yoga – Runs With Hips

Eating, Fitness, Running, Uncategorized, Yoga

Swinging By, Stress Free

April 8, 2016 runswithhips

Hello Hip Huggers and Happy Friday!

Just swinging in to share with you all my week on this lovely Friday afternoon. Since reading Eat, Pray, Love – my enthusiasm for things feels anew, to say the least. The stress of getting it all done, has gone. I’ve adopted a ‘will do my best’ approach for living, just like that. Everyday, I have gotten out of bed, with an attitude of DO! My husband has been working long hours these last few weeks so I have had to step it up even around here and I have done so… willingly(?) Albeit, I am very proud that I have gotten up and out of bed everyday with purpose and have hit the floor running, figuratively at least.

IMG_2648 [22488] — Unready for a run, but ready for the day!

These last few weeks, I have tracked my eating and water intake about 80% of the time. Mindful of fiber and side eyeing simple carbs. I have started journaling again and its been absolute therapy in dealing with falling back, and stepping forward in fitness. I have made it to Zumba twice a week and have ran at least 2 miles most days. All without feeling like I am overhauling my life or depriving myself. Getting it in where it fits in and focusing on the small things I can do to reach my goals, without overthinking it. Some days salmon, some days salad. All day delish.

IMG_2318 [22487] — Kale salad with chicken, cheese, salad topping and tahini dressing, yum!

One big delish thing on my ‘To Do list of late is to attend at least 2 classes at my gym. I have been LOVING going to Zumba with my friend B, but the classes are in a different city 20 minutes away, and they start at 7:30 pm. The classes at my home gym vary, but evening ones start at 7pm, a little earlier like I like, and only 5 minutes down the road from home ~~and across from Starbucks~~. Again, it’s at MY own gym – a place where I need to be swinging by regularly to better familiarizing myself with anyway.

IMG_3087 [25990] — Going to check out the cycling, yoga, and Zumba classes these next couple weeks!

But, I reeally, reeeeally want to get back in full swing with running 20 miles a week again before the REAL Spring heat up and the scorching heat of an impending summer get the best of me.In the past, jumping in a 5k has always sparked a little something in the running spirit. I have been browsing a few races and have all but hit enter on one in particular, the 2016 5k for Human Rights in Dallas in May. But, I’m not 100% in it heart and soul. Even though I am certain I can manage a 5k on little training, I do NOT want to get out there, ill prepared and end up shelving running for year, again. I have to be smart and focused on the long term: weekly running, for fun and fitness. STRESS FREE!

What are some goals you’d like to get checked off before summer? I’d like to hear ’em below!

Fitness, Yoga

You’re Okay, but your lbs. Can’t Stay

January 7, 2016April 8, 2016 runswithhips

Hello Hip Huggers,

Monday was my last day at my cool little job. Regrettably, I had to come home from working for personal reasons, not my own and I’ll share that caveat later. But it was definitely a fun time, with a fun company and fun people. I was sure sure lucky to have had an experience like this.

I’ve been working since June of this past summer. After years of being home and having the ease of planning meals, exercising at will, and constantly plugged into social media I didn’t fare well balancing it all whilst returning to the workforce, even part time. I started mindless munching to soothe work stress, commutes and being spread thin at home. I stopped creating time in the mornings to workout consistently. And, I ate a lot of grits.

So, now that I am home and have to face the ~~mirror~~ music, I must admit: a sistah has gained 20 lbs, 19 to be exact, since May 2015.

I’m not upset with myself about the gain, but of the state of my life: uncontrolled. I hadn’t prepared my family properly before heaving myself into work. I felt like I was always catching up, and I of course, was last on my Own. Damn. List. But, I need to always workout for my own mental health and sanity. I shouldn’t allow myself to not put myself first. No one is jumping in to help figure things out. No ones pulling me out of bed to run. No one is planning my meals or workouts. No one is rolling out my mat when I’m off center. I’m not even sure anyone is praying for me! So, I’d better be doing all these things for my damn self. And not allow life, at any pace, to control me.

