Pro Compression Fun & Upcoming Races

 

 

When your favorite healthy frozen yogurt brand refers to you not only as their bestie but as AMAZING across their social media sites, you know you are doing something right in the fro yo world.

Click here for the post.

Not going to lie, when I saw this email I immediately thought about those best friend charm necklaces I had as a kid and sort of want to find one and send the other half to Red Mango corporate headquarters.

So after getting that adorable pack of gum in the mail which I told you about yesterday, I have been making an even bigger effort to walk to that darn mailbox every afternoon so that I don’t miss out on anything else being delivered.

Good thing I decided to do so this week because I received my Pro Compression package in the mail!

We are talking marathon socks, two pairs of low trainers and one pair of racers!

The racer socks come half way up your calf instead of all the way up like the marathon socks.

I wore the racers after my run on Wednesday. Super comfy and perfect for wearing under your Uggs <–not that I feel like wearing boots at all anymore!

I was really excited to try the low trainers.

They look just like the foot of the marathon sock but they stop at the ankle, right above where your sneaker ends.

So, um, can I just say I absolutely LOVE the low trainers!!

LOVE. So comfortable. The most comfortable socks I own at this height actually.

Cushiony without being thick. Stay in place perfectly. Very even feeling in your shoe (does that make sense?) and you definitely feel that signature compression to your foot.

I loved them so much that after my run, I took out the second pair and wore them for the rest of the day which is not something I normally do; I like to save my running socks for running and wear regular socks for everything else.

Sometimes what I choose to wear for my run doesn’t make the marathon sock appropriate.

For example, if I want to wear crop pants (like my favorite Run Inspire from Lulu) and it’s a bit warm out, a high sock isn’t ideal.

These low trainers are perfect for these situations and then I can switch to the marathon sock for recovery.

You know you are a runner when you have a sock system….

You can order your own Pro Compression socks and save 40% right now using code: SPRING.

Let’s talk upcoming races for a minute.

I know you are curious when my next half marathon will be —I like to pretend that maybe someone other than my father likes to know my race schedule and planning process too.

My intentions were to run the Fitness Magazine Half on April 19th followed by the Long Island Half Marathon May 3rd just like I have since 2013 but I haven’t registered for either just yet.

I have been holding off on the registering just to get a grip on my cycles to see how they would pan out (remember I can’t run a race during that time of the month).

It’s looking like the Fitness Magazine Half is a go which is interesting since last year I felt so traumatized when I needed to drop out around mile seven that I swore I would never step foot in Central Park or run that race again.

But here I am. About to register.

As for the Long Island Half, I still don’t know if I will be able to do it. As of now, it’s a really close call and I may not be able to make the decision until the last-minute.

I really wanted to run this half for the third year in a row and I really wanted to try for under 1:45 (I finished 1:45:24 in 2013).

It is what it is though, right? We all have our limitations.

I see no point in paying money to participate in a race when I am not feeling my best not to mention run the risk of fainting.

Not worth it, I can just run comfortably at home for free.

In other race news, did you hear that Rock n Roll is coming to Brooklyn October 10th?!

I really want to run this race!

Registration opens March 16th so what I may do is register and purchase the insurance option thing, just in case.

[bctt tweet=”Pro Compression Fun & Upcoming Races #procompression #keepittight #rnr #fitnessmagazine #lihalf #redmango”]

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As a Pro Compression ambassador, I received the above-mentioned Pro Compression socks but was not compensated or even asked to write this post. All opinions are truly my own.

What’s next on your race calendar?

Are you planning to the run RnR Brooklyn?

Favorite type of Pro Compression socks?

 

 

Time To Think Out Loud

 

I am so happy that today is Thursday because I have A TON of random things to share with you this morning!

The other day when I had the maintenance crew from my community at my house to fix my closet door (don’t even ask) they let me know that I am known as the Energizer Bunny because of how often and how long I run loops around the neighborhood.

Rather than question this Energizer Bunny name, I just used it as an opportunity to show more people my Hat Tricking race medals.

Guess what I did yesterday?!

It has been over a year since I last took a spin class!

I received a random email on Tuesday from my old gym, Lifetime Fitness, inviting me back for  alumni week (read: free guest pass) so I decided this was the perfect week to make use of it!

