I did it!
After years of looking at Caroline Girvan’s different YouTube fitness series, I finally picked one and committed.
I chose the IRON Series as my focus was on building strength, rather than cardio, and it seemed like a good beginner program that would allow me to focus on good form rather than speed.
Summer running is the worst.
It’s hot. It’s humid. It’s sticky.
So….. when I came across a book at the library titled The One-Minute Workout, I was skeptical, but intrigued. I can tough it out for a minute in the heat, right?
I realize I’m about 7 years late on this one (it was published in 2017), but I found this book to be absolutely fascinating! As someone that’s more into easy running/zone 2 running, I’ve largely avoided intervals and high intensity work and have never done it in a consistent, strategic way. Now, I found myself completely questioning my usual training strategies.
I have finally found a plant-based protein powder that I like! (Two brands, actually, but that’s another post.)
I’ve talked about my goal of trying to increase my protein intake before, but I’ve had a hard time trying to balance taste, protein content, and cost when it comes to a vegan protein powder. I want it all, but my wallet says no. However, the KOS Organic Superfood Plant Protein Powder comes pretty close!
This is going to sound a little weird, but I’ve had an interest in beets for a while.
I’ve heard random claims here and there that beets/beet juice can help with endurance, which as a runner, immediately grabbed my interest. However, besides occasionally adding beets to a salad, I’ve never taken any further action to study the claims or start incorporating beets into my fitness routine. That changed this weekend. (At least sort of. More on that ahead!)
I recently watched the documentary, The Game Changers on Netflix, and was reminded again about the claims surrounding beets and beet juice, so when I spotted a sample package of SuperBeets Sport at the store, it felt like a sign to give it a try.
I’m not saying the moment that I hit publish on a post where I expressed disappointment about a race result, but said at least I’m not hurt, that I got hurt… but the timing was pretty close.
I haven’t been able to run (or jump) in weeks. It’s thankfully not a fracture (according to the doctor’s office), but it’s forced me to take a break and focus on low-impact movements instead, including Pilates.
I wanted to share some of my favorite mat Pilates videos that require no equipment and are good for beginners. (But to be clear- beginner does NOT mean easy!)
After months of having the BalanceFrom 3-in-1 20″ 24″ 30″ Foam Plyometric Box in my mental shopping cart and obsessively reading reviews, I finally added it to my real shopping cart on Amazon and hit purchase.
I bought the plyo box with the goal of doing plyometrics to improve my speed as a runner. (A very brief Google search told me it would.) I was also looking for something that would shake up my usual workout routine, which largely included running or lifting dumbbells haphazardly. I was particularly drawn to the BalanceFrom jumping box as it’s made of a foam material. As a beginner to this, I find the wooden plyo boxes to be a bit intimidating! All I can picture is my shin sliding down the side…
Running in the summer is tough.
Running in Florida is tough.
Running in the summer in Florida is nearly impossible.
But I’m determined to gain some running ground, so I decided to get serious about hydration and electrolytes post-runs. After trying out samples of a few different products on the market, I decided to take the leap and ordered a variety pack of Nuun Sport from Amazon featuring six flavors: Tri-Berry, Grape, Tropical, Fruit Punch, Strawberry Lemonade, and Lemon Lime.
While I find all to be drinkable, I wanted to share my rankings of the flavors (with hopes of trying out more in the future).
I think I’m a bad runner.
The more I read about running, the more I realize I have no idea what I’m doing.
I started out with a New Year’s resolution to run a 15K and have kept returning to the same race year after year for 7 straight years now. While I am gradually getting faster each race (I’m not counting the year I had just gotten over the flu.. or the year it was hot), I want to get even faster. I have a specific goal I’m aiming for for next year, but it’s ambitious- like shaving 10 to 15 minutes off my total time ambitious. While not impossible per se, it will involve me doing something different.
After last year’s complete disappointment of a summer (#thanks2020), I’m looking forward to this summer and the potential for travel!
So, when Cassey Ho of Blogilates launched a Hot Girl Summer Sculpt workout plan, I immediately signed up! (I’m completely obsessed with FREE workout content on YouTube… so it didn’t take much convincing.)
In this post, I’ll share my experience with the program and whether it’s worth the 14-day commitment.
If you follow anyone in the fitness world on Instagram, odds are you’ve seen Bala Bangles. The weights, which can be used on either your wrists or ankles, are cute, colorful, and super photographable.
But at $49 for the 1 lb set, Bala Bangles are on the pricier side of ankle and wrist weights. So.. that leads to the question..
Are Bala Bangles worth it?