Happy New Year!
The beginning of each year (decade in this case!) always brings many hopeful resolutions, and therefore, an increased number of gym-goers. I don't think I have ever kept a new years resolution- the motivation of "it's a new year" is simply not enough for me to change my set habits and mindsets. Generally, I do not like to do things on my own. I am lazy. When I wanted to get in shape, I got a personal trainer. When I impulsively decided to run a marathon, I joined the group "Team in Training." Now that I have neither, I have joined a new group to get me to the next fitness level: Crossfit.
I have reviewed Crossfit on this blog before (a free beginners class to let you know what the workout is all about). It is known about being the most intense and efficient workout you can do. I have recently completed the "elements workout" (a series of 6 small classes spread out over 3 weeks), which taught me how to safely and efficiently do the crossfit workouts correctly. Crossfit has a different "workout of the day" (WOD) each day which is meant to be a total body challenge for everyone and anyone- no matter how "fit" you are. The creators of crossfit wanted a functional and intense workout to lead to the most efficient results possible. With successful completion of the elements workout, I received 2 weeks of unlimited "WODs" (which are small classes supervised by qualified crossfit trainers). I am embarrassed to admit that I have not taken full advantage of those unlimited two weeks. Because this is the fastest way to get in shape, it is inevitable that the people who work out here are VERY in shape. It is intimdating. and HARD. It is really hard to make yourself workout somewhere when it is a) out of your way b) really painful and c) you're the worst one there! Fortunately, all the trainers and members create a very close knit and supportive group I feel like I could become a part of. I just need to force myself to step past my boundaries and do something really good for my body. I will definitely renew my contract when my 2 weeks are over and go more often!
The trainers at crossfit also encourage the "paleo diet." The concept is to eat like the cavemen ate- before the agricultural revolution. So no grains, no legumes, no dairy, no sweets. Lots of lean meat and veggies. The maximum amount of nutrients for the least amount of calories.
According to Crossfit, this is Fitness in 100 Words 2.0
Eat meat and vegetables, nuts and seeds, some fruit, little starch and no sugar. Keep intake to levels that will support exercise but not body fat. Sprint and train major lifts: Deadlift, clean, squat, presses, C&J, and snatch. Similarly, master the basics of gymnastics: pull-ups, dips, rope climb, push-ups, sit-ups, presses to handstand, pirouettes, flips, splits, and holds. Sprint, jump and compete hard and fast. Five or six days per week mix these elements in as many combinations and patterns as creativity will allow. Lift heavy weights often. Keep workouts short and intense. Regularly learn and dominate a sport.
Again, sorry for the infrequent posting! I will be more attentive, I promise :-)
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Back to the old routine
Over the past few weeks, I have learned something about:
a) My diet, and
b) My fitness regiment
I have noticed my energy level dwindling and my skin getting paler and paler (okay, this is normal during the wintertime. But I've been seriously pale). Although there are plenty of reputable sources that confirm that you don't need much protein in your diet, I have a funny feeling I am slightly iron and protein deficient. I have experimented with this hypothesis by loading my diet with dark, leafy green adn meats while limiting refined sugars. This small change to my mostly vegan diet has really made me feel more nourished. To each his own :-)
I still try to stay away from dairy/mis-combining my food groups, but I think it's more important to have a good RELATIONSHIP with food and feel satisfied without the guilt. It is especially important to feel nourished before workouts- makes all the difference in the world.
I have recently "bit the bullet" and got back on the treadmill. When I first became a gym rat and changed my body significantly, I owed that change to three things:
Strength training with my lovely trainer/friend/mentor Marissa
Bikram Yoga
and most importantly, REALLY fast treadmill workouts. Even though I never ran more than 5K on the treadmill (much too boring for that), I found that these high intensity workouts didn't allow me to "cheat" as much as running outside might. I decided to revisit these treadmill runs again.
When I first got back on the treadmill, I was immediately discouraged. I wanted to immediately return to my top fitness level: starting at 7mph (8.30 min miles) and increasing sometimes to 10.5 mph at the end of my workout (that's REALLY fast). I have learned that pushing myself too hard too soon will inevitably lead to failure, and also to a complete loss of confidence (which is what resulted in my unhappiness during my last marathon season). My wise coach Ramon recently set a facebook status update with great poignancy for me:
"Run only if the run you are about to conquer has meaning and satisfies both your body and mind. Stay away from senseless runs, they only damage your confidence and your body."