I am slowly easing back into running so the spin class was perfect for my legs, especially for my hamstrings which have been a bit sore.

I never invested in spin shoes because I certainly don’t take the classes enough and really, I find that the few times that I do take a class, my sneakers fit just fine inside those clip things.

I love spin but it just isn’t running. I am happy to say though that it was the right exercise choice for yesterday because the extra day off from running has made me feel like myself again.

I forgot to tell you something super important:

When I stopped by the Pro Compression booth at the expo to pick up another pair of socks, I mentioned in conversation with the rep that my compression sleeves had ripped that morning when I put them on for the drive to Pennsylvania.

I was not expecting him to REPLACE the sleeves for free! Talk about standing by their products.

I am not even a Pro Compression ambassador or affiliate in any way. Just a runner who likes Pro Compression socks and appreciates quality customer service.

Did you know about these compression socks by the way?

They are part of the Running Skirts product line and I adore their patterns and cuteness but wonder how they compare to Pro Compression.

I want this book because it’s super funny and totally relatable.

I flipped through it briefly while I was in Barnes and Noble over the weekend during my shopping break in Bethlehem.

I was also really excited to spot the cookbook, SERIOUSLY DELISH, recently released by one of my most favorite bloggers, Jessica at How Sweet Eats.

I love reading her posts each day. Aside from the recipes, she cracks me up, reminds me of myself and I just enjoy her so much.

Speaking of recipes, I need to start following some. Like, I need to do something with everything I am pinning or at the very least, get a little more creative come meal time.

I have no issue when it comes to my own personal creativity at cookie time, but dinner lately needs a change.

Cookie recipe to come tomorrow!

I don’t know what I am looking for come dinner time these days. Something different but not involved.

I am thinking about forcing myself to pick one pinned recipe a week. I will let you know if I hold myself to it.

Be sure to check out what everyone else is thinking about today!

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What have you been eating for dinner lately?

Do you often cook what you pin on Pinterest?

Ever try those pretty compression socks?

 

Chocolate Fondue Is My Favorite

 

Where did June go? Has anyone else realized next Friday is the Fourth of July which means somewhere between now and then June will end and July will begin?

I don’t even understand. It is all a blur.

This whole week is a blur as well. A good blur of graduation parties, ceremonies, good food and some runs thrown in of course.

The beauty of being a morning runner is a packed schedule seldom interferes with your workout.

You know I need to expand on the good food part of this conversation, right?

We arrived in the city yesterday in time for our lunch reservation.

You should know that a ride to Manhattan can take me twenty minutes or three hours, depending upon the traffic. I don’t even want to discuss the ride home which was yeah, about three hours. My lower legs were craving my compression socks to sit in one position for that long. I may need to keep a pair of compression socks in my trunk along with the first-aid kit, emergency blanket, tampons, granola bars and water.

Anyway, the food and the fun made it worth it.

Of course we ordered the onion rings which were served with a cocoa ranch dipping sauce. I never really cared for ranch dressing but this one was tasty. Can you taste the cocoa? I don’t really think so but it was good.

This picture doesn’t do the salad justice. It was a chick pea and quinoa salad which happened to be loaded with avocado and cherry tomatoes, a honey Dijon vinaigrette and onion rings since I am smart and saved some from our appetizer to chop up into the mix.

Let’s talk about the dessert.

Meet the chocolate syringe.

All three boys ordered the chocolate syringe which as you can see, is basically just a syringe filled with warm chocolate which you shoot directly into your mouth.

No one let me try it but I have had it before and it is a lot of fun.

My son also ordered the chocolate pizza. It is basically a pizza dough topped with chocolate and marshmallows served with a small bowl of ice cream and lots of gummy bears.

All restaurants should decorate their plates with gummy bears. Beats parsley doesn’t it?

I will forever order the chocolate fondue.

We ordered an extra bowl of strawberries because they really don’t give you enough to balance out the chocolate with your dipping snacks.

Under the chocolate chip cookies and brownies are the marshmallows which you can roast but I really had no patience for that.

I was all about dipping everything immediately, including my fingers, into the pots of chocolate.

I am a child when it comes to dessert but I think it is what keeps me young.

