Summer Sun and Hydration

It's summer! I love running along the East River and doing yoga in the park.  So many people are working out outside these days, but keep in mind, when you are in the heat, make sure you are hydrating!

While I was running on a particularly warm day, my mother-in-law pointed out that I was quite flushed.  I responded, "Of course I am, I just ran almost three miles on a gravel road!" When I looked in the mirror, I noticed cause for her comment: a tomato red face covered in dust and sweat.  I needed some water, STAT!

Livestrong.com reminds us "Sweating, especially in warm weather, is your body's natural defense mechanism against overheating and a sign for you to increase your liquid intake."

Your body will show signs of dehydration, such as a flushed complexion, dizzyness, lightheadedness, dark yellow urine, and your skin looses elasticity (quick little trick I learned, if you pinch the skin on the top part of your hand and the skin stays raised for a few seconds, drink some water!).

Often by the time you think you are thirsty, your body is already in need of some replenishing liquids.

Be smart and safe, and enjoy the beautiful weather!

I Want Some Chips! And I Know it's not a Good Idea...

Last night while my hubby and I were watching one of our favorite shows, I got the WORST craving for chips.  I wanted the delicious crunch, the salty flavor, but I knew that if I was within 5 miles of a bag of chips, I would inhale them all! Since I have recently become much more aware of what I am putting into my body, I thought, "what healthy item that I have could be a substitute for this very strong craving for a salty crunch?"  Luckily, I had just purchased some English Cucumbers and thought thin slices with a touch of sea salt might just do the trick.  Low and behold, it was perfect!

I think that it is so important to listen to your body when you have strong cravings. I mean, our body can circulate blood, move, breathe, and digest without us even thinking about it.  If it is hinting to me that I need something, I want to pay attention.  Perhaps it is the minerals that is often found in sea salt, or the sweetness of the fruit that we have not had that day. When you listen to your body, not only will you feel better, but you will also feel fulfilled mentally (no more craving those chips!)

What is your favorite healthy treat?

This is where I have been running all week.  The midwest is so beautiful!

How Does Your Garden Grow?

 Last Sunday, my hubby and our two friends that live below us, were able to enjoy a rare opportunity for city-dwellers: garden! Last spring, 4 married couples tried to create a square foot garden co-op.  Due to pests in the area (I know it was you, Squirrels!!), our bounty was small, but delicious nonetheless. 

On Sunday, the four of us went out to weed our jungle,(bottom right) aka backyard, and do a little grilling!  In our garden we found a lovely carrot (top right), some cilantro that I added to our grilled quinoa, and rosemary that made our grilled green beans with lemon so delicious (bottom left)!  We also grilled some black beans and a couple of burgers.

 Our grill might be small, but it is mighty (top left)! Any other garden bounty out there?

Experience and a half!

                                        The starting line of the Rutger's Unite Half Marathon!

           Here is the finishing medal, runner's number, and time sheet from my first half marathon! :)

Like I said in my last post, if you haven't ever run a race, I highly recommend it.  Not only is it a good physical challenge, but it is such a great goal to have for yourself.

Just keep running, just keep running...

Last Saturday, I participated in the Rutger's Half-Marathon.  It was definitely one of the biggest tests of mind-over-matter that I have ever accomplished.  For any of you that have run for more than three miles, you probably understand exactly what I mean.  Yet, when you finish, you feel like a rock star.

The weather was in the mid 50's and a light drizzle started about and hour and a half into the race, but it was so refreshing.  I remember being at the gate, feeling on top of the world, ready to run for my 2:30:00 goal.  It was such so interesting to see so many people ready to go.  Some were chatting with friends, some plugged into both headphones, unaware of anyone else around them, and others bouncing up and down, trying to stay loose and warm. 

I can break my run down into three segments:

1. Miles 1-3 How can I get out of this?  Is my back spasming?  How badly is my shin splint hurting (I had a pretty nasty one during training.)?  Basically, I was not excited about running any further.

2. Miles 3-10 I got this.  You basically just accept that the next two hours are going to be spent on your feet and your body feels like a numb blob after a while, but you know you are fine. 

3. Miles 10-13.1 I am dying! This part was really rough for me.  The course had lots of inclines (not too big, but enough I felt it) and my shin splint was killing me.  Luckly, I was sent a fellow runner, Patty, a cancer survivor that was 48ish, to run this last leg with me.  We chatted, laughed, and moaned (that was mostly me :) ) until that glorious finish line. 

I finished 13 minutes under my goal time - so a 10:37 average.  Not back for my first race ever and only two months to train (I had bronchitis and fluid in my lungs the month before)! I have been asked, would I do it again?  If I had a friend that wanted a buddy to train or a good motivation, sure! On my own, not so much.  But I will never regret it!

If you haven't ever done a race, even a 5k, I really recommend it.  It is so good to work towards a goal and kick it in the butt :).

Good Body for Good!

It's something that is elusive to so many of us; having a good body for good.  I have spent countless hours reading books, blogs, magazines, seeing doctors, you name it.  All in the name of getting healthier. 

My passion for good nutrition is something that is newer to me.  All throughout high school and most of college, I was on at least one competitive sports team. I worked out at least three hours a day 5 days a week and at WHATEVER I wanted.  I was muscular, skinny, and about ready for a rude awakening.

After graduating, I noticed I gained a few pounds.  Some people might not think it was that much (about 35 since my senior year in HS), but I after living 19 years of my life a certain weight, I just didn't feel like myself anymore.  I didn't feel healthy.  The entire summer before I got married, I at pasta with butter and salt and a cooked, canned veggie every night for dinner.

Obviously, we all know that eating fruits and veggies is better than bread and sweets all of the time. Other than than that, my knowledge is truly limited.  I want to learn more about cooking, snacking, and eating for special situations (i.e. gluten-free, athletes, per-pregnancy).  

Tomorrow, I am running my first half marathon. I realized, even being as fit as I am, I still  need to learn how to eat healthier, and help both me and my husband, and someday our family.

So a "good body" for good to me means not only knowing how to exercise and being in shape, but creating meals that are nutritious, healthy, and delicious :).

I am excited to go on this new journey! If you all have any thoughts to share or your favorite tips on eating healthy, feel free to share!