Also, it doesn’t matter what you do- running, lifting, yoga, tracking calories… Just do it. Running kept me light, lifting kept me lean. Yoga made me strong, tracking kept me accountable. Great individually, but incredible altogether.

Today was a mix of it all , 30 Day Shred (which almost killed me) to start! I knew I had lost a great deal of fitness, but I didn’t think I’d completely forget the pain of mountain climbers, jump squats, or butt kicks…

Finished my workout and decided to take a 20 minute stroll to meet my kiddos walking home from school…

Came home and practiced yoga for about 20 minutes. I’m incredibly tight in my hammies so the stretch was very humbling.

Now I’m kicked back, drinking hot tea, reading up on a few blogs I’ve missed, and preparing marinated chicken thighs for the grill, happily exhausted… Or I’m wishing I had all that going on and really getting ready for a nap…

Catch ~~some zzz’s~~ you later, Hip Huggers!
Question: Have you ever left a job you loved?

Fitness, Yoga

#SundayFlow

January 25, 2015January 25, 2015 runswithhips

Happy Sunday, ~~Heathens~~ Hip Huggers!
So glad you stopped by to see me before service!

imagesOD9KSIKZ

Let’s!!
****
Sunday vibes begin with #churchflow selfies on the way to worship!
I didn’t wash my hair after yesterday’s run so it looked like a bird’s nest.
I’m ~~thinking something~~ glad nothing flew into it!

Turquoise on #fleek!! I am obsessed with this stone.

***

I didn’t get up bright and early for cardio or stretching, so both must be done today.
First on the agenda was some yoga. My muscles have been mad sore with all this running.
I feel like it took twice as long to push past the muscle resistance as usual today.
I spent a lot of time ~~on my back~~ bending and breathing. Once I loosened up,
#Yogaflow began to feel refreshing, healing even.

Eagle pose is my least favorite yoga pose. Nothing personal, but I just don’t see/feel
the benefits of this pose. There is such a huge risk in too much weight being put on the
supporting knee and you can’t see anything! I just don’t get it. But, all is coming so maybe
some perspective will along with that. Until then, this will be a random thing.

I am a little more partial to backbends. I love anything backbend. This pose was a bit more
challenging coming down on the forearms, and rising up on my toes. Still needs some work,
but practicing backbends often is paying off. Wheel pose variation is workin’

Another great favorite is the Compass pose. I remember posting it on Facebook
and my friends went crazy! Like Barbie doll legs. I tried to convince them
it wasn’t that intense, but does require a great deal of flexibility in the hammies and hips.

Last pose to make the list is this yummy stretch! Upward Dog in my opinion does not
get the love it should, it is not just an easy pose. Those quads burn! I need to regularly
practice anything that stretches these genetically tight hip flexors. I love Upward D!

I have been especially careful about stretching my wrists. I do a lot of inversions,
and recently started practicing peacock pose, an arm balance where to wrists are torqued
backwards and you’re balancing primarily using your abs on your elbows for support an d
digging into your solar plexus. It is ~~brutal~~ challenging, but I’ve made some progress. No, not
enough progress to show but ~~sooner or~~ later, I’ll have something to share! For now, just the stretch.

***

Just wanted to check in and share my yoga on the Sunday afternoon. I’m off for a quick #Strollflow around
the neighborhood to soak in the last bit of sunshine today. Hope all you Hipsters have enjoyed your weekend
and are ready to conquer the Mondays!

Enjoy the rest o’ your Sunday!

Question: Is there a yoga pose you are not so crazy about? Please share!

Fitness, Yoga

Nab the Grab

January 20, 2015January 22, 2015 runswithhips

Helloooo Hip Huggers!!
How was your 3 day weekend?
I spent mine trying get my life together…

Just couldn’t capture it.
***
The weather here in Dallas has been perfect!
The sun has been in a very festive mood.
For the first time in weeks I’ve been able to
expose skin and show off some new kicks!