This is so true. Since the marathon, I have tried to accomplish this- I want to ENJOY my workouts, not fear them. Setting my expectations too high will only discourage and weaken me. I have taken these treadmill runs slowly, and have seen improvement! I have energy I haven't had in months! Today, I actually took the stairs to the 6th floor of school instead of the elevator! I have also noticed a change in my body. A small change, but a good one.
Basically, we should just do what makes us happy. Sometimes I don't want to get on the treadmill, but I know I will always feel better when the run is over (and during!). Even if it merely serves the purpose to sweat out toxins (especially after a late night), that is a run well spent. However, it is not healthy to be governed by guilt. It is JUST RUNNING!
PS - check out this weird piece of news:
"Question
Craving and chewing ice: A sign of anemia?
Is constantly craving and chewing ice a sign of anemia?
Answer
from Ruben Mesa, M.D.
Possibly. Doctors use the term "pica" to describe craving and chewing substances that have no nutritional value — such as ice, clay, cornstarch or paper. Craving and chewing ice (pagophagia) is often associated with iron deficiency anemia — although it may be associated with other nutritional problems as well.
It's not known why some people with iron deficiency anemia crave and chew ice. Researchers from one recent study suggested it may be because of ice's pain-relieving properties, since some people with iron deficiency anemia experience tongue pain and inflammation (glossitis). The same researchers found that ice has a new and better taste to some people who are iron deficient.
In some individuals, pica is a sign of emotional problems, such as stress, obsessive-compulsive disorder or a developmental disorder.
A thorough medical evaluation can help determine if pica is due to an underlying medical condition. If the cause of pica is an emotional or developmental issue, cognitive behavioral therapy may be helpful. "
I really LOVE chewing ice! I think I need to find a new "addiction" for the winter...ice chewing is a little cold for the season :-)
a) My diet, and
b) My fitness regiment
I have noticed my energy level dwindling and my skin getting paler and paler (okay, this is normal during the wintertime. But I've been seriously pale). Although there are plenty of reputable sources that confirm that you don't need much protein in your diet, I have a funny feeling I am slightly iron and protein deficient. I have experimented with this hypothesis by loading my diet with dark, leafy green adn meats while limiting refined sugars. This small change to my mostly vegan diet has really made me feel more nourished. To each his own :-)
I still try to stay away from dairy/mis-combining my food groups, but I think it's more important to have a good RELATIONSHIP with food and feel satisfied without the guilt. It is especially important to feel nourished before workouts- makes all the difference in the world.
I have recently "bit the bullet" and got back on the treadmill. When I first became a gym rat and changed my body significantly, I owed that change to three things:
Strength training with my lovely trainer/friend/mentor Marissa
Bikram Yoga
and most importantly, REALLY fast treadmill workouts. Even though I never ran more than 5K on the treadmill (much too boring for that), I found that these high intensity workouts didn't allow me to "cheat" as much as running outside might. I decided to revisit these treadmill runs again.
When I first got back on the treadmill, I was immediately discouraged. I wanted to immediately return to my top fitness level: starting at 7mph (8.30 min miles) and increasing sometimes to 10.5 mph at the end of my workout (that's REALLY fast). I have learned that pushing myself too hard too soon will inevitably lead to failure, and also to a complete loss of confidence (which is what resulted in my unhappiness during my last marathon season). My wise coach Ramon recently set a facebook status update with great poignancy for me:
"Run only if the run you are about to conquer has meaning and satisfies both your body and mind. Stay away from senseless runs, they only damage your confidence and your body."
This is so true. Since the marathon, I have tried to accomplish this- I want to ENJOY my workouts, not fear them. Setting my expectations too high will only discourage and weaken me. I have taken these treadmill runs slowly, and have seen improvement! I have energy I haven't had in months! Today, I actually took the stairs to the 6th floor of school instead of the elevator! I have also noticed a change in my body. A small change, but a good one.
Basically, we should just do what makes us happy. Sometimes I don't want to get on the treadmill, but I know I will always feel better when the run is over (and during!). Even if it merely serves the purpose to sweat out toxins (especially after a late night), that is a run well spent. However, it is not healthy to be governed by guilt. It is JUST RUNNING!
