I know that everyone has been bombarded by thoughts and reports concerning the bombings in Boston. I don’t want to drone on and on about my feelings about it, because those are thoughts and tears that stay between me and my fiancé, under our roof.
But I will say this. I’m sad and my heart aches. As a runner, I know that there is nothing, and I mean nothing, as determined and positive as the spirit of a marathoner. Whether they are running for pleasure or for a cause, there is nothing more emotional and triumphant than that run. I have known those emotions and have put my body through the same daunting feat (I’m speaking from my perspective of running two half-marthons).
I could go on and on. But I want to say that my heart was broken as I watched the news. There is a sense of community among runners. An unspoken knowledge of what we’ve put our bodies through and the emotions that rush to you as you run those kind of races. I feel so joyful when I watch other races on TV or running events, because I feel like I’m there. When I saw the news…I felt like my friends were hurt and murdered. It’s overwhelming to know that your community has been struck by an evil hand.
But there is nothing like the spirit of a runner. And their families are a fierce force that is ever-supporting (I don’t know what I would’ve done without my fiancé supporting me every step of the way during those races, and being there at the finish line to celebrate my accomplishments). So there is nothing like the running community, and nobody deserves that kind of pain, but evil certainly picked the wrong spirits to try to deter.
That is all I will say about that.
The Sweaty Breakdown:
I’ll be honest, I’ve been drained of energy this week. I’ve been worn down and exhausted and unable to make it to the gym to do the workouts that sound so appealing in my mind. So, I kept them short and sweet. Just enough to put my healthy mind at ease, but not enough to finish me off for the day.
Friday:
Can I start by showing you my haircut??
Ready to get my hair cut and color touched up!
Dum de dum dum…
Tah dah! Hair so fresh! Love it!
My gluten-free “Elvis” cupcake! Banana cake, chocolate filling, peanut butter frosting! Amazing!
Mom’s Red Velvet cupcake!
Saturday:
I love shopping the local Farmers Market!
My mom and I were on a weekend trip and staying in a hotel. I used the hotel gym to do a HIIT workout on the treadmill, and finished it off with some pushups. It felt great to be able to stay active while I was away (besides all the walking around we did all day, including 2 hours of walking around the farmer’s market with an old friend of mine).
Cardamom Iced Coffee!
Beautiful sushi! Shared several rolls with my mom, and this one was so pretty!
Um, are these not the most adorable little Macaron boxes??
Shared these beautiful scallops with my mom! Served with red pepper sauce and artichoke barley risotto.
Sunday:
I grabbed quite a few honey packets from the breakfast bar! I prepared my oats (brought from home) then drizzled them with honey!
Rest day! It was a beautiful day! But…I spent it in the car, driving back to Memphis. Nothing like driving when it’s 80 degrees, the sun is baking your legs, and you’re sweating because the air conditioner is turning itself off…
Monday:
I woke up early, like I love to do on Mondays (call me crazy), and whipped out my early morning HIIT treadmill sprints!
Tuesday:
I whipped out my wok! Steak stir fry for the win!
I did an unplanned weight routine after work. I used 8 pound dumbbells (I know, pretty light, but they’re the only set besides some 3’s that I have) and worked my arms and shoulders!
Wednesday:
So lucky to be marrying a man who wears mint-colored shorts…on the same day that I do, so we match! Yay!
I did a “weights” circuit using a resistance band! I used a medium resistance band (blue) and did the weights routine from the “bonus features” of a yoga DVD (a 10 min arms and abs routine), then I did a booty circuit twice!
Thursday:
Fabulous blanched green beans (rosemary, sea salt, chili flakes, olive oil), chicken, and avocado!
Today I felt like I had energy! Finally! I took advantage of it and whipped out a “100 Reps” routine! My legs were jelly afterwards and it felt great!
This Week’s Treats:
More Than Morning Glory Muffins:
Annnnnnddd…
That’s about it!! How was your week?
PS I am so happy about being featured in the FitFluential Ambassador Spotlight! I’ve had a few changes since that interview (mainly I’m working out solo now, using the knowledge I gained about weights from the trainer) but every word rings true.
Thanks so much to Heather for helping me through some major moments this week! Not to mention some major sweets and treats! Love!
Finally, is it totally tasteless to ask you all to bombard Quaker Oats with letters “encouraging” (cough cough…demanding…) them to sponsor me? What do ya say?
I never realized how long your hair was! You should chop it off and donate it too 😉
And I am extremely (beyond words) jealous of all your sushi eating. I can’t wait to pop this baby out and have that as one of my first meals post-preg!
Oh girl! I used to chop off 13″ and send it in every TWO years!! My hair used to grow crazy fast and I was a donating machine! Ha. But, now I’m just too nervous, so I’ll wait awhile longer. Just 4″ this time 😉
Oh, I totally feel ya! I’m going to feel the same way when I’m prego!!
OOOO I love your HAIR 🙂 And it’s SOOOOO LONG! How do you maintain it? I just bought clip in extensions and I get OBSESSED with my hair when I clip them in, today was my second time – ha ha ha! Oh hair… It totally makes or breaks a day! 😉
Oh girl! You’ll have to send me a picture of you and your long hair when it’s all clipped in!! 🙂
Maintain…. hummm… well, that implies that I am that good. Ha. Well, if I wash it at night (I just have to or else I’ll spend WAY too long drying it in the morning…rather let it air dry at night) and not brush it, it’s got an awesome wavy/curly hippie texture. If I straighten it (ie brush it and put effort into it) it’ll stay straight and “clean” for 2 days! I’ve learned to get as much time out of my styling effort as possible!
And thank you! I love my new cut…even if it is only 4-5″ shorter and still to my waist!
it’s nice to hear your thoughts. we need to let those out and then move on, slowly but surely! xxoo
Thank you Lindsay. I don’t like to get too political on my little Treats safe-haven, but sometimes, you just have to say something. Even if it is only a fraction of what you feel. xoxo
Looks like you had a great week, considering Monday’s events. Love the hair! Both recipes look like must tries!
Those cupcakes looked amazing!
As did the sushi!
Don’t know if I’ve ever commented before….but I’ve been following for quite a while!
Your hair is crazy long! Love the fresh color though :)!
Thank you! And it’s great to hear from you! 🙂
Oh my gosh girl, hold UPPPPP! There is just too much fabulousness in this post! I don’t know what to comment on first!! List format it is:
1. I am SO glad you got the cupcake…I KNOW it was worth it! And I totally would have went for the Elvis one too! PB and banana trumps red velvet ANY day! Lol
2. Omg, those macaroon boxes!! You should totally get them for bridesmaid gifts…with a little necklace or something inside! 😀
3. I’ve already gushed on IG, but holy damn hot mama those scallops look amazing!
4. Honey FTW!!!
5. Nice ass hubby-to-be! 😉
6. Do you play golf? I’ve never tried, but I suck balls at putt putt! Lol
7. You’re KILLING me with all the HIIT training! I wanna runnnnnnnnnn! Or hell, I want to walk, squat, kick, dance…please knee, pleeeeeeeeeease get better soon!! I want to feel jelly legs!
8. Work that wok, girrrrrrrl! Work it!
9. All of a sudden I want a bowl of green beans in my face!
10. And I want to braid your hair! 😀
Love you!!!! Ok, now I have to answer your texts…I can only do so many things at once! Lol
GIRL!!!
I have to go back and buy those boxes next time I’m there! That’s a genius idea!
Please braid my hair! 🙂
I’ve been on such a green bean kick! Crazy!
You better get better soon! I want you to dance and kick! haha