running – Page 2 – Runs With Hips

Priorites & Poblano Poppers

January 1, 2015January 2, 2015 runswithhips

Happy 2015, Hip Huggers!
2 days into the New Year and I’ve already made some ~~scary~~ important decisions.

1st decision: I’m running the HC15k again!
Now, this is only big news because… I wasn’t gonna.
My traditional HC running buddy has a knee injury
and is out for the count in long distance running, boo.

But, I love this race!
And this year, that medal is super sweet.
The only thing holding me back, is my fear.
So, I’m pushing thru that and signing up!
Thnks fr th Mmrs Lisa, maybe next year! 🙂

My 2nd decision is to pursue personal training.
I was hung up on the idea that I’d get stuck working at a gym, or fitness club.
That’s not what I want my PT to be solely about.
I want to teach fitness classes at the park, yoga in my home ~~or yours~~,
and become a certified running coach.
And the foundation for all that IS personal training, in my opinion.
I am doing so with help of a dear friend of mine who has a lot of
expertise in start ups, personally and professionally.
This blog, Instagram, Facebook, Podcasts will all have a hand
in making Runs With Hips, LLC come true!
So, in Feb, I begin. Hangry fears and all!

***

After making up my ~~fears~~ mind to do all this.. I needed some fat.
So, cheesy eggs with sautéed ‘shrooms and peppers it was..
and some bacon I ~~fed the dog~~ didn’t eat.

Then it was time for some sweat.
3 Mile Walk + some Arm work, a la yoga.. hot right?

Speaking of heat,
I was craving jalapeño poppers baaaaaad last night while watching the Rose Bowl.
No way was I gonna dare put the junked up, fast food ones in this vessel, no.

I remembered I had some frozen poblanos I hadn’t used all up.
Of course cheddar cheese and cream cheese is always on hand,
and even had a few pieces of bacon to wrap it up!
That turkey bacon loner over there was for the hubs…
He doesn’t eat the oink..

Threw these babies in the oven and boom! So delish!
I could only manage to eat one… that’s LCHF for ya!

***Poblano Poppers***
8 slices of bacon
2 Poblano peppers, seeds + membrane removed
4 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 clove garlic, minced
8 toothpicks

•Clean peppers, half, and set aside.
•With a mixer, blend cheeses and garlic.
•Fill pepper halves w/ cheeses. Wrap with bacon.
•Use toothpicks to hold together.
•Bake for 25 – 30 minutes. Eat ~~just one~~!

Could also use traditional jalapeño peppers,
or as a friend from Instagram is experimenting with,
sweet paprika peppers of course! This was my first go at it
so I’d think maybe 8 of those would do!

Yummy.
Well, I’m off to clean up and cook dinner early
so I can get my Friday night life ~~back~~ !

Get It! Have a Happy Friday, Hip Huggers!

Eating, Fitness, Running, Yoga

Last Minute Call for Alcohol!

December 31, 2014December 31, 2014 runswithhips

Hello, Hip Huggers! It’s New Year’s Eve!!

Absolutely and Always.
***
I actually just returned home from a last minute physical (for insurance purposes).
Lucky for me, my hubby went ahead and signed me in… the wait was 2 hours!
But I got the BEST news to end 2014: I have the BEST lab work I have had
since regularly going to the doctor for physicals 4 years ago… a la weight loss.
With the exception of my 35 inch waist and BMI of 30.3, I was very happy with my results.
The big kahuna, my total cholesterol is 189: 101 Ldl & 79 Hdl
I am a low carb, high fat eater, so I always anticipate my Ldl to be elevated.
My Dr. said my Hdl is so good, she has no worries about the Ldl, and to continue my eating plan. Yuss!!
* Fasting glucose was 66;
* Triglycerides awesome at 45;
* Blood pressure 117/71
Pleased to say after finding an eating plan I love this year, I am in great health!