For some reason, I feel like admitting to you that when my son went to the bathroom, I sneaked on over to his plate to snag some of his ice cream. I really just wanted a spoonful to dip in the warm pots of chocolate fondue.

It’s not like he was going to finish it or willingly share it with me. Please don’t tell him.

So it’s Friday. Another beautiful weekend in the forecast here which hopefully means beach time for me. I am contemplating taking my long run to the boardwalk tomorrow morning instead of my usual long run loop.

I am also contemplating a Fourth of July four mile race which I ran two years ago. I probably won’t decide until the middle of next week since I will wait to register based upon the weather, my mood and my other plans.

I think I am leaning towards running it though. Why not, right?

Have a terrific weekend!

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What do you keep in your trunk? Do you keep emergency items or just load it up with junk that you should really clean out?

Favorite food to dip in melted chocolate?

What’s next on your race calendar?

 

Weekend Plus Fabulous Guacamole Recipe

 

I couldn’t help but laugh to myself only an hour or so after my post on Saturday.

Remember my “summer-like” remark about the weather for Saturday’s long run?

I left my house to go out for the day and suddenly found myself caught in what seemed like a blizzard.

Explain it I can’t and neither could the radio station I tuned into after hanging up my bluetooth phone call in favor of receiving some guidance from the meteorologist who continued to tell New Yorkers we were experiencing 42 degrees and sunshine.

You know what else I am having a hard time understanding?

My beautiful Red Mango parfait will now cost A DOLLAR MORE should I want any flavor other than original.

Now, I love the original and will usually fill my cup with it but when the greek flavors are available, I can’t say no.

Yes, of course, I gave the Red Mango employee a piece of my mind. And once again, I remembered to do my crazy-insane-yogurt lady flipping out in a calm, polite manner.

He responded kindly with some coupons so for now I will remain quiet… but the constant price increases are not helping me in my struggle to remain loyal to my weekly parfait obsession.

I do have a new obsession. Oh yes.

I took some time over the weekend to go through the Happy Herbivore cookbook and while everything looks delicious, one recipe jumped out at me as a MUST-MAKE IMMEDIATELY.

Not the roasted vegetables and sweet potato fries on my snack plate- those are my own.

We need to discuss the Sweet Pea Guacamole you see on the plate.

That’s right. Peas added to the avocado mixture to create Sweet Pea Guacamole.  When I tell you delicious, I mean delicious.

The recipe calls for a cup of sweet peas with half of an avocado which automatically lightens up  the caloric load of your typical guacamole plus adds some protein from the peas. Yes, peas have some protein, I believe 5 grams per serving.

I don’t care for the extra work of making guacamole since I am totally satisfied just eating sliced avocado on top of anything and everything but this recipe was super simple and so good that I wouldn’t mind making a double or triple batch and having it for a few days in the refrigerator.

The recipe recommended using a blender or food processor – go with a food processor. I used my blender which really didn’t get the job done at all. I didn’t care if every pea was completely pureed but if that is something that would bother you, either mash them well first or use a food processor.

Adapted from Happy Herbivore (because I can never follow a recipe):

• 1 cup sweet peas – thawed
• 1/2 avocado (or more for added avocado flavor/texture)
• 1 tsp of garlic powder
• 1 tsp (or maybe a little more) of Trader Joe’s Carolina Gold Barbeque Sauce
• Juice from two slices of a lime
• 1 tsp of cumin
• Splash of siracha sauce

Combine all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Taste and adjust according to your liking.

I added more cumin and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. The Happy Herbivore recipe also called for onion flakes but I didn’t have any. Also, you can absolutely use a different barbeque sauce. The recipe called for a Worcestershire Sauce (a recipe was even provided in the cookbook) as well as a tablespoon of nondairy milk. I would have used skim milk but honestly forgot the ingredient yet didn’t notice until I looked at the recipe again after eating.

I have never been a chip and dip person but I feel like topping everything I eat with this sweet pea guacamole. Yes, including my onion rings.

I even wish that the veggie burger I had over the weekend at Zinburger would have included this guacamole instead of just the avocado on top.

Looks like a fabulous meal, right? It was just OK. Don’t you hate when that happens?

Nothing worse than a meal that looks like it should be amazing yet ends up tasting just OK.

It is not OK to be just OK in my book. Not worth eating anything that is JUST OK.