PS - check out this weird piece of news:
"Question
Craving and chewing ice: A sign of anemia?
Is constantly craving and chewing ice a sign of anemia?
Answer
from Ruben Mesa, M.D.
Possibly. Doctors use the term "pica" to describe craving and chewing substances that have no nutritional value — such as ice, clay, cornstarch or paper. Craving and chewing ice (pagophagia) is often associated with iron deficiency anemia — although it may be associated with other nutritional problems as well.
It's not known why some people with iron deficiency anemia crave and chew ice. Researchers from one recent study suggested it may be because of ice's pain-relieving properties, since some people with iron deficiency anemia experience tongue pain and inflammation (glossitis). The same researchers found that ice has a new and better taste to some people who are iron deficient.
In some individuals, pica is a sign of emotional problems, such as stress, obsessive-compulsive disorder or a developmental disorder.
A thorough medical evaluation can help determine if pica is due to an underlying medical condition. If the cause of pica is an emotional or developmental issue, cognitive behavioral therapy may be helpful. "
I really LOVE chewing ice! I think I need to find a new "addiction" for the winter...ice chewing is a little cold for the season :-)
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
new workouts!
Once again, I apologize for the long hiatus!
This past month I have been trying to get back into a workout routine. I have been dealing with laziness and lack of money, which is a bad combination when I need a lot of motivation to workout and push myself! At times like these I miss having a trainer.
At the beginning of the month, I took advantage of an introductory week of yoga at Bikram Yoga Union Square. I always enjoy doing these intro week specials (I have also completed them with Bikram Yoga NYC and Bikram Yoga Harlem) because you can do yoga as much as you want for only $20! What a deal!
Bikram Yoga Union Square had a completely different vibe than the other studios. I referred to it as "Bikram Yoga Bootcamp." It was realllly hardcore. I felt like it was much more of a workout than other classes I've taken. It was also kind of scary. The instructors clapped loudly when they wanted us to change postures! and they kept us in the postures wayyy longer than I was used to. The heating system was also different than the other Bikrams I've done, so it took me a few days to get used to the heat. In other words, I was on the floor a lot. I am really glad I did this intro week (especially because I got to explore Union Square), but I will probably not go back fora while. It is pretty expensive compared to what I'm used to, and is slightly more pretentious than other yoga studios I've been to. But I did enjoy getting my butt kicked!
Another workout I tried this month was "Crossfit NYC." I was traveling to Kentucky the week after the marathon (to visit my friend and former roommate Kate and her wonderful family), and this guy I was sitting next to on the plane highly recommended it. I decided to check it out, and signed up for a free beginner workout. This studio is located on 26th and Broadway, and the first thing I noticed when I entered was how empty it seemed! It was not full of machines like most gyms I am used to, but an interesting assortment of weights and block type things. The 2nd thing I noticed was the girl working at the front desk- my friend Sara, who played horn with me in brass quintet last year and graduated from MSM in the spring! She was formally a trainer at Crunch gym on the upper west side and recently converted to the Crossfit studio. What a pleasant surprise!
My beginner class consisted of two 20-something year old sisters without much workout experience, this other guy (who looked like he worked out) and myself. This "workout" was more of an introduction to what Crossfit is, but our trainer promised us that even with just the two 4-minute workouts we were going to do, we would be in agony the next day. Bring it on.
The first workout we did involved squatting down to a medicine ball (so you couldn't cheat; you had to squat down alll the way). We had to squat as many times as possible in 20 seconds (ouch) then had a 10 second recovery time. We repeated this eight times so it added up to four minutes. Our "score" was whatever the lowest number of squats in any of the given sets was. (For example, I started out with 16 squats in the first 20 seconds. By the 8th set, I was down to 12. My score was 12). We needed a LOT of recovery time after this one. Especially the guy in the group...his score was 19! And he was feeling it.
The second workout was similar to the first workout, except it involved push-ups instead of squats. I am pretty out of shape, especially in my upper body, so I did the girly knee push-ups. I ended up with a score of 8 (which was pretty happy with. These got very difficult very quickly).