***

Got home … and was starving! So I whipped up a few eggs, sautéed some mushrooms,
and shredded some Kerrygold cheese. Sliced up some red peppers, brewed some peppermint tea,
and now I am sharing my hectic afternoon with you all on the low low ~~blood sugar~~.

Also awesome, if you follow me on Instagram or just watch the ticker over there,
you will see I didn’t wait until the New Year to get back to running a bit!
I ran 5 miles last Sunday after I blogged and I ran 3 Monday.. .yeiii!!!
If I can manage 10 miles a week, Lifting Wed/Fri., and yoga all up in the mix,
I think I will have found the solid ground of balance I have been seeking… at last!

While we’re ~~grounded~~ here, last night was my husbands last minute Christmas party for his job.
Late I know, tis the season ~~to buy a planner~~.
I was tagged to Stop Drop and Yoga before we left so,
here’s my dressed up version of Ustrasana, or Camel Pose.

I’ll be repeating this ensemble ~~sans the backbend~~ as we head out for the night!
Visiting friends ~~in Egypt~~ an hour away and ringing in the New Year with old friends and new memories!
I was trying to figure out a festive gift to bring, then my neighbor brings by some of her hand crafted Coquito!

Alcohol!! In a sassy bottle to boot! Perfect ~~last minute~~ timing!
And something us liquor enthusiasts can all enjoy!

***

And as this year comes to a close, Hip Huggers, its been a fantastic year blogging with you!
Here’s to an even more blogtastic year!! Thank you, ALL!!

Happy 2015!!!
Safe travels all if you’re getting out…and stay warm! See ya next year!!

Running, Yoga

Catching Up and Coming Clean

September 3, 2014 runswithhips

Hello and Happy Wednesday Hip Huggers!

I had planned on getting up early and running after dropping off the kiddos,

but I saw a huge Dalmatian that stared at me like a bouncer, and I didn’t have a VIP pass…

So, I opted for yoga first.

I just HAD to get back on the ~~wrecking~~ ball today. In a major way.

So, in addition to my regular home practice, I had planned on participating in a four asana

challenges this month…but then, after much thought, decided not to.

In August, I only participated in one month-long challenge, #AumSweetAum hosted by YogabyJo

along with another awesome yogi. There was something so peaceful and fun about that

challenge that I honestly, only wanted to participate in their September challenge, #TulaYogi.

But, I really want to work on yoga sequencing aka yoga flow, so I’m doing #back2bayZITs as well.

That’s not to say I won’t dabble every now and then with some of the other poses from those

other challenges, but as far as commitments go, those are the only 2 my heart was in.

So, morning yoga flow + posted 6 asanas to catch up to Day 3 of both challenges…

Anantasana Variation, Side Reclining Leg Lift w/ Half Lotus

In hindsight, I really could have sharpened up this asana, but no, That’s the beauty of yoga..

it’s your own practice! Some days my body gives 100 %… others, it’s just barely on the mat.

Take it however it comes… because all is coming!

***

Now to running…

I decided I was going to walk or run 30 minutes a day no matter what for the month of September.

Just a little challenge for myself now that the weather is calming down and being outdoors

doesn’t feel like 91~~000~~ degrees. But, I skipped yesterday so now I am in the negative and needed a 4.5 mile run…

~~Just~~ 3 miles done!

Too HOT! Needless to say, I’ll be catching up on a later date 🙂

***

In other non fitness news, I had an amazing conversation with my best friend yesterday.

We both shared in our struggle to stop settling for less in life. We are conquerors and it

can be easy to get discouraged and put major plans for your life on hold until said courage

is at full tank. I think more for me, I realized that is just no longer and acceptable excuse

to not achieve what I want for my life! I want to work in fitness and on a major scale.

I want to teach yoga, fitness, and have a walking club for geriatric, pregnant, and disabled human beings

of the world. My empathetic heart wants to help those that NEED help and can’t do it alone.

So, I just wanted to put that out there for you Hip Huggers. I’ve shared in a dream of mine.

Now, it’s time to make it come true!

