"Sweat" Shirts...

I think I've said before, at least in my head, if not out loud or in here, that I LOVE shopping for new clothes...workout clothes that is!  (My husband is actually worse than I am when it comes to looking at local sporting good stores.)

I love to find new companies selling clothing with a twist.  I recently found a company called View Sport.  They have sweat induced clothing!  Really, a reason to make sweating cool?  How could you pass up that??? 

I received my order, with a handwritten note, earlier this week. 

I had to wear it the next morning on my run to see how it worked.  My whole run, I was wiping sweat and dying to see the message appear on the back.  Here's what it looks like...

Love it!!!  See, sweating is really COOL!  (well, not in this case...it was actually quite hot...)

If you want to check them out, here's the site!  (I'm trying to get a discount for a larger order.  If you are interested, let me know.  I'll share if the company loves us enough to give us a discount!)
http://www.viewsport.us/

And, just for another peek, here's R's shirt.

I guess View Sport has given the term sweat shirt a new meaning!

Family

You know what's cool?  When your family goes from sitting on the couch and watching TV together, to getting out and doing something good for you!

Our family, and some friends/neighbors, headed out to the lake yesterday and took part in a 2 hour kayaking tour.  Not only was it refreshing to be outside and on a lake, but we were doing something good for us...as a family.  2 hours of rowing will make those arms look good!

We used to be the family that would hang out in doors, watch movies, eat out, etc.  We still do those things, but I've noticed as Ron and I exercise more, we are choosing to do more things that are good for you.  I know, I know...movie style popcorn-not good for you?  Newsflash...NO!

An added bonus?  We are discovering a whole world of fun right in our backyards!  Here are some things you could do with you family!  Some are cheap, some a little more expensive.  BUT, all fun!

McDowell Park: hike, run trails, picnic on the water, kayak/canoe...Plus, they have Friday night campfires during the summer.  Smores and a hayride for $1!  That's cheap entertainment :)
http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/ParkandRec/Pages/default.aspx


US White Water Center: all sorts of fun...a little more expensive, but you can do the cheap route and just walk/hike around the area and sit watching the rafters for a parking fee of $5.
http://usnwc.org/

Anne Springs Close Greenway: walk/hike, wade in the creek, look at the animals, be a part of the history that happened right in your own backyard!
http://www.leroysprings.com/default.asp?lsc=174&urlkeyword=Ann-Springs-Close-Greenway

Or, find a race-either local or in a place you want to go as a family.  Sign up!  Nothing more rewarding than finishing a 5K as a family, especially when there's a good cause or something unique about the race.  We've done the Susan Komen http://komencharlotte.org/ and we are all signed up for the Color Run this fall. http://thecolorrun.com/

Just find something to do...you'll enjoy it.  I promise!

Week in Food

We spend way too much money eating out.  I love eating out, but our wallets and bank account scream after each meal.  So, I am vowing to eat at home more often and track how much we can save in doing so.

After checking out some yummy recipes, amazing myself at how many of the ingredients we already have, and wiping the drool from my lips, I have created a list of 5 recipes I will be making this next week.  I figure that we will have leftovers one night and sandwiches/salad another.  Plus, when D and I are home alone, we like to do a breakfast for dinner night...in code, cereal!

Here's our menu for the week.  4 of the recipes came off of the Clean Eating website.  1 recipe is really not so good for you.  I'll let you figure out which one is the bad for you recipe!

http://www.cleaneatingmag.com/Home.aspx

Blueberry Oat Protein muffins (breakfast/snack)
Farmer's Market Veggie Pasta
Turkey Meatloaf muffins
Buffalo Chicken Taquitos
Orange Chipotle Chicken with Cilantro Rice

I found out this week about a local company that delivers organic fruits and vegetables.  I got a box of yumminess today.  In it were bananas, blackberries, zucchini, apples, grapefruit, lettuce, onion, tomatoes...signing up for weekly delivery! 

http://www.absoluteorganics.com/
If you sign up...make sure you tell them I sent you!

Happy eating!!!

Just another reason...

to RUN!  (Although I am sure any physical exercise would work) 

In Runners World magazine July 2012
"Researchers have found that treadmill training in mice helped build mitochondria in brain cells.  Mitochondria are structures in cells that supply them with energy, so exercise literally boosts brainpower."

So, what are you going to do today to build muscles, heart strength, and brain power???

Me?  Well, at three digit temps for the third day in a row, I guess I'm headed inside.  I'm planning on some 3 minute 5K pace repeats with a 2 minute jog in between each repeat.  Doing that 5 times.  Then, headed to strength train with the hubby.  Concentrating on arm strength today.  Seriously need to build some upper body strength because the crazy inside my head decided to sign up for a Spartan race.  And, this is AFTER I run a half marathon in November and a full marathon in January.  So, I wonder...what will be next?

Get out there and DO SOMETHING good for YOU today!  Image the possibilities that are before you!

Checking in!

Today three of us completed our 5K virtual race!  It a was hot and humid way to start the day, but as always, I feel good now that it's done.  Virtual 10K is on Saturday.

Sit ups...how are you coming?  I have successfully completed 3 days of 100 sit ups.  Haven't done them yet today, but they are coming!  Burpees are coming along too.  Day 4 is today, so I have 4 burpees awaiting me.  Still cannot wrap my head around doing 100 in one day!

Signed up for a new challenge today.  Spartan Sprint.  It's a trail run with loads of military obstacles built in.  I'm excited, but I know a lot of arm strength training is ahead of me.  Oh, and I guess some practice hilly, trail runs.  And...maybe some mud?  Hmmm-what was I thinking?

It's Thursday...what have you done for yourself today?

Pam, Stacey, and I before our Virtual 5K today.

Challenge

Summer means more skin shows, right?  Even though I have lost weight and continue to exercise, I really don't feel totally comfortable in my skin.  I concentrate on the negatives far too much.  I'm trying to stay positive and like what I see in the mirror, but it is easier said than done, for sure.

So, I've decided to take on a challenge to improve both my body and my mind, stay positive in the process, and enjoy the journey. 

Here's the challenge (or should I say challenges?) Both of which came from other awesome blogs!
1.  100 sit ups a day for 100 days.  Hmm...that's a long journey, but I'm in for the ride.  At least I'm sitting?  Ha!
2.  Burpees...yep, I HATE them (almost as much as push ups!).  Another 100 day challenge, but a little different.  Day one-1 burpee, day two-2 burpees, and you guessed it, day 100, 100 burpees.  It may take me all day to get to 100!

I think through these two challenges I can focus on strength, growth (both mentally and physically), and I WILL like the changes I see.

So, now, who's in with me?  I do much better when I have friends along for the ride. No pressure of course!  At the end, I promise to post inches lost.  (See, already I am positive!  I KNOW the numbers will go DOWN!)

Looking for some fun???

Summer months=hot weather=less races.  BUT, are you interested in trying one for fun?  No pressure?  Run where you want to???  And, best part?  You can win prizes for doing something you already love (or like) to do.  Click on the link below to find out more!

http://www.runninglovingliving.com/welcome-to-summer-virtual-run-5k10k

If you are in the Charlotte area, let's get a group together and run for fun.  Running is more fun with friends!  Let me know if you'd like to run with me!!!  No pressure...just loads of sweat!