My body hurt more the next day than it did the day after the marathon. It was awesome. I LOVE feeling sore because that means my body is changing. Unfortunately, I can't afford to do this quite yet, but as soon as I can afford a package, I am in. I want to be buff and in shape. I bet this will help with the running too!
In running news- I have gotten back on the treadmill. I haven't really gotten past two miles yet...but it feels good to push myself and really sweat like my old treadmill days. Soon I'll be back up to my 5K treadmill workout (which is really made me lose weight a few years ago).
Happy Thanksgiving!
This past month I have been trying to get back into a workout routine. I have been dealing with laziness and lack of money, which is a bad combination when I need a lot of motivation to workout and push myself! At times like these I miss having a trainer.
At the beginning of the month, I took advantage of an introductory week of yoga at Bikram Yoga Union Square. I always enjoy doing these intro week specials (I have also completed them with Bikram Yoga NYC and Bikram Yoga Harlem) because you can do yoga as much as you want for only $20! What a deal!
Bikram Yoga Union Square had a completely different vibe than the other studios. I referred to it as "Bikram Yoga Bootcamp." It was realllly hardcore. I felt like it was much more of a workout than other classes I've taken. It was also kind of scary. The instructors clapped loudly when they wanted us to change postures! and they kept us in the postures wayyy longer than I was used to. The heating system was also different than the other Bikrams I've done, so it took me a few days to get used to the heat. In other words, I was on the floor a lot. I am really glad I did this intro week (especially because I got to explore Union Square), but I will probably not go back fora while. It is pretty expensive compared to what I'm used to, and is slightly more pretentious than other yoga studios I've been to. But I did enjoy getting my butt kicked!
Another workout I tried this month was "Crossfit NYC." I was traveling to Kentucky the week after the marathon (to visit my friend and former roommate Kate and her wonderful family), and this guy I was sitting next to on the plane highly recommended it. I decided to check it out, and signed up for a free beginner workout. This studio is located on 26th and Broadway, and the first thing I noticed when I entered was how empty it seemed! It was not full of machines like most gyms I am used to, but an interesting assortment of weights and block type things. The 2nd thing I noticed was the girl working at the front desk- my friend Sara, who played horn with me in brass quintet last year and graduated from MSM in the spring! She was formally a trainer at Crunch gym on the upper west side and recently converted to the Crossfit studio. What a pleasant surprise!
My beginner class consisted of two 20-something year old sisters without much workout experience, this other guy (who looked like he worked out) and myself. This "workout" was more of an introduction to what Crossfit is, but our trainer promised us that even with just the two 4-minute workouts we were going to do, we would be in agony the next day. Bring it on.
The first workout we did involved squatting down to a medicine ball (so you couldn't cheat; you had to squat down alll the way). We had to squat as many times as possible in 20 seconds (ouch) then had a 10 second recovery time. We repeated this eight times so it added up to four minutes. Our "score" was whatever the lowest number of squats in any of the given sets was. (For example, I started out with 16 squats in the first 20 seconds. By the 8th set, I was down to 12. My score was 12). We needed a LOT of recovery time after this one. Especially the guy in the group...his score was 19! And he was feeling it.
The second workout was similar to the first workout, except it involved push-ups instead of squats. I am pretty out of shape, especially in my upper body, so I did the girly knee push-ups. I ended up with a score of 8 (which was pretty happy with. These got very difficult very quickly).
My body hurt more the next day than it did the day after the marathon. It was awesome. I LOVE feeling sore because that means my body is changing. Unfortunately, I can't afford to do this quite yet, but as soon as I can afford a package, I am in. I want to be buff and in shape. I bet this will help with the running too!
In running news- I have gotten back on the treadmill. I haven't really gotten past two miles yet...but it feels good to push myself and really sweat like my old treadmill days. Soon I'll be back up to my 5K treadmill workout (which is really made me lose weight a few years ago).
Happy Thanksgiving!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
a busy month of travel!
I'm sorry it has been so long since I've posted, especially since so many exciting things have happened! Like A MARATHON.
Two weeks ago, I headed out to San Francisco (my first time on the west coast!) to run the Nike Women's Marathon. I was nervous, excited, relieved and sad (all at once!) for that weekend. Nervous, because I knew what I was getting myself into. Excited, because team in training is an AWESOME group and I knew I'd have an incredible time. Relieved, because I knew that come Monday, I wouldn't have to run for a VERY long time. And sad, because this incredible group I've been running with for five months was reaching the conclusion of its time together.
