Hip flexor issues

I was fortunate enough to make it to the gym this morning despite my fear of losing my parking spot. I’m glad I went though because there were tons of spots open when I got back. If I hadn’t gone, I would have been one cranky Latina…and well, we can get pretty feisty sometimes.

I had a hard time getting into my run this morning. I’ve been finding that I have to warm up longer at a slower speed before I can get into my groove. I’m not sure if it’s just because of the weather or what, but once I got into full force, I was feeling OK.

That’s until I stopped.

I did a five minute cool down, 1/2 of which was walking, and that’s when I felt it. This nagging pain in my hip/groin/quad area that I just can’t put a finger on. What the hell is this? I’m not 100% sure if it’s my hip flexor or not, but I’m thinking that’s where it is. Also, I’ve had an on again, off again muscle spasm in said quad. I’m not sure if this is related but, it’s a symptom so if you’re out there reading this, let me know what you think. I’ve iced the area a few times today to help keep injury to a minimum. Hopefully this will help.

I’m feeing frustrated because ever since I got the stress fracture in my foot over the summer, running on the treadmill has been causing me pain. Not EVERY time but about 85% of the time. So stop running on the treadmill silly! Well, it’s not that easy.

Yesterday I ran outside and felt fine. No issues in the foot, and this hip thing didn’t bother me. And since I’m training for some big races this year, I obviously HAVE to run on the treadmill some don’t I?

I’ve been using the elliptical for at least half of my workouts to break it up and keep myself injury free, and it looks like I’m going to have to use it a little more. I guess using the elliptical is better than not being able to work out at all, so I’m staying off the dreadmill for a while.

UGH.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: STUPID SNOW! And stupid Dreadmill.

We’re anticipating another 8-12 inches of snow tonight and all day tomorrow. Here we go again!

Dealing with Cabin Fever

So we had about 2 feet dumped on us this weekend, and I was fortunate enough to have the day off from work. (Well, kind of. I had to work from home.)
But we’re gearing up for another snow storm; 8-12 more inches to start tomorrow afternoon into Wednesday.

Awesome.

I got the call that I have to report to work tomorrow, but we’re planning on closing early since the snow is supposed to start in the early afternoon.

The only good thing about having to go into work tomorrow is that I’ll get to go to the gym.

So what’s a girl to do when she’s snowed in?

First, I made sure to shovel as much of my car out as possible without any help. I worked on it for about 2 hours total, and man did I work up a sweat.

Second, I decided to venture out this morning for a run. Well, if you can call it that. I ran only on the sidewalks that were cleared (so my run was only about 2 miles) but the were 2 tough miles since I had to climb over huge snow piles to get from one sidewalk to the other. At one point, I actually ran through a path of somewhat shoveled snow, which was actually the most fun part of my run!

I walked by this snowman and it made me laugh.

I had every intention of taking more pictures but the zipper on my vest was stuck so I couldn’t get it out. Bummer!

I was so excited for the Superbowl yesterday that I had 2 beers! I know, I know…2 beers is nothing. But it’s more than I’ve had in a long, long time.

We made our own chicken wings, homemade pizza with fresh mozzarella, red onions, and baby bellas.

  

And a cheese and crackers spread.

 
This blue cheese we used was SO.GOOD.

It wasn’t huge, there were only three of us, but it was yummy and fun.

And I just got word that I have tomorrow off from work. Sweet!

New England or Virginia?

One of the reasons why I was excited to move to the DC area was milder winters. As long as I’ve been alive, I’ve lived in the northeast, and every winter I say “I’m moving south!” or “I need to move to the desert!” Now I know that northern Virginia still gets cold, but I didn’t expect this!

This one dumped around 2 feet of snow on us! I wanted to go for a walk and grab a cup of coffee to enjoy the weather but it so bad outside that I didn’t want to get hit by a car (the sidewalks weren’t clear.) And I tried calling the local cafes and Starbucks and they were all closed, so I was stuck on the couch.  At least we have a shovel this time!

Instead of being angry at Mother Nature, I decided to play around in the kitchen.