Thanks for letting me come clean today!

Question: Speaking of dreams, I started taking 5 HTP and have nightmares!

Anyone else experience that side effect of taking this natural precursor? Let me know!

Running, Yoga

Labor Day Recline

September 1, 2014September 1, 2014 runswithhips

Hello Hip Huggers! Happy Labor Day and the Unofficial End of Summer!

My ~~labor~~ workout this morning consisted of an old faithful 5k run and stretch.

Supta Virasana, or Reclined Hero Pose.

This asana is considered an intense stretch. I recline back from hero very sloooooow.

There are 3 reasons why I think this pose is ideal post run is:

First, it stretches my abs, quads, and hip flexors… all which are really tight after a hard run.

Also, reclined hero pose is a great stretch for the ankles, knees, and arches of the feet, if done gently and not forced.

Lastly, after all the work of our good ol’ spines holding us upright for that tough run,

this pose allows for lengthening of the vertebrae which get a compressed sometimes from poor form.

Just lying in this a minute or 2 helps me tremendously! I am careful to breath and let my body relax in it.

But, if you become uncomfortable at anytime or this stretch is a bit too intense,

I’d suggest maybe using bolsters, blankets, or pillows underneath your head, shoulders and/or your knees for relief.

***

Disclaimer: Though I am a yoga enthusiast, I am not a yoga teacher.
Please exercise caution when attempting any yoga pose, and always honor your body.
The views on this blog are mine alone, based on my own practice.
Please consult a certified yoga teacher for deeper guidance and help with any yoga practice you begin.

***

~~Eat BBQ,~~ Run Happy, Lift Heavy, Stretch Daily, Hip Huggers!!

Question: How long do you stretch after a workout?

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Beasty Bling and Berry Smoothies

August 8, 2014August 8, 2014 runswithhips

Hello, and Hello!!

I was feeling kinda sketchy about having an entire post that talks nothing about
August runs ~~with Hips~~ , but I haven’t blogged in a week and I didn’t want you to
forget about ~~waking~~ me.

Parshva Parvatasana (Side Mountain Pose)
… in Savasanahhhhhhh. Heaven.

After ~~much ado about nothing~~ reaching a
pretty cool milestone of 100+ miles for the month of July,
I guess my brain and my legs just kind of need a break.
This was by far my most ran month since I started putting
one foot in front of the other in the name of health.

Despite the Bling, I have revisited some fitness goals.
My husband and I both have really been missing the weight lifting scene.
We are trying some new, unconventional means this time…

Are you ready to Beast?
I am really, REALLY committed to this.
Crazy thing is I shared that same sentiment with my husband, and he agreed.
He says, I am different this time around. Something deep down in me really is.
I can feel it in my ~~cheese pizza lined~~ gut.

I guess I should clean up my eating a little bit too.
I’ve had more sugar than I care to admit to as of late.
Partly, due to summertime eating and an array of snacks around
for this seasonal time of year when kids are home and always ~~bored~~ hungry.
But these smoothies I started having daily, are here to stay!!

Berry Smoothie:

1 cup Hemp Milk
1 frozen banana (peel THEN freeze)
1 handful strawberries
1 handful blueberries (they’re the Star!)
Drizzle of honey (if ya got a sweet tooth)
Slurp!!!
***
Cleaner eating starts today. Body Beast starts tomorrow!
Excite to get started on this stuff here! But first, let me take a selfie…

I’ve filled you in. Now its time to refill my cup, Hip Huggers!

Question: Have you revisited some Fitness Goals lately?

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3 Scoops, 2 Scores, 1 Hell of a Drug

July 25, 2014July 28, 2014 runswithhips

Hello Hip Huggers!

I haven’t checked in since our Tempo Run ~~fail~~ Tuesday so

here’s the Triple ~~Decker~~ Scoop.. so you don’t ask for mine..

Single:

Wednesday: I had a 6 mile run.

That is a long-ish run for the distance

I am focused on right now, so to conquer that run with

under 11 minute miles was fantastic!