Anyway, I experimented with some other recipes of my own inspiration (dessert of course) over the weekend so hopefully I will get to sharing those some time this week.

Right now I need to try to get some work done before the little boy is up. There is no school today so I will be taking him and his best pal to the Islanders game. I know, I know, Mother of the Year strikes again.

WAIT. Before I go, has anyone else seen that Lulu Lemon came out with compression socks?

They come in a light pink too – I saw them both in the store.

I didn’t exactly read rave reviews on these compression socks (mainly about the lack of the compression part) so I am curious if any of you have tried them or know anyone who has tried them.

It’s funny – I haven’t even been wearing my  Pro Compression socks at all and haven’t noticed that they are missing. My legs feel pretty great these days before, during and after my runs so I do wonder if I ever needed them in the first place.

Something to think about while I run this morning which, in case you are wondering, is possibly my last outdoor run for a bit with another cold front and snow storm looming. I refuse to call a cold front by the new media-given name of “Polar Vortex”. Is it just me, or does it seem like the media names regular weather occurrences simply for more marketing power?

Enjoy your Monday!

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I NEED TO KNOW:

 Do you eat avocado as is or do you prefer guacamole? I never liked guacamole until recently but I think I am just as happy with plain avocado.

Do you wear compression socks? Which ones?

Are you off from work today?

How do you feel about this term “polar vortex”?

 

 

 

Three Tip Tuesday – To Run or Not To Run

So yesterday’s run did not go as I planned. I mean, I never plan for a bad run, I don’t know anyone who does.

Right away I felt a little bit off. The tops of my feet were aching in a weird way, my left hamstring might have been saying something and I stopped to tie my laces a few times.

Sometimes I think that wearing my compression socks one day and regular socks the next affects the proper lacing position – the compression socks are thinner so I tie tighter and then my regular socks are thicker so I need to readjust – can you follow what I am saying?

I set out for 5 miles. While I completed all 5, I didn’t feel too fabulous at any point of the something around 45 minute run.

Sometimes bad runs/work outs happen. They are par for the course.

Wait – the only stupid question is the one not asked – isn’t that what they taught us in school?

Sure, I want to run every day but sometimes we need to listen to our bodies.

I ask myself the following three questions to determine if I should keep running:

1 -What exactly is bothering me? I do a mental evaluation of what is bothering me – Is it my feet? Legs? Can I make an adjustment to my shoes? Do I need a drink? A bathroom stop?

2- Am I out of breath? I am very rarely out of breath. If I am not feeling my normal self and my breathing is heavy, I know something is up and I either need to slow it down or stop.

3- Can I continue comfortably if I slow down? I am not one to stop and walk. I often find that slowing down my pace into a jog is enough to get back into a comfort zone.

Slowing down your pace may not have you achieving negative splits or finishing in record time, but it does allow you to continue with your run, regroup mentally and physically as well as build endurance.

Even if you don’t run, we all have days where our workouts don’t feel so great. But that doesn’t always mean you need to throw in the towel.

Please remember though – we are all different. What works for me may or may not work for you.

I am extremely in tune with my body – I know when I can push myself and when to call it quits for the day.

If you truly do not feel well or something hurts to the point where you are running in true pain – STOP!

Now, lately for me, the biggest negative side effect of pushing my speed and weekly mileage has been my massive and mean appetite.

I was ready for lunch yesterday at 10:30 am. I held off until 11:30 am.

Don’t cry over a broken egg. Well, unless it is a hormone and antibiotic free egg from a chicken raised on a vegetarian diet making it cost more than your average egg. Then you can cry.

I needed something big. And filling. To satisfy my insane hunger  I went with a large asparagus, onion and tomato omelette on top of a salad that contained roasted cauliflower, brussel sprouts and butternut squash topped with avocado.

It was so good that it deserves multiple shots from every angle.

I have a feeling these large omelette salad plates are going to be making a regular appearance on my menu.

Time for me to get my day moving. My legs are feeling especially well rested this morning therefore I am hopeful for a fun run.

Have a great day!

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I NEED TO KNOW:

How do you handle bad runs?

What time do you normally eat lunch? Do you give in and eat earlier if you are suffering from a hungry day?

Favorite omelette ingredients?