Thursday is running day!

Today is the second day on my running program. I again only have to do 1 mile. Today it's 44 already so a lot warmer than Tuesday was! Today I woke up not feeling super motivated. Which sometimes happens a lot for me. I have to work harder to remind myself of what I am working towards. I had a great idea yesterday of mapping out my life. Starting with my childhood and seeing how far I've come emotionally, physically, and spiritually. The reason I think this will be so helpful is that I'll be able to see how far I have come today and be more patient with the progress I want to keep changing. So as I work on this I'll be posting incite to what I have found helps me.

Cheap Cardio Option

Are you stuck inside and need a new cardio idea? Maybe it's snowing outside and you don't own a treadmill. Besides going up and down your stairs or jogging up and down the hallway. Grab two paper plates, plastic plates, or frisbees. With shoes on place feet on plates and slide around. You can mimick ice skating or just shuffle around. Make up your own moves if you like.

Eating in Season

Ever wonder what's in season? You always hear about cooking or eating what's in season. However I'm not sure I could walk into the produce section and tell you what is and what isn't. Maybe some things, but certainly not very many. The way they genetically engineer things these days, many things can look fine, but may not taste as good as they normally would in season.
One of my goals this year is to eat cleaner and though I may not afford to be able to buy organic all the time, but for the most part I'm going to try.
I've been researching what fruits and veggies are in season right now so I can share that info with you guys. Here are a few: winter squash, sweet potatoes, kale, leeks, root vegetables, papayas and blood oranges. Yum sounds good. I think I like all of them especially kale and sweet potatoes.

Let's hit 2009 running!

Is starting a running program part of your New Year's resolution? Maybe you have decided to run a 5k, 10k or Marathon! I know I have a few friends that are planning on running a race this year. One of my best friends and I are tentatively going to pick a half marathon at some point in time this year. Hopefully when travel expenses go down since we live on oppossite sides of the country from each other.
I don't know about you but I haven't gone for a run in quite awhile. It's actually enjoyable when I keep up with it and am able to comfortably keep up a nice pace. Key things that have changed my experience with running: Shoes! Everyone needs good running shoes. I went to a store that specializes in running shoes and I haven't gotten shin splints since then. It's amazing because I always hated running because I always got shin splints and my knees hurt. Also you need great music(optional) you can always listen to nature. I love my ipod and a great song keeps me motivated. Remember to be careful of traffic etc if you have headphones on. Maybe try running with one in and one out. If you want to start a running program check out EXRX and pick the running program of your choice. I'm going to start the half marathon Level 1. I'll keep you posted on my progress. Start slow to decrease your chance of injury and increase your chances of success! Best of luck and keep me posted on your progress.

Super potion juices...really?

Has anyone tried the acai berry? I have been hearing bits and pieces about it lately but I haven't tried it yet. Apparently it's jam packed with antioxidants and other miracle potion like substances. Kind of like the pomegranite. Now I am curious if these fruits are actually that much better than the rest of the bunch or if it's just a marketing ploy to get us to spend $5 on a glass of juice. Acai berry is supposed to taste like a mixture of red wine and chocolate. I am thinking that you can't go wrong with that! So the next time I make it to the store I'll have to pick some up and tell you what I think.

Scoop that belly in and up!

Today I am going to post some helpful tips for really getting into your powerhouse. Everyone is different on how fast they really feel their powerhouse connection while doing Pilates exercises or just getting that scooping feeling your instructor is talking about.

You always want to feel like you are still able to breathe. So sucking it in so much you are holding your breath is not the feeling you are going for. Try lying on your back place your hands on your belly,and take in a nice deep breath expanding your lungs all directions. You should feel like your rib cage is also expanding front to back and side to side. As you start your exhale draw your navel slightly inward toward the floor and slightly upwards towards the crown of your head. Your belly should feel deflated. Even if it's only slightly that's good it will get better I promise. You have to retrain the neuromuscular pathways. So it takes some time. You can also imagine you are putting on a really tight pair of pants and have to suck it in and up so you can zip it up, or you just pulled them out of the dryer and the button is super hot. Which makes you hold it in so that you don't burn your belly. Mindful that you are still breathing;)

You want to practice this multiple times daily until you finally make a habit of engaging your powerhouse all the time. Practice lying down, sitting at your desk, driving your car and standing in line.

Happy 2009!

Happy New Year to you all! I hope you had a fun and safe Christmas. Today is the day we are supposed to make a resolution or start our resolution. Did you set any goals? Please feel free to share in the commments. I am still deciding on mine I guess. I want to do something meaningful, something that will feel really great to accomplish. Maybe write cookbook, learn more about blogging, or expand my career. Maybe it will just be to become more confident, work on my public speaking skills, offer an educational class. Perhaps I'll do a complete overhaul and set lots of goals. Remembering though that working towards these goals is achieving success. I may not get them all accomplished by next year, but as long as I am moving forward I am not failing. Even if I change my mind and do something else I am making progress because I am figuring out what it is I am passionate about. That's it! My resolution will be to find out what I am truly passionate about.