FLASHBACK FRIDAY!!

I've decided to implement another weekly thing and I'm going to call it Flashback Friday. Now that I'm getting old, I realize how much I appreciate music, movies, fashion, etc from earlier decades.

Today, we're going to pick from the 1990's.

Song from the 90's:

The single was released in 1993 and was the first hit off of her album, janet. The hit was very successful as was her album. It's still one of my favs.

TV show from the 90's:

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Beverly Hills 90210... Who can forget Kelly's cocaine problem, Brenda's attitude problem, and Jason' drinking problem? I remember the night the last episode aired, I was a waitress in a restaurant in Columbia, SC and I kept sneaking into the bar to watch it. 

Movie of the 90's: 

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I talk about this movie all the time. Leonardo DiCaprio does such a good job playing a mentally handicapped boy. I can't IMAGINE that you haven't seen this, but if you have not: GO SEE IT RIGHT NOW. STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING AND WATCH THIS MOVIE

And last but not least: Fashion trend of the 90's: 

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CHUNKY SHOES!!

As terrible as these look now, I have several pair of chunky shoes. I would wear them with dresses, pants, whatever... 

Do you remember the 90's?

Have you seen What's Eating Gilbert Grape? 

Did you own any chunky shoes?? 

Dinner and Blood Diamonds...

Wednesday night was my hubby & I's usual date night. I usually cook dinner and we watch our Netflix movie of the week.

Dinner: Capellini Pomodoro courtesy of my Whole Foods App for iPhone

Ingredients:
3/4 Capellini (cooked Al dente) : and of course I bought whole grain pasta from Whole Foods
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced (I do not mince my garlic, I chop it which is what I did here)
1 large tomato (which translated into two small tomatoes because it's not quite tomato season)
1 cup fresh basil (which I got from my garden!)
1 cup cooked chickpeas (I actually used a pound of shrimp - wild caught)
1/4 cup grated asiago cheese
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon of sea salt (I use Kosher salt)
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

*So I never measure anything, I didn't use any of these measurements, I just went by look, but it ended up ok so whatevs)

*heat olive oil on low/medium heat (it says medium high but our stove gets too hot) and add shrimp. Once it gets a little pink, add garlic and chopped tomato & let it saute for about 2 minutes. At least long enough for the tomato to break down a bit
*Add basil and cooked pasta, cook stirring frequently for another minute
*add asiago, balsamic, salt and pepper and sever

Voila!

shrimp, tomato and garlic

basil and pasta

cheese and others... 

After our delicious dinner, we watched the movie Blood Diamond

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It was about (duh) the diamond trade in Sierra Leone and the bloodshed that it caused. Let me just start by saying this; The things that are happening in Africa now and in the past 20-30 years, are disturbing to me. I was first exposed to this is college when I took a Race, Ethnicity and Class class (that sounds weird), and we studied about Rwanda. We studied different forms of genocide in that class, but for whatever reason, Rwanda really stood out to me. Since then, I have been drawn to Africa and the desire I have to go there has grown stronger. 

So, immediately, I was like, oh no, this is going to be tough on me. I'm so sensitive, which I guess is good because I am really motivated to go do something there. But in my little bubble of blogging and running where I worry about how fat I am or how I don't like my haircut, I never have to think about children bring forced into war as soldiers over there. And that's the part that was disturbing to me. Sometimes, I have to remember that my life is so easy compared to others. I have what I like to call, "high-class problems". So that's what I went to bed with last night. It was such a good movie and I think it's something we all need to see. 

Sorry to go heavy on you, but it effected me so deeply, I wanted to write about it. I am not sure that I'm intellectual enough to really write something in depth... but in my plain, simple language, let's remember there is a world out there that is so much bigger than we are and the trivial things we deal with in life are nothing compared to what people in South Africa, West Africa, North Africa, the Middle East, China, and even our own backyard, Latin America have to deal with. 

Yoga Pose Wednesday

I LOVE YOGA POSE WEDNESDAY!!

I always get excited about which pose I'm going to do. Today, I'm going to dedicate Yoga Pose Wednesday to the Miami Heat. They lead the series 3-1 and with one more win, they make it to the NBA finals... Woot Woot!!!

So... first, let's talk about heat. I want to explain the difference between Hot Yoga and Bikram Yoga. I see those words used interchangeably and they are not interchangeable.

Hot Yoga can come in many forms. The key factor is that the room is typically heated to at least 90 degrees (or maybe more depending on your studio). 90 Degrees Yoga heats it to 90 where Southern Om usually gets it to around 97/98.

There are many different styles that can be used within the heated setting. 90 Degrees uses something called Hot Yatra Yoga. What is that?

I took this description from a link on their website:

"A pilgrimage one takes to find their one essence of life. The journey is more important than the destination.