Speaking of kicks, I haven’t been kicking up my heels running lately.
Not much lifting to report either, but I haven’t been standing still.
I had an awesome yoga session Saturday morning
once I shook off the cobwebs and got down to the mat.
I really just wanted to fold and bend a bit,
so I didn’t set any intentions for practice…

Triangle Pose

I later changed my mind and decided to nab the grab…
Triangle Pose with a Bind

Once I finally opened up and could bend a little,
I warmed up my back and core with wheel pose.
My mantra this year is to open up my back, and I have
been keeping that mindset as I go into every practice.
That may not always happen, but that’s what intentions are all about.
So, I woke up this morning with my mind stayed on Jesus ~~backbends.~~
I figured I’d see how ready my hands were to nab my feet in a full bow pose…

Nabbed It! I love how yoga always gives me a new
perspective on triumphs. Whether it be trying something new,
or doing something better, yoga has taught me
that any process takes time and in that,
be gentle to yourself and be okay in the ‘in between

Be in the In Between.
How’s this ~~capture~~ for perspective?
***

Now, I am off to Workout + Walk for my WOD!
I’ll catch you Hip Huggers later!

Question: What color is your yoga mat?

Eating, Fitness, Running, Yoga

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!!

Yoga

Medication & Meditation

December 27, 2014December 27, 2014 runswithhips

Hello Hip Huggers!
I’m fighting a pretty persistent flu this season, which has slowed me way down.
I’m currently sipping some delicious chicken soup my husband made,
and trying to let the hot fluid work it’s healing magic…

Also easing the discomfort with the usual suspects.
Sinex for nose, Absorbine for neck pain, and VapoRub for chest.
The Trinity for congested souls…

Speaking of healing, this lil ol’ blog has been on my mind for quite sometime. Thinking about you readers, fellow bloggers I love to follow, ~~funny memes~~ and sharing the light that is all things fitness; this has been healing for me! My laptop is really pathetic and this WordPress app is certainly nothing to write home about… But, it’s worth another ~~missed flu~~ shot.. For you!

Funny, the last few months have looked like this: Insane lifting OR insane running OR insane yoga.
I still have yet to master the art of balancing all 3. One always gets ahead of the pack and
I throw myself full throttle into it. Right now, it’s ~~medicated~~ yoga.

But, with the New Year upon us, I am eager to get back to a little more running and lifting during the week.
I actually came up with an awesome running schedule that isn’t too much and still leaves room for a
couple lifting days and certainly lots of intentional ~~yoga selfies~~ meditation…

Namaste, Hip Huggers! And Happy New Year!

Yoga

Favourites Fridays

August 29, 2014 runswithhips

Hello Hip Huggers!!

I know I usually post my favorite workout, recipe, or run of the week on Fridays, but

I had to take a step back from working out at my usual intensity and allow my quad to heal up a bit.

So, the timimg and circumstance is perfect for Favourites Friday to include a Yoga Pose! ~~Or 5!!~~

Or, at least I think I do.

***

My favorite body part ~~of all time~~ to train and strengthen are my hamstrings.

I don’t know if that’s because deadlifts are my all time favorite exercise and that makes for stellar hams,

or because running makes then awful tight and need extra attention.

Either way, I love working them, and strengthening them via running, lifting, and yoga 🙂

Big muscles need lots of oxygen, so they are hard to train. But it must be done!

Don’t skimp on the Deadlifts, Squats, and Lunges, Hip Huggers! They’re your foundation!

Here are some of my Favorite Hamstring awakening Asanas.

Sugar Cane Pose

Crescent Moon Pose Variation

Lizard Lunge

Hand to Big Toe Pose

Not all work and no play… when it’s time to give these hammies a rest…
we invert!

Hollow Back Handstand

Yoga has absolutely seduced me and taken over Favorites Fridays!

Want even MORE yoga? I shared my nightly sweet dreams sequence here.

If you are having a hard tome getting rest,

these poses may just fix you up and get you into a slumber in no time!

Check it out, Hip Huggers!

Thanks for stopping by and have a Great Weekend!!

***

Question: What’s you favorite body muscle to train?

Triangle Pose

Yoga

Sweet Dream Sequence

August 29, 2014 runswithhips

Hello Again, Hip Huggers!!