San Francisco is a great city. I would love to be able to explore the city (and not on foot. for 26.2 miles). I feel like I really associate with the laid back vibe of the city. People are friendly. The food is good. The only aspect I didn't really like was the HILLS. My friend Lauren had a great idea for exploring the city without tiring our legs out before the race. We took one of those double decker tour buses and got to see everything without wasting any energy! I felt very much like a tourist.
The race was very hard. It was a much tougher course than I imagined, and the hills kept coming. I was, however, proud that I completed it no matter how miserable I felt the entire time. This is what I wrote in my journal the morning of the race as kind of a pep talk:
"Marathoning is a microcosm of your life- the strength and effort you use to push through this achievement is the same willpower used to fight through hard situations in life.
I can do this. And I'm going to have fun.
Think about what I am running for. Think about life and what I want to do.
It's just running. I just need to make it from the start sign to the finish. Easy :-)"
This is why running is so emotional for so many people. It becomes much more than just running- it becomes your self. When you devote so much time to one event, your success or failure can really mess with your mind and spirit. Coach Ramon insisted that the achievement of an endurance event is not about race day- it's about the training and hard work you put into it. That being said, the person who starts a marathon is not the same person who finishes one. While running, you have so much time to think about giving up, and that makes it so much more rewarding when you cross ths finish line. This particular marathon was a very teary-eyed one for many- I'm sure our coaches were very relieved when they didn't have to deal with our emotions anymore :-)
From now on, fall will always equal marathon season for me. And New York City is the place to be to experience the marathon magic. This weekend, New York was a very exciting place. Not only was it Halloween weekend (on a Saturday no less!) but it was also marathon weekend. For the first time, I actually got to be a spectator at a race and witness (instead of experience!) the true emotional sport marathon running is.
Have a wonderful week! I'll post more about the marathon(s) soon.
Two weeks ago, I headed out to San Francisco (my first time on the west coast!) to run the Nike Women's Marathon. I was nervous, excited, relieved and sad (all at once!) for that weekend. Nervous, because I knew what I was getting myself into. Excited, because team in training is an AWESOME group and I knew I'd have an incredible time. Relieved, because I knew that come Monday, I wouldn't have to run for a VERY long time. And sad, because this incredible group I've been running with for five months was reaching the conclusion of its time together.
San Francisco is a great city. I would love to be able to explore the city (and not on foot. for 26.2 miles). I feel like I really associate with the laid back vibe of the city. People are friendly. The food is good. The only aspect I didn't really like was the HILLS. My friend Lauren had a great idea for exploring the city without tiring our legs out before the race. We took one of those double decker tour buses and got to see everything without wasting any energy! I felt very much like a tourist.
The race was very hard. It was a much tougher course than I imagined, and the hills kept coming. I was, however, proud that I completed it no matter how miserable I felt the entire time. This is what I wrote in my journal the morning of the race as kind of a pep talk:
"Marathoning is a microcosm of your life- the strength and effort you use to push through this achievement is the same willpower used to fight through hard situations in life.
I can do this. And I'm going to have fun.
Think about what I am running for. Think about life and what I want to do.
It's just running. I just need to make it from the start sign to the finish. Easy :-)"
This is why running is so emotional for so many people. It becomes much more than just running- it becomes your self. When you devote so much time to one event, your success or failure can really mess with your mind and spirit. Coach Ramon insisted that the achievement of an endurance event is not about race day- it's about the training and hard work you put into it. That being said, the person who starts a marathon is not the same person who finishes one. While running, you have so much time to think about giving up, and that makes it so much more rewarding when you cross ths finish line. This particular marathon was a very teary-eyed one for many- I'm sure our coaches were very relieved when they didn't have to deal with our emotions anymore :-)
From now on, fall will always equal marathon season for me. And New York City is the place to be to experience the marathon magic. This weekend, New York was a very exciting place. Not only was it Halloween weekend (on a Saturday no less!) but it was also marathon weekend. For the first time, I actually got to be a spectator at a race and witness (instead of experience!) the true emotional sport marathon running is.
