you because blogging means nothing without you

It looks like a lot, but I’m always up for a challenge. And because I have no creative way to transition into the features of the week – here ya go!

Featured Personal Post: Registering for Personal Training Certification

A good omen the material arrived on the day I was wearing my Challenge Your Fitness shirt? They even color coordinated!

Featured Workout: Favorite Triceps Exercises

Featured Meal: Hawaiian Tofu

And, oh, do I have a good one for you next week!

Featured Cuteness: Little Man Loving His New Entertainment System

Although, personally, I’m in denial that he is actually big enough for an exersaucer.

Featured News: Faith Fitness Fun T-Shirt Shop

I added a couple new tanks, per a special request. Let me know if you have anything you would like to see!

Featured Reading: New Blogs to Check Out

Courtney @ Pancakes and Postcards

Not only has she spent time living healthy in AFRICA, but she always challenges herself in exciting ways. Like a marathon and her “pescatarian project”.

Jenn @ Peas and Crayons

The host of What I Ate Wednesday and a seriously fun-loving chick.

Shanna @ Shanna Like Banana

Lover of shoes. Lover of fitness. Lover of great recipes. And newly pregnant!!!!

• What is a goal you have for July?
• What fitness area do you slack on easiest? Core and stretching here!

This morning marked the first long run for my slow and steady half marathon training plan. It has been a couple of weeks since I embarked on anything longer than 4 miles, so I set my starting point at a reasonable 6 mile long run. Before heading out the door this morning, I grabbed a Gatorade performance drink to keep me hydrated.

A few weeks ago, Gatorade sent me some of their new G Series FIT products to try out for the ‘ol blog. With 6 miles I didn’t need a Gu packet or other fuel, but I wanted something to balance out my buckets of sweat and aid my endurance. The Melon Pear performance drink did the trick. PS – Loved the flavor!

I finished up my six miles with an 8:56 average pace.

Hold up. What was that first number again? EIGHT?! The only time I’ve seen my average pace anywhere in the eights for a longer run was my 10K race. Today’s average pace was even faster than my speed work on Wednesday. Why, hello electrolyte superpowers!

Also, if you’re interested, Gatorade’s G Series FIT includes small energy bites for pre-workout fuel and a recovery drink with a great balance of carbs and protein for post-workout. They make great options for those who need something convenient for on-the-go or for those who have trouble stomaching much volume before or after workouts. I like how Gatorade emphasizes the importance of fueling well before, during, and after a workout – because we all need to pay attention to our fueling technique. 🙂

FFF Features time! First, a BIG feature. I finally added a recipe page!

I don’t consider myself a “food blogger”, so I always shied away from creating a page with recipes. Then you all convinced me through Twitter and Facebook (do you hang there with me yet?!) that a recipe page would make a great addition. I want to make it easier to access my super simple concoctions. I tried to find everything, but I no doubt left some things out. Let me know if you had something specific in mind that you can’t seem to find!

Featured Post of the Week: Emotional Eating / Overeating Triggers

Featured Workout: The Workout BEAST

Featured Meal: My Favorite Enchiladas

Featured Cuteness: Unseen Daytona Pictures

Featured Reading: Three New Blogs to Check Out

 Liz @ Little Bitty Bakes

Yum! On every single recipe. Liz makes my mouth water daily.

Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table

SO inventive! SO fit! So badass in the best way possible, but still SUCH a sweetheart.

Kris @ I Heart Wellness

She works incredibly hard. Read her blog for unparalleled motivation and passion.

• What do you focus on the most: pre-, during-, or post- workout nutrition?