First up: Breakfast

OK the picture is a little deceiving, but I made a kick ass omelet with stir fry veggies, provolone cheese and leftover mini potatoes from dinner a few days ago.

I used 2 eggs and one egg whites and a ton of veggies. It was SO.GOOD. Oh, and I like ketchup on my eggs. I know, some people think it’s gross, but it’s just how I roll.

The Stir fry veggie theme continued into lunch with another one of my new loves: Coconut butter. I think I’ve died and gone to heaven it’s so good.

I took some fresh stir fry veggies, steamed them and placed them on some cooked brown rice with a dollop of Coconut butter. YUM!!!

After lunch I tried to shovel my car out. BAD idea. I spent 2 hours out there and all I did was re-hurt my shoulder. Maybe I’ll attempt more shoveling tomorrow. Stupid snow!

Tomorrow we’re making a kick ass Superbowl spread. Stay tuned.

Ice is not my friend

Well, at least not the ice I’m talking about.

We had a snow/ice storm this past weekend and apparently our groundskeepers didn’t do a complete and thorough job of cleaning off our walkways.

Picture it: It’s Monday morning 6 a.m. and it’s pitch black. It’s about 16 degrees and I’m lugging my bag and myself to my car to go to the gym. I wore my boots since I knew there was snow on the ground, and I was all geared up for a 5 mile dread-mill run. As I was turning the corner and hitting the unlock button on my car, WHAM! Down I went.

I landed right on my face and right shoulder.

I got up, brushed myself off, let out a little “tee hee I hope no one saw that,” got in my car, and drove to work.
It wasn’t until I was done with my run (yes, I’m an a-hole, I ran anyway) that I realized I hurt myself. I mean, seriously, I just fell, it wasn’t like I got into a car accident! How many times have I fallen in my life? During a soccer game? I’ve fallen, gotten up, and kept going! No biggie!

Well this time, I really did a number to myself.

I worked all day, but man am I hurting. I am so pissed that I wasn’t able to talk to property management, but you better believe that after I got home and almost slipped on the same freakin patch of ice that I called and left them a message. (it’s on the pathway to my house from the parking lot and the management office, so I had to walk right by it) Stupid winter!

Needless to say I won’t be working out for the next few days. I’ll have to find something else to keep myself sane…

Figuring out what’s wrong

This week I’ve been feeling unsatisfied with my eats. I can’t figure it out—nothing completely satisfies me. I’ve been working hard at eating regular portion sizes, eating all my veggies, whole grains and good healthy fats, staying away from crap (for the most part—I might have snuck in some Animal crackers and oatmeal almond flour cookies) but honestly, I can’t figure it out.

My workout routine has been the same—5 days a week in the morning. I ran 4 miles Monday and Wednesday, did cross training with lifting Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. But I don’t feel like I’m doing more than normal. In fact, since we had another shit snow storm this weekend, I couldn’t get in my long run and I feel like I’m missing out. Dennis ordered pizza and I passed, and we went out to dinner with some family at a Mexican joint and I opted for a plate of veggie fajitas, didn’t eat the rice, and only had one very small tortilla….I basically ate veggies with some black beans and guac. I mean, I was full but I wasn’t satisfied.

And I feel very bloated. What the hell is going on?

It’s not the week before my period, which is when this normally happens (and no I’m not pregnant)

I’m just having a hard time figuring out how to manage these cravings because pretty soon, I might inhale an entire pint of ice cream, a whole pizza and maybe even some wings—and that would be just for lunch.

On a positive note, I made a really tasty lunch using up some leftovers from the week. I finally got to try my Food for Life tortillas, and they were much better than I expected. Only problem is that I can’t properly fold a wrap to save my life, so I took the picture before I ruined it.

• 2 eggs, one egg white, scrambled
• 2.5 small boiler potatoes, sliced in quarters
• 1/4 cup black beans (prepared with onions, peppers and tomatoes and cooked in my Crock Pot)
• a small handful shredded cheddar cheese

This was pretty tasty, but it was lacking something…I think I should have tossed in some fresh herbs or something. Cilantro maybe? Or maybe some fresh salsa. But it was still pretty good!