I also spent a little time inverted to flush out my adrenals,

get some blood flow to the brain and eyes

~~and just to be cool.~~

Also, this amazing thing happened:

My Instagram was reinstated!

*sigh* it really is.

I had a lot to catch my followers up on

Anniversaries, medals, yoga, etc.

So, I snacked on some corned beef and provolone while I

was filling my faithfuls in on the last 9 weeks of life! Lchf, my pals:)

***

Double:

Thursday was a very errand heavy day.

I didn’t know if it would turn out to be a rest day or a really-short-run day.

After paying some bills, I headed out to thrift!

I found a rice cooker

(brand spankin’ new) for $4.

My kids have a new job and

I am officially retired from cooking ~~rice~~ 🙂

Also found a fancy, schmancy Scentsy for 2 bucks..

I’m ~~smellin~~ fresh and frugal!

Way later, after food and the world cooled down a bit,

I managed to get in a pretty Quick 3.1 Miles, for the likes of myself!

I was very motivated, thanks to a friend’s advice!

***

Bonus: Triple:

I started today’s’ ‘check in’ blog early this morning.

As I was typing, I could hear dog tags jingling – my dogs got out.

Which they’ve managed to do a lot of lately.

New behavior, and its driving me crazy!

They are both fixed, so I have no idea why they are

determined to dig holes and escape! Either way,

Break the rules, you get grounded!

So, that was a mini workout reeling them back in.

I was ready to ~~go back to bed~~ run after that…

Friday: 6.2 Miles Done + Sirsasana Love

Took some great advice from a runner friend and

really challenged myself.

My mantra was ‘stay under 11 min/miles’

When I got to about 4.5, it was ‘stay under 10.

I have running easy down to a science,

its time to kick things in higher gear..

Still must remain injury free! Much rather slow, than No!

***

Long run planned for Sunday at dawn… I’m keeping the mileage a secret!

We’ll see if its something to talk about…

So, there’s the triple scoop! Catch y’all later!

Question: What is your ‘mantra’ when pushing through a run?

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Trashy Tempo Talk

July 23, 2014July 23, 2014 runswithhips

Happy Wednesday Hip Huggers!

It’s ~~Hump~~ Trash Day!

Oops. My bad.

I have been doing lots of eating garbage this last week and a half

that my hubby has been on vacation.

But, he’s returned and things will get back to normal

starting with some quick pre ~~blog~~ run food…

Carb. Protein. Fat…oh ~~myy~~ yes!

***
***Quick recap of the weekend***

Saturday: 3 Miles

I ran an ‘Out and Back’ Saturday just to keep my legs moving since

I had run 8 miles the day before AND, had a 6 mile run planned the next day.

My calves were ~~trash~~ definitely sore and tight, but I did ok.

***

Sunday: 6 Miles

My running buddy overslept, so I ~~talked to myself~~ hit the pavement solo.

I really appreciated the nice and quiet morning. I amost missed the sunrise…

But I made it out on time. I decided to run the park, so it was

lots of loops which I hate. But, it was ~~money~~ mileage over everything, so

I got in ~~where~~ what I could fit in…

Hmm, a bit slower than I planned, but DONE!! I still treated myself

to a delish smoothie while recovering… I earned it!

***

Monday was a rest day, so I picked up running Tuesday

with a 3 mile Tempo run at the track. Hubby joined in, too!

We went around 8pm, which was already weird because

I don’t like running evenings.

And though dusk, it was still 90 degrees and humid.

Even so, I tried to stay near the 10:30 pace,

but I’m ~~trash~~ not that fast. That pace just did not happen.

I DID pick up the pace at the end, which made it a tempo run fail.

But I think my mental game is keeping my short runs

this summer under 11 minutes and my long runs under 12.

Winning at that! ~~Any~~ Either way, 3 miles done and done.

***And I’m at juuust over 74/85 miles for the month of July!***

I will have reached my goal before half marathon kicks off next week.