Hot Yatra - The unification of physical, mental and spiritual components into one complete and powerful form. Within the core framework of a Hot Yatra class, the student will find not only those aspects that make Hot Yatra unique from any other style, but also a powerful incorporation of a traditional yoga practice.  In this way, Hot Yatra is ancient and simultaneously new in its approach. A single Hot Yatra class will contain aspects of Kundalini, as chakras and energy systems within the body are awakened and utilized within poses.  There is a hint of Ashtanga Yoga with Hot Yatra’s heavy concentration upon breath work and its transformative power to cultivate peace of mind.  Raja Yoga techniques housed with Hot Yatra classes guide students towards spiritual self-realization and control of the mind.  Focus on correct alignment and execution of Asanas subtly reflects aspects of Iyengar Yoga principles.  The heat of the classroom links us to Bikram, Father of Hot Yoga.  Hot Yatra balances these diverse elements with a unique infusion of spirituality based philosophy and a teaching format that makes Hot Yatra, purely Hot Yatra.  At the very core of the style, is a natural, proactive and approachable spirituality that taps into the tenants of the Eight Limbs of Yoga.  The power of this holistic approach to yoga as it was intended to be practiced, transforms the practitioner as a whole person beyond the mat and into their life.  At the heart of this practice, the student will not just survive a yoga class- they learn to rise to their life and shine."

I've taken an Ashtanga Vinyasa style class in a heated room. This is a flowing but rigorous practice. This is my favorite simply because I enjoy moving through poses quickly. That's simply because I am inpatient. LOL.

Lastly, there is Bikram Yoga. This is in a heated room, usually 105 degrees, and there are 26 poses used. They are the same 26 poses every time. There is no flow or sun salutation, you simply perform the postures. The heat forces you to breathe and stay focused on breathe, otherwise, you will lose your mind. I find it cleansing and a good way to really spend time in each posture.

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The purpose of hot yoga is to detox the body, skin, pores, and even from the kidney and liver as well as cleanse the mind. When it's so hot, you MUST focus on your breath to help cool you down. There is a lot in the power of breath. You have no choice but to stay present and once you get into that zone, you will feel so much lighter. 

So, try out a local hot yoga class. It's a great benefit both mentally and physically!!

Now, on to the pose. To stay with our theme of the Miami Heat... We talked about heat, now we can talk about Miami... The pose for today is the:

Bird of Paradise

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According to iYoga Life, there are many benefits to doing this pose: 

Benefits:
Physical: Strengthens the standing leg, ankle, knee and thigh; opens inner thigh, hip, groins, shoulders and chest; lengthens spine
Emotional: Balancing, centering
Rx for: Scattered mind

What I will say is that this is an advanced pose so PLEASE do not try this unless you have lots of experience with poses. Try a class, and ask the teacher about it... he/she can help you build to this. Here is the progression: 

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FUN!!

Do you think Lebron can do this pose??

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Have you ever tried this pose? 

Do you enjoy hot yoga? 

Go Run.... GO!!!

One thing that I love about running is the social aspect. I have met so many people through running and developed some awesome friendships. I've also found a way to give back and spread a positive message to people wanting to start exercising. Running is an easy way to get into being fit because there isn't a lot of cost (just some good running shoes) and there are a lot of resources out there.

I'm a part of a group called Go Run. It's a beginner 5k program designed specifically to help people train and run in their first 5k race. I started volunteering with the group a year ago and it has now grown into something much bigger. We have the beginning 5k group, a walking group and a long distance group. On Wednesday mornings (many of you have seen me post about wednesday morning intervals), we have a speed group that focuses on short distance sprints. Tomorrow, we'll be doing a 1 mile time trial, and I think I'm going to throw in some running drills as well ;)

so, what I've decided to do is do an interview with one of Go Run's founders... Holly Di Giovine. If you've read any of my blog posts, you've seen me mention her name as she is the one who's given me a half marathon and full marathon training plan. Her plan consists of 3 running days a week and although that seems like not much, I actually improved my half marathon PR by 9 minutes through reducing the amount of runs during the week and increasing the quality. My injuries have been reduced but I keep getting faster!!

so:

1)      How did Go Run (formerly known as iRun) begin?


Jen Luevano, a local super fit runner, had achieved her lean physique when she lost over 100 pounds through diet and a walk to run program.  She wanted to offer the same jump start to others and approached Jeff Milliman at Run In to see if he would help her out...and iRUN was born.  Through a word of mouth campaign fueled by Jen's enthusiasm, 60 runners showed up the first week and continued to grow week to week until it breached 100 runners at the first ever celebration 5k.

2)      How has it changed since it first began? 