I’ve been writing less on this blog because I’ve actually started writing at blog at work. I had a pretty busy work week and adding the blog makes me less creative for this one. But I’ll still be around. Welcome February!

Cross training in 30 minutes-reinventing my morning love

I used to laugh when people said they ran in the morning. Getting up at 6 a.m. to work out was never my idea of fun, but when I started doing it 2 years ago out of pure convenience, I discovered that those people were on to something.

I am fortunate enough to have a free gym membership at work so I have been putting it to good use by waking my ass up a little earlier than normal to work out in the morning. It’s been nice to get back into this routine, but it’s been making me HANGRY during the day. And, I was so exhausted this weekend that I didn’t bother going to the gym or running outside in the 50 degree weather we had yesterday. But I did work out every day this week (Monday through Friday) so I guess taking the weekend off is OK.

I give myself 30 minutes for cardio and strength, so I’ve been making damn sure to get the best out of that time each day.

Here is my new favorite cross training day workout:

Start out on the elliptical with the resistance on the highest setting it goes (on the one I use, it’s 20) Warm up for 5 minutes at level 6, then push it up to 10 each minute, totaling 10 minutes.

Move to the treadmill. Grab 10 pound dumbbells. While walking at a brisk 4.0 pace on a slight incline, do 3 reps each of bicep curls, overhead triceps curls, arm raises, and arm pumps (just pumping your arms while you walk) for 30 seconds each rep. In between each rep, walk for one full minute doing arm pumps. Do this for 10 full minutes.

Move to the stair climber. Climb your ass up those stairs for a good heart pumping 5 minutes (this is as long as I can go for now) at level 10.

Move to the mat. Do 1 20 second plank, 30 bicycle crunches, 30 regular crunches, and another 20 second plank.

Total time: 3o minutes.
I did this Tuesday and Thursday.
Monday I ran 4 miles, Wednesday I ran a 5K.
Friday I did the elliptical for 10 minutes and ran as fast as I could for 2 miles without absolutely killing myself. (I think it took me just under 17 minutes) I will have to admit that I might have sprinted at 7.5 for a minute, then dropped the pace down to 6.0 to catch my breath, and bumped it back up to 7.5, then 8, then back down to 6.0 to catch my breath. But I did run at 7.0 for a full  mile before I started messing with the pace.

Now I just have to fight off the exhaustion I felt this entire weekend so I don’t waste anymore good long run days.

Rice and black bean salad

Have you ever had a stand by dish that always seems to satisfy no matter what?

Growing up, rice and beans were always a staple. The only family dinner where you won’t find rice and beans on the table is Thanksgiving. If I can’t find something to make, rice and beans are quick and easy and always satisfying.

But I’d never had it cold until tonight.

And the good part of it is that it took me about 30 minutes to assemble. (Well, I cooked the rice ahead of time, so I guess that’s cheating a little)

I adapted this recipe from Robin Robertson’s Quick-Fix Vegetarian cookbook.

Black Bean and Rice Salad with Roasted Red Peppers and Avocado (serves 4)

• 3 cups of cooked and cold brown Jasmine rice (brown Jasmine rice is SO good!)
• (1) 16 oz. can black beans, drained and rised
• (1) 6 oz. jar roasted red bell peppers, drained and chopped
• 1/4 cup white onion, chopped
• 2 Haas avocados
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice (one lime)
• 1/4 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro

1. In a large bowl, combine cold rice, beans, red peppers and onions.
2. In a small bowl, combine the lime juice, chili powder and salt. Whisk in the oil.
3. Pour dressing onto rice salad and toss lightly to coat.
4. Taste and adjust seasonings.
5. Add cilantro and avocado and serve.

 

This was so good, and I can guarantee it will be even better tomorrow after it has time to soak up all the flavors.  And like I said, if you cheat and make the rice ahead of time like I did ( I just made it the night before) it can be ready in about a half hour. YUM! Enjoy!