Nervously excited to begin that!

I just pray I stay healthy, uninjured, and don’t quit halfway thru…

Most things, Willy. Most things…

Going to try and blaze thru this 6 miler now.

See y’all in a bit, Hip Huggers!!

Question: How do you recover after your Long Run?

Uncategorized

Cool-ish Run, Cold-ish Chakra

July 18, 2014July 19, 2014 runswithhips

Hola Hip Hip Huggers!
***
Can I just say, the weather here this week has been fantastic!
So nice, we spontaneously took the kiddos to Hurricane Harbor.
For a day outdoors in North Texas, in July, to be pleasant??
Unbelievable! I don’t think it even broke 90°!
Great weather for a day of walking, swimming, climbing endless stairs,
and indulging in ~~ridiculously overpriced~~ food.
But I spent a lot of time here, so I was content-ish 🙂

***
I did take off 2 days to rest, accordingly. My legs had been tired from running, and it rained all day Thursday.
Sure fit signs to slow down and let my body recover, unrushed.
Today, I got back out there because the weather was peeerfect for some miles!

I was probably still a little dehydrated. I didn’t drink nearly as much at the park as I should’ve
and I’ve been eating a TON of sweets!
So, I tossed in a fruit punch Nuun to my wawa and got my fizzle on!

Running goal: I planned 6 miles. Felt god, but 1st mile was long.
I’d decided I would concede at 4-ish, and just focus on my long run Sunday.
But got a 2nd wind and just kept going!

8 Miles! Long-ish run for the week is ~~accidently~~ officially done!
And just under an 11 min/mile pace.
I have to thank my hubby for bringing me water ~~and Spark~~ at about mile 6.5.
I wouldn’t have made it otherwise, totally saved my run!
Here’s my splits to keep me accountable.

I am truly learning to run easy. Yes, its slowed me down, but it’s changed my running!
I am running distances I just would not a few months ago because I am not burning out.
***
Yoga-ish Time!
I stretched about 10 minutes opening up my hips before coming inside for yoga…

Utthan Pristhasana, or Lizard Pose.
~~Random-ish~~ SN:
That moment your yoga instructor virtually adjusts your ~~ass~~ Asana….

I just love her! Such an amazing teacher and the one responsible for
me falling in love with yoga! Namaste, Caitlin

***
I’ve also started working to unblock my Muladhara, or my root chakra.
It has been very ungrounded since I stopped eating LCHF. Truth.
Anxiety, isolation, fatigue… I can feel it all.
It’s mainly why I’ve been practicing/sharing less inversions and arm balances; to focus more on
standing poses during my practice, such as warrior, low lunges, etc.
Which brings me to a picture a dear friend on IG added some “love” to…

Anjaneyasana.

The light and strength of yoga I hope to share, spread to everyone.
I love my Omies!

What are your workout weekend plans?

Uncategorized

14 years, 7 Miles, 0 Leftovers

July 16, 2014July 16, 2014 runswithhips

Hello Hip Huggers! How’s your week~~end~~ been?

I had a pretty cool weekend, myself!

Saturday, my hubby and I celebrated 14 years of holy matrimony.

I married a great guy! I’m a good picker ~~apparently not of weeds though.~~

We went to Campisi’s for pizza (eh, I’ve had better) then to
Half Price Books (the Uptown flagship, my favorite spot) for books & coffee.
Lastly, stopped at BJ’s Brewery for ~~car~~bs drinks. The night felt so live!
Maybe it was the awesome Super Moon, if you believe in cosmic stuff like me that 🙂

Long Islands may not have been the best idea in hindsight,
considering I had a run planned in the morning with
a friend/fellow runner also training for her first half…
Meet Nikki, Hip Huggers! My new weekend running buddy!

