thoughtsday :: 2.21.13

I love the fact that it's Thursday, when technically it should be Wednesday. Thanks again, George (Washington) and Abraham (Lincoln).

Here are some things that are rocking my world this week:

1. Lettuce prep: It's the small things, no? This is actually a semi-weekly occurrence, but I realized last night how nice it is to have fresh romaine on the spot. Romaine that you didn't pay an arm for by buying the pre-shredded bag that costs double a head for half the food. Romaine that stays crisp and green longer than yo mama. (Yeah, I don't know. My husband remembers his very first Google search being "your mama jokes." That must be on the brain.)

It's so nice to have quick and easy access to a healthy meal. If I'm feeling especially motivated, I'll prep a bunch of veggies and beans to toss in whenever I feel like I need to amp up my nutrients for that day. If I'm feeling unmotivated, I'll buy the stuff in the bag and call it a day.

2. Plastic tumblers: I don't know why it took me so long to jump on the bandwagon and get one of these suckers, but I am so glad I did. I drink a ton more water (seriously, like one ton) with this vs. the standard water bottle I used before. I guess the screwing off of the lid was just toooooo much work?

More water = better runs. Hallelujah.


3. A new blog for my reader, Pumps and Iron: I'm a sucker for quick-ish, at-home workouts that I can do with just this here body. Nicole has some great workouts that focus on full body circuits to just abs or arms. I've been trying to incorporate more ab and upper body workouts into my daily routine, since I am w-e-a-k. I appreciate her workout and photo layouts, as well as the fresh and clean graphic design of her blog.

I did this workout both last night and this morning, and my obliques and upper arms are feeling it today. Which is probably a really bad sign, considering this was not an arm workout:

Source: http://pumpsandiron.com/2012/06/25/12-minute-ab-workout/

Do you strength train? I need to get into a more consistent routine with this. I start it, keep up the habit for a couple weeks, and then put it on the back burner.

Are you good at hydrating? How do you ensure you get enough water throughout the day?

Bears, Beets, Battlestar Galactica

 **Whoever names the source of this post's title wins my heart for-ev-er. It's only one of the greatest shows ever.

A run: 4 miles outside in the pouring rain. I discovered that wearing a hat with a visor seriously helps keep the rain off my glasses. You would have thought I came to realize this sooner since it rains  good half of my runs. Winner, winner.




I did Fitnessistsa's Tabata workout yesterday morning, which had me walking similar to Frankenstein today. I love these quick, 4-minute workouts because you can do them in the comfort of your own home and don't require any equipment. I've gotten used to doing them more in the morning when it's dark, cold and rainy, and then save my run for the afternoon.

In other news, I love beets. Everything about them! They are so pretty and pink, and taste a lot better than I had ever imagined. In even better news recently, research has been done that these suckers may increase a runner's endurance and speed. Two things that I could always certainly use more of.

This morning I threw a party for these precious beets and invited a couple of our good friends:

I'm seriously addicted to roasting vegetables. I forgot to label it, but that clump of tinfoil in the  back is garlic. My husband really enjoys his wife to reek of beets and garlic.

I'm off for now - those Christmas cookies aren't going to eat themselves. ;) Have a great weekend!