I want to take a yoga moment and share how my practice has truly enhanced my lifestyle.

From the time I rise until my eyes close, in some form or facet, yoga is on my mind.

Even when working out, I am always incorporating yoga into my recovery for days I left and run,

as well as active rest on days I don’t! But, it doesn’t S~~avasana~~ stop there.

Yoga not only enhances my days and workouts, but my nights and sleep as well!

Practicing a short, restorative sequence before bed brings awareness to my breath,

areas of my body which are tense, and allows me to fully relax and release my day.

Needless to say, the act of just simply deep breathing & deep stretching is calming and centering.

This, Hip Huggers, allows for a more restorative sleep. Our brains and bodies NEED this!

Note: I am not a yoga teacher, so please use caution when attempting these or any yoga poses.

Also, if this particular sequence is too long for you, or you’re not comfy with the flow, that’s ok!

Modify by choosing the ones you feel most comfortable in, and start building from there.

I practice each of these poses for about 10 breaths, and switch sides if necessary.

I focus on breathing and keeping my spine straight as possible while bending at the waist.

Let’s Get it in, Hipsters! Ready, Set, Flow!

Half Lord of the Fishes Pose:

Seated Head to Knee Pose:

Standing Forward Bend:

Wide Legged Forward Bend:

Legs Up the Wall Pose:

Reclining Hero Pose:

Child’s Pose:

Too tired to get on the mat? Then jump in the bed and get flowing!

The benefits will come wherever you decide to give your mind and body

some love! Bonus: if you can take just 5 minutes in the morning and do a few rounds of

Sun Salutations to wake up your body and mind by getting the blood flowing, you

are off to a fantastic start to your day, too! Come home to yourself. You deserve it!

***

I’m off to my Friday night yoga class,

Namaste, my friends! Sweet Dreams 🙂

Question: How much restful sleep a night are you getting?

Eating, Fitness, Lifting, Uncategorized, Yoga

Gettin’ In the Check In…

August 29, 2014August 29, 2014 runswithhips

Hello Hip Huggers!! Just checking on in wit ya…

You’re here now. That’s all that matters.

If you check in with me on Instagram, that little ticker right down there in the right hand corner, you’re up to date on my yoga challenges.
So, I’ll talk a smidge about other things that have been progressing over the last couple of weeks.
Since my last post, I have been doing a lot of reeling in on realizations about my fitness, you know, staying on my toes…

First, I had a short tenure again with MyFitnessPal.
After a few days of fitting all my macros, I came to the conclusion that I don’t really need a food tracker any longer.
Aligning with my fitness goals, I just need to continue eating whole, real healthy foods as I have been.
Being certainly mindful of my protein intake, keeping a close watch on fats, and gettin’ in my fiber goals daily.
With delicious real meals such as this one from last night…

Next, BodyBeast has been pretty much everything I have expected.
Not for the weak-minded I must say, because you will certainly be humbled when you are lifting drop, super, and giant sets!
I can’t believe I am saying this, but I had to break out my 5 lb. weights…yes. However, It lives up to the name.
I am seeing gains again. Check out this PUMP!!

I DID have to take a week off though, and that totally had me in the dumps.
I overextended my quad in yoga during a Vinyasa flow.
To be precise, too many lunge variations to quick in the sequence kinda irritated my upper left quad.
In short, a lot of fast flowing lunges that ended like this…

I was afraid I had pulled a tendon at first, that’s how bad it hurt.
But after icing and resting a few days, the pain has completely subsided.
Thank GOD! Lesson learned: Slow down to keep up!
Being sidelined from everything because of one thing is not a good look…
And trust me, I’ve worn it. Never. Again.

So, I had to scale back and return to less intense yoga and workouts.
Running was out of the question, so I picked a few 10 minute full body workouts to do daily,
After that pump, I trek over to the ‘Incredimill’ for a quick 30 minutes of walking intervals with hills,
or get it some step aerobics to get that heart rate up as well as that fitness…
For a fat burn that looks like this…

Sometimes less is more. The name of the game in forever fitness, Hip Huggers

Check It!!

Question: What is your favorite form of Cardio?