Archive for January, 2014
Half Marathon Training: Week 3
Totally delayed considering week 4 is almost over but here you go!
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: 3 miles
Wednesday: Rest (fighting off cold)
Thursday: Rest (fighting off cold)
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 2 miles
Sunday: Core Fusion
Stephanie
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )The return of Core Fusion
Yesterday ended up being a very productive and fun day. I started off with a trip to the farmer’s market for some produce and stopped into the Amish Market to pick up a couple of supplemental items, including a whole chicken. I roasted the chicken later (my first time!) after rubbing butter, salt & pepper all over it. It turned out so tender and juicy and will last me throughout the week with chicken salad and more.
After my grocery errands I met up with a friend at the Exhale Spa at the Gansevoort Hotel in Meatpacking. It was a return to Core Fusion! The first time I took Core Fusion was part of a bachelorette weekend (with the same friend in fact) and it was super challenging. Well, yesterday was no different and I worked my butt off. The first 10 minutes of class were filled with arms, arms, arms, and planks, planks, planks. From there we did thighs, butts and even more thighs before taking it home with abs. Oh man, oh man! We still have two more classes to go (we booked a 3 class package through Gilt City) and I think we might be leaning toward yoga or cardio.
We stumbled out of there and went right to Le Pain Quotidien to refuel. I had the Tuscan white bean and prosciutto salad, which totally hit the spot. And of course, what would a visit to LPQ be without some bread and Brunnette. So addictive!
After lunch I headed off to do my first New York Cares project. I signed up to do post-soup kitchen clean up at a church. From 3:00 – 5:00pm I washed chairs, wiped down tables, swept floors, mopped and did other random tasks. It was a lot of work! Needless to say, between Core Fusion and the manual labor, I am extremely sore today (like can barely sit down on the toilet sore…yea). I really enjoyed getting out there and doing my first project and look forward to doing many more.
I only watched part of the Grammy’s – the most important part – and saw Beyonce and Jay-Z’s performance. I also checked out some of the other performances online later and loved John Legend and Macklemore and Ryan Lewis – so much love.
Enjoy!
Stephanie
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Nice little Saturday…so far!
How’s everyone’s Saturday going so far? Mine is off to a pretty good start. After a relaxing night in Brooklyn with my sister, brother-in-law and their dog Charlie, I started today with a “to do” I am determined to complete.
– Organize and get rid of last moving box that is filled with random toiletries (yes, I know I moved December 1st): You know how toiletries just start to rack up? A sample here, a stocking stuffer there…it gets crazy. I weeded out items that were expired and items that I knew I would never use. A little spring cleaning in January!
– Start taxes: I’m still waiting on a few forms but it’s always good to get started with what you have. I have to file 3 states this year so wish me luck! I’ve been doing my taxes myself since 2007 because they are pretty straight forward. Let’s hope for another good year!
– Return a pair of jeans to Nordstrom Rack: A pair of pricey jeans that just don’t fit right now that I’m not in the dressing room anymore. They must go back.
– Get gold watch fixed: I dropped my favorite gold Fossil watch that I wear almost every day and cracked the face. Ugh! Hoping to get it fixed today.
– Pick up a prescription: Does anyone else feel like they are constantly doing this?
– Prep food for week: I am currently cooking up another Italian Wonder Pot and also roasting some zucchini, yellow squash and cherry tomatoes. Once I hit the farmer’s market and grocery store later today or tomorrow, I can make some other staples.
– Run 6 miles: I missed my running workout on Thursday because I have a little cold. I had hoped to run outside today but it is way too cold and snowing. Again. I will find myself on the treadmill yet again. Blah. Where is spring?
Enough with this “to do” list, here are some other random things to share…
I saw American Hustle last weekend and while I really do love all of the actors that were in the movie, it really did not live up to the hype for me. I thought the acting was great but I was kind of bored and it just didn’t blow me away. Maybe my expectations were too high since it’s been winning all these awards, but maybe I also don’t know anything!
What is wrong with Justin Bieber?
Any West Wing fans out there? On January 29th, the White House is having a virtual Big Block of Cheese Day. Mind blown. And now I really want to watch every West Wing episode ever.
I think that’s all I’ve got for now. Hope everyone is having a great day!
Stephanie
On a serious note, I have really been struggling with the fact that it feels like almost every day there is the report of another shooting in this country. Today’s shooting at a mall in Columbia, MD is another tragedy. Something must be done, something must change, we cannot continue going on like this.
Stephanie
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Stay positive.