Sunday: We planned 8 miles, but spent so much time ~~taking pictures~~ talking
before heading out that we lost valuble time before things really began heating up.
We warmed up walking for about a mile and started good.
Then, the ~~alcohol~~ 91° heat got the best of me.
I couldn’t pick up speed thru the entire thing. I ran out of water at mile 4 and I was ~~dead~~ DONE after that.
We conceeded at 7 miles; we were just running too slow/walking too much to get back home
in 1:30 as planned to get our families ready go to church.
Walked the last 1/2 mile to cooldown. But still, it was such a great run!
I’m so happy to have an experienced runner to help with my long runs on the weekends.
Training is already looking up! We’re beating the heat next week.. 6 miles @ sub 11 pace 🙂

Swerving on..
My hubby is on vacation this week! So, it’s kinda nice having another
motivated running buddy for these super ~~sleepy~~ Monday mornings.
Monday: Quick 5k & Sirsasana before heading out to run some important errands…

Read: restocking on post run ~~popcorn~~ recovery 🙂

Tuesday: Another hot, slow run. But I was easy on myself.
Mid July runs after 7 am are gonna be slooow, ~~fool~~ Pam!
Must make 6:30 start time a priority!!

5 miles done!
I set out for just 3, but I think all the running I’ve tackled
over the last few days is catching up with me.
My legs were heavy and I felt like I crawled the entire run.
On a high note, I’m at 54 of 85 miles for July up there!
and speaking of long, its been a minute since
I had a good, long, heart opening yoga session at home.

Mind, Body, Heart Opened? Check.
***
Now, to catch up on Sunday’s The Leftovers, with popcorn because
we ate out last night and we have 0 leftovers.

I’m so Hooked, Hip Huggers! See Ya!!

Question: Hot Days? Treadmill Work or Slow Road Run?

Uncategorized

Goals and Holes

July 10, 2014July 10, 2014 runswithhips

Hello Hip Huggers!!

Ok, so the 2 weeks I REALLY needed to be keeping up

with blogging I didn’t. Now, I’m Fire in the Hole…

Good one, huh Trubies 🙂

***

Quick Fitness Recap!

I finished my month long running of miles!

Which might I add, didn’t start until approximately

2 weeks before the month ended, not too shabby.

I am at 34 of 85 goal miles I plan on running this month! Awesomeness!!!

***

I’ve been practicing yoga too, but not as much as before.

I really do throw myself completely ~~and unapologetically~~ into whatever

my heart desires… but, I am a balanced broad so, my goal is to find the middle ground..

which has been ~~post running~~ quick yoga outside on the ground as of late.

I will say the highlight of my running career gig so far has been

running the Flagpole 8k on Independence Day.

I have ran the Flagpole 8k once before and loooved the route!

It is at White Rock Lake and the run starts out on the

“boardwalk” and leads into a higher altitude trail … awesome right?

Buuut, this year it was at Flagpole Hill. Just down the street.

None of the beautiful amenities of running the lake, sadly.

Not the busling walkers and morning joggers.

Not the beautiful lake view and sounds.

But, it was flat, and it looped around just once.

That must be a huge advantage for someone like me because…

I placed 1^st in my age group!!!

In all ~~honesty~~ fairness, I will say, it was a small race.

Even with that, placing was never my goal, not even a thought.

Easily less than 100 people, but who cares? either way,

of the far and few that are embracing their early dirty 30’s such as I am trying to,

I was the one to beat!

And this, I will treasure.

***

In other running new, I decided to run a half marathon!

‘ That Dam Half’ in Lewisville October 19.

Training for that doesn’t begin until the end of the month,

so I am just keeping things injury free and nimble for now.

I will be doing all the necessary speedwork and tempo runs.

Really going to stick to this plan and try to have a great race!

And a great day, as it is Bring-your-girls-to-visit-dad-and-have-Chili’s-with-dad Day!

Taking a couple days off to rest up for my kinda long 8 mile run Sunday morning.

A new friend is coming to run with so, I plan on…

That’s the goal!!

Have an Awesome Friday and Enjoy the Weekend!!

Question: Have you ever ran a 1/2 Marathon? Awesome?