what a great evening to run!

Last evening, JJ accompanied me on his long board while I did a short run.  It was so beautiful.  From the pictures it looks as though it's 10 p.m., but it really was 6:15 p.m.  Then, we went home and I made a tortellini/veggie soup!  Mmmm....I'll post the recipe later!  What a great evening!  Thanks, JJ! :)

unplugged

This weekend was absolutely beautiful here in the sunshine state.  I went to meet a friend for lunch on Friday and wore my boots, a turtleneck and scarf.  It felt like an actual fall day in Minnesota.  It was crisp but warm all at the same time.  On my way to meet my friend for lunch, I saw someone running on the brick streets with her headphones in and I wanted to yell, "Lose the headphones, sister!"  It was way too gorgeous out to blast your ears with music when you could listen to the birds singing and as one of my sweatshirts says, be "One with the World." :)  (That's for you, Sam!) 

No, but honestly, I understand why people listen to music while they exercise...it pumps them up, gives them a beat to run to, energizes them and keeps them going.  I've used my I-Pod many times before...it's fun!  But I will have to say, when I can feel totally unplugged and just enjoy the actual run, it's the best!

Have you unplugged lately?

the holiday's are on their way, not the extra pounds!

I love this time of year.  The air is crisp, (and in fact it actually is in Florida today...high is only in the 60's!), turkeys will be bought, families will come together to celebrate and count their blessings, and some of the most delicious food of the year will be ate. 

Did you know that the average American gains about 7-12 pounds during the holiday season (Thanksgiving and Christmas).  Then, the new year rolls around and it seems to be a popular resolution to lose those extra five nagging pounds...the unfortunate five that were gained during the holiday celebrations.

So, here's an idea...let's not even gain the extra five, and have our New Year's Resolution be to just maintain. :)

Here are five helpful holiday weight gain tips...
1. Practice portion control.
2. Take a walk...(this is a definite family tradition for my family...even my Grandpa joins us!)
3. Plan smarter meals.
4. Cope with cravings.
5. Don't give up!
(check out the website of where I got these fun little tips...)
http://weightloss.about.com/od/eatsmart/tp/aa111805a.htm 

Here's to the pre-holiday excitement, and planning!

upper park art

This is something you'll want to join! :)

http://upperparkart.blogspot.com/

we're real adults.

This week JJ and I bought our first coffee maker.  Both of us have never needed a morning cup of coffee to get us going, and rarely drink even a cup a day.  But as we strolled through the Target aisles and saw that the coffee machines were on sale, we thought, "Why not?!"  So, we got a $20 coffee maker, an organic half & half and some cinnamon vanilla nut coffee.  We were so excited to wake up in the morning to share a cup of coffee and watch the Today Show.  When I told my co-worker at work about our purchase she said, "You're real adults now!"  :)  Yes, I guess that's true. 

Even though we have this adult convenience, we don't plan on using it everyday.  We just don't need the extra caffeine.  But for those of you who would like your morning coffee fix, you may want to know how much you really should be drinking.  As I was looking on a Mayo Clinic article, they said that 2-4 cups of brewed coffee are not harmful.  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/caffeine/NU00600  Another site said a safe amount is 3 cups a day.  http://nutrition.about.com/od/askyournutritionist/f/caffeine.htm  That's a latte of coffee!!  :)

In my opinion, if you're drinking that much coffee, you must be getting your recommended daily dose of water, which is 10 (8 oz) glasses a day.  80 oz/day.  One helpful way of doing this is to buy a Nalgene bottle.  This way you can see exactly how many ounces you are drinking and the bottle is "indestructable."  :)  Buy one today!!

when should i get new running shoes?

Do I get new running shoes when my feet start to hurt?  Do I get new running shoes for every race I train for?  Do I get two pairs of running shoes--one for training--one for races?  Do I have to wait a year until I get new ones?  Do I calculate how many miles I've gone then get some? 

These are some of the questions I have as I contemplate whether or not I invest in a new pair of shoes.  After checking out the Runner's World website, I found some helpful advice.  http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-240-490--12954-0,00.html

Many things attribute to when you should purchase a new shoe:  the type of runner you are, the type of shoe you buy and the type of surface all matters. 

If you are a runner or want to be a runner, your shoes matter.  These little laced beauties are your mode of transportation and need to fit you right so that you can mentally and physically enjoy your run.  I continualy feel blessed that God has given me the ability to enjoy this sport and use the legs He gave me. :)  Thank you, God!  

Happy running!

hello, my name is soo. i am a certified personal trainer.

 I checked the mail and got this little baby in a big envelope.  The letter said, "Congratulations on passing NETA's Personal Trainer Certification exam!"  So, that's that.  I'm now certified.  JJ was so proud...that made me proud. :)

So, what will I be doing now?  To be honest, I will be signing up for more classes to expand my knowledge of health and fitness and how we can apply these things to our life to create a youthful and energized life.  I don't plan on working at a gym or anything, but if you ever need some helpful advice, I'm your girl!