Just a quick hello. I was catching up on some blogs and read The Fitnessista’s post from this morning and not only did it talk about cheese (yum) but it also touched on an interesting idea – “If you could tell your younger self two words, what would they be?”
The highlight of the post is definitely the comments section. I have never enjoyed reading so many comments before! Go check it out if you have some free time and think about what two words you’d say to yourself. Mine are the title of this post – “Stay positive.” I am a big believer in the power of positive thinking and wish I have believed that when I was younger and used it more to my advantage.
For some reason after reading those comments I wanted to share some calming images…
Have a peaceful rest of the day!
Stephanie
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The Visitor
Over the holiday weekend I had a friend visiting from DC which made me happy in so many ways. We spent the weekend catching up and of course, eating good food and exploring NYC.
We started out our adventure at Chelsea Market. I had never been and heard great things and it really is a cool indoor market with lots of different food options. I almost wish we hadn’t eaten brunch before hand and had tried all sorts of great food at the market instead. I think my favorite part was watching people walk around with big, cooked lobsters they were about to devour.
But backing up to brunch. We tried a restaurant in my ‘hood that I will definitely be going back to – The Marshal. While I took no pictures (fail), I can tell you that it was adorable inside and the food was fresh and delicious. We started off with homemade biscuits with honey butter and jam. They were thin and light and crispy and warm. For my entree, I had the Brussels sprout salad and asked to have an over-easy egg added to the top. What a smart decision I made! The salad had shredded Brussels sprouts, croutons, Parmesan cheese and a light Cesar dressing. And the egg just put it over the top. It was DELICIOUS. My friend had the pork shoulder sandwich which was huge and so succulent. I cannot wait to go back there for many more meals!
Now back to Chelsea Market. After we had our fill of exploring inside, we braved the chilly weather for a brisk walk along the Highline before heading back to my apartment to hibernate for a bit. We tried a sushi place near my apartment that was just OK and then met up with a friend for a few drinks. We ended up discovering a great bar a few blocks from my apartment that I really liked. I will definitely be going back there! On Sunday, my Dad and his wife came to visit and we tried out The Delta Grill for some delicious Cajun food.
It was a great weekend filled with delicious food, friends, family and a great first visitor! I have some other items on my “get to know NYC again” list and am looking forward to getting out there.
Stephanie
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Half Marathon Training: Week 2
Let’s take a look at how week 2 of training went.
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: 3 miles
Wednesday: Strength
Thursday: Rest
Friday: 4 miles
Saturday: 5 miles (for Meg)
Sunday: Rest
What’s missing? Cross-training and more strength. While I’m happy to have met my weekly mileage, I really need to round out the week with something other than running (and rest, let’s be honest). Here’s to week 3!
Stephanie
P.S. I signed up for a triathlon last night!
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Fashion Friday: The Golden Globes AND The Critics Choice Awards
Here are my favorites from the Golden Globes and the Critics Choice Awards. I can’t wait for the Oscars next month!
The Golden Globes
Kerry Washington – Can we hear it for the pregnant ladies?! I thought she looked so elegant and refined in this dress. Not surprising at all.
Olivia Wilde – I also loved Olivia’s dress who showed that you don’t have to stay away from trends or form-fitting dresses while pregnant.
Reese Witherspoon – I loved the color and simple silhouette of this dress. I didn’t love the bangs…
Taylor Schilling – I don’t watch Orange is the New Black but I am so glad Taylor wore this green dress. I am not completely in love with the spaghetti straps but really love the color and overall design.
Cate Blanchette – She managed to look perfectly elegant with some edge in this high neck lace dress. The exposed arms are the perfect amount of skin to compliment it.
Michelle Dockery – I love the hemline and she just looks so delicate and lovely.
Aubrey Plaza – There was a lot of two-tone color blocking going on this year but I loved Aubrey’s the best. The purple is such an unexpected color and she looks great.
The Critic Choice Awards
Julia Louis-Dreyfus – I like that she went with a shorter dress and was on trend with the lace. She just looks great.
Camila Alves – I love the color and the flourish on the dress. Something different.
Amy Adams – I love love love this dress. The color, the cut, the belt. And it’s nice to see Amy not showing off a ton of skin like she’s been doing lately.
Stephanie
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The random weights workout
Last night I left work late and hoped to catch a spin class at the NYSC right by my office. Well, I read the schedule wrong and got to the gym 30 minutes after the class had already started. #fail
I thought I really needed a class to motivate me last night but I ended up completing a pretty good weights workout that I randomly made up on the spot. I tried to pull up a circuit workout from a blog but my phone wasn’t working in the gym. I am super sore today so I think that’s all the proof I need that my improvised workout was effective (or maybe it’s just because I haven’t lifted in foreeeeevvvvvveeeerrrr).