Even with name, location and personnel changes, the real spirit of iRUN lives on through the Saturday Walk2Run programs that we've offered consistently twice a year since 2007.  While we've added endurance and tempo training, the main focus of Melissa and myself, who've been on board since the beginning, continues to be motivating new runners to realize what they are capable of in running and in life.   
 

3)      How did you get started running? 


I ran track in high school but survived on a bit of natural ability at the quarter mile distance.  I could nail a 1/4 in 64 seconds but putting four together usually resulted in a 10+min mile.  I continued to run in college for weight control but it wasn't until I was in Las Vegas working as a personal trainer that it occurred to me that I didn't have to peak in high school.  So my 5k times dropped from 28 min to 23 min.  I took up triathlon shortly after b/c I could tell my body didn't approve of a running only approach.  Since 2004 I've ran about 3 days/week, leading me to achieve goals that were previously inconceivable--our brains are really good at providing us with perceived limitations.  So now I can run a half marathon at split times that I still don't believe--but I have the proof trapped in my Garmin when I have lapses of faith.

Melissa Adrian (left) & Holly Di Giovine (right)

4)      Any brief tips on nutrition?

It's all about moderation--of food types, portions sizes, timing, etc.  Personally it has never worked for me to deny "bad foods" that make me happy so instead I focus on making the other 90% of my day look as clean and healthy as possible.  Learning how to use long workouts to assist weight loss has been another project for me, my husband and my clients.  Follow workouts lasting 90' or longer with 100-300 calories (depending on your size/exercise time) of carbs/protein (protein shakes or choc milk) within 30 minutes. Then put yourself on a schedule for the rest of the day, taking in 300-500 calories ever 3 hours.  Women under 170# should stick to 300.  The 500 calorie range works for men over 150# who trained for 3 hours or more. 

5)      What is your goal with this group? 


To provide a welcoming, educational environment to runners of all levels, but particularly the ones who are the most intimidated at  the thought of running or even moving in general.  It's that simple...don't get it twisted people!!  I also want to be a huge force in the community that is recognizable as something people want to be a part of.  Oh-and to have 200 runners in Go Run shirts at the Spinx RF in October!

6)      Tell me about your new partnership with On On Tri.  


It makes sense to partner with a store to create a level of support and consistency.  Jeff is one of the few who has supported the true vision since the beginning and it's valuable to be able to offer him to our runners.  Because our group has always run on zero funding it is helpful to have logistical support from the store so we can have a homebase. We've really just scratched the surface of possibilities with the partnership. 

7)      How can people get started?  


Just show up!!! Our programs have always been free so there really are no barriers to participation.  Even if we initiate some kind of membership levels at some point, it will be something that runners want to do--not that is required.  Check out the schedule on the website, contact the respective group leader to see if it is right for you and then be there. 

8)      Any tips for new runners that are out of town and cant make it to Go Run?  


Download the program from the website, recruit at least one friend, set your training schedule, pick a race and make it happen!  Join our mailing list and FB page to receive training tips and info to keep you motivated from afar.  

9)      Where does it meet and when?  


Saturday mornings at 8:00 a.m. at On On Tri, 400 E McBee, McBee Station.

10)  When is Go Run’s next race?  


Red, White and Blue Shoes 5k at Furman University.  (Melissa has the specifics)

Our other leader, Melissa Adrian, is going to be in another post so look for that!! Otherwise, come out & join us!!

Just Another Manic Monday...

I have a lot of things to talk about today and it's all random, hence the title...

1) my birthday.. it happened over the weekend and it was fun. My mom got me some new pink compression socks...

Amazon

My husband gave me some $$ to get my Ray Bans:

Ray Ban

And I got some cute owl jewelry:

this pic is from amazon but my necklace is from Old Navy

Style By Becca

2. My stepdaughters had a big weekend. Neely was confirmed at her church:

She's 12

and Jesse had her dance recital. 

She's 10

3. My workouts for the week:

Monday: Run half mile intervals with Lori. We're running this afternoon and it's going to be like 90 degrees out.. bleh

Tuesday: Either yoga in the morning and swim at night OR swim in the morning

Wednesday: Morning intervals: this week is a 1 mile time trial

Thursday: I'll probably rest

Friday: Long run: this week, I'm supposed to run 5 miles OR 55 minutes, whichever is longer. I also finish with 10 sets of 30" intervals before a cool down lap

Saturday: Lead the run group. 

Sunday: rest

4. For my bday dinner, we went to Brick Street Cafe

It was so delish!! I had pork chops and a sweet potato. The best thing about them is the dessert. I didn't take pics... whoops!! sorry about that.. but they are so good!

5. Lastly, the Heat won last night and are leading the series 2-1. 

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What's your training look like this week? 

Do you like the NBA? 

Who's your fav team?