Here’s what I did to work my arms, shoulders, chest and back:
10 bicep curls w/ 10 lb weights
10 bicep pulses w/ 10 lb weights
10 full tricep extentions w/ 5 lb weights (each arm)
10 tricep pulses w/ 5 lb weights (each arm)
10 tricep hold w/ 5 lb weights (each arm)
20 chest presses on a bench w/ 10 lb weights
10 bent-over rows w/ 10 lb weights
10 shoulder extensions w/ 10 lb weights
10 bicep curls into overhead presses w/ 10 lb weights
I repeated each of those exercises 3 times and then went on to do the following:
20 deadlifts w/ 20 lb bar
10 deadlifts with 3 rows w/ 20 lb bar into 3 clean and presses (oof!)
10 pushups
60 second plank
10 sit ups to the front
10 sit ups to the right
10 sit ups to the right
10 sit ups to the left
10 sit ups to the front
I’m sure there was a much more eloquent and fancy way to have written out that workout. I’m glad I improvised and got in some strength training to balance out the running. The workout took me around 40 minutes and I was definitely sweating when it was over!
Have you ever made up a random workout on the spot?
Stephanie
Monday’s workout: Rest
Tuesday’s workout: 3 miles on the treadmill
Wednesday’s workout: 40 minute strength training
Half Marathon Training: Week 1
Week 1 of half marathon training is over! Only 12 more weeks to go 🙂 My first week back on the running wagon was a light one – here’s what it looked like:
Monday – Rest
Tuesday – 3 miles on the treadmill
Wednesday – Ab work at home
Thursday – 3 miles on the treadmill
Friday – Rest
Saturday – 4 miles outside
Sunday – Rest
I rested a lot. I need to get some cross-training in there and some strength training that isn’t just abs. It will all come as I get back into the groove. I also got in some good stretching, foam rolling and time with the Stick post-run on Saturday.
Happy Monday!
Stephanie
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )The long lost blog post
Hello, blog world! Yes, this is still a blog and I am still writing…even though I haven’t posted since November. The last 8 weeks have been busy (and that’s an understatement) but I am looking forward to getting back on the blog train and writing posts more frequently.
What better way to catch up then with a list?
1. I moved in my apartment on December 1st and have been adjusting to living in NYC. I never thought it would feel so different from DC but it really does! Now that the holidays are over, I’m looking forward to exploring my neighborhood and being a bit of a tourist again in the city.
2. Via Yelp I found a great indoor farmer’s market a few blocks from my apartment. It’s called Stiles Farmer’s Market and last weekend I purchased Brussels sprouts, tangerines, an onion, green beans, green peppers, yellow peppers, apples and blackberries for $10. YES I AM BEING SERIOUS. I can’t wait to go back this weekend and stock up on all that fresh produce.
3. Half marathon training started on Tuesday and oh boy do I have some work to do. I haven’t really run since October…but I know that once I’m back into the swing of things, I’ll be back on track in no time. I’ve adapted a Hal Hilgdon training plan that includes running 3x a week, cross training 2x a week and resting 2x a week as well. March 30th, I’m comin’ for ya!
4. Speaking of training, I ended up joining New York Sports Club for my gym. My company has a great corporate deal and I was able to get a passport membership which means I can use any gym in the city. Woot!
5. The holidays! Oh yea, remember them? It was SO nice not to have to travel for Thanksgiving or Christmas this year. They were spent in NJ, surrounded by family, and they were very relaxing.
6. I’m so happy all the new TV is back. I know, I know. But this cold weather makes me want to curl up on my couch and enjoy some nonsense on the tube.
7. I made the Italian Wonderpot after seeing it on the Fitnessista’s website. It was super easy, delicious and makes plenty for leftovers for the week. I also think you could throw in all sorts of other veggies or meats and it would be delicious.
8. I miss DC! Not only do I miss my apartment and my neighborhood but I really miss all the friends I met while living there. I knew it would be an adjustment but I actually feel like I’m homesick for DC and yet I grew up right outside of NYC and have always felt like this was “home.” It’s funny how things can change over time without you even realizing it!
9. I purchased a Groupon for Core Fusion classes as Exhale Spa. A friend and I are going to sign up and get our workout on. I love a good deal on boutique fitness classes.
10. I’m SO ready to meet Baby Rummel 🙂
That’s all for now. Happy weekend to you all!
Stephanie
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district delights 