Have a wonderful week! I'll post more about the marathon(s) soon.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
a few more days!
Wow!
I leave for San Francisco in two short days! I am excited and nervous and already missing my TNT family. But I am SO ready to have my weekends and legs back to normal :-)
On Sunday I run/walked the Staten Island Half Marathon. I really did not want to do this. 1st of all, we are supposed to be in our "taper" mode, and not run more than 6miles for our long run. BUT my friend Lauren and I have fun all 4 of the other borough half marathons, and needed to do Staten Island to complete the half marathon "grand prix." We receive a special prize if we do all five. Which means, I woke up at 5:15 on Sunday morning to make the (chilly!) trek all the way to Staten Island. One aspect of these Grand Prix races is I get to explore areas of the city I would have never thought to visit. Some of these location (ahem, Queens) I will try not to frequent ever again at 5 in the morning. Staten Island was beautiful though. I loved the ferry ride, and was able to spend some quality time with my original TNT running buddy, Lauren. Oh, the things we will do for a "special prize" (which happens to be a patch. don't judge me. It's pure stubborn-ness).
The Run/Walk was very slow. It was fun! I took this race very leisurely. It was fun being in the back of the pack. I got a lot of alone time, and there was very little pressure. It was a little embarrassing to come in at the end...but I had a good excuse! I'm taking my taper very seriously!
I found this great website! runningraw.com - A guy named Tim VanOrden decided to start the "Running Raw Project:" the question was "Can one be an athlete while eating a 100% raw vegan diet?" and the conclusion he came to was yes! His website is very inspiring. He has accomplished so much with this lifestyle, and has some very impressive athletic accomplishments under his belt. I am interested to try to use some of his more natural dietary options as fuel instead of traditional running nutrition. Maybe I'll wait until AFTER the marathon to experiment....remember- Nothing new on race day!
Tuesday night I had the pleasure of trying New York City's epitome of fine-raw dining: Pure Food and Wine. I have been so excited to try this restaurant after months of hearing rave reviews. It did not disappoint. Everything at Pure Food and Wine is raw-vegan (not cooked above 118 degrees). It is incredible what the chefs can do with those kinds of limitations.
We ordered:
King Oyster Mushroom Scallops with Hijiki Seaweed
chive crème fraiche, wilted watercress with black garlic, tomato broth
for our main courses:
Zucchini and Local Hothouse Tomato Lasagna
basil pistachio pesto, sun-dried tomato sauce, pinoli ricotta
and
Sweet Pickled Beet and Rosemary Cashew Chevre Ravioli
wilted spinach, grapes, saffron cream, green olive tapenade
and for dessert....
Mint Sundae
chocolate, fresh mint, and mint chip ice cream, with mint chocolate cookies and vanilla cream
Keep in mind....all of this was RAW! isn't that amazing?
I wasn't such a big fan of the appetizer, but I loved the ravioli and the sundae was out of this world!
I leave for San Francisco in two short days! I am excited and nervous and already missing my TNT family. But I am SO ready to have my weekends and legs back to normal :-)
On Sunday I run/walked the Staten Island Half Marathon. I really did not want to do this. 1st of all, we are supposed to be in our "taper" mode, and not run more than 6miles for our long run. BUT my friend Lauren and I have fun all 4 of the other borough half marathons, and needed to do Staten Island to complete the half marathon "grand prix." We receive a special prize if we do all five. Which means, I woke up at 5:15 on Sunday morning to make the (chilly!) trek all the way to Staten Island. One aspect of these Grand Prix races is I get to explore areas of the city I would have never thought to visit. Some of these location (ahem, Queens) I will try not to frequent ever again at 5 in the morning. Staten Island was beautiful though. I loved the ferry ride, and was able to spend some quality time with my original TNT running buddy, Lauren. Oh, the things we will do for a "special prize" (which happens to be a patch. don't judge me. It's pure stubborn-ness).
The Run/Walk was very slow. It was fun! I took this race very leisurely. It was fun being in the back of the pack. I got a lot of alone time, and there was very little pressure. It was a little embarrassing to come in at the end...but I had a good excuse! I'm taking my taper very seriously!
I found this great website! runningraw.com - A guy named Tim VanOrden decided to start the "Running Raw Project:" the question was "Can one be an athlete while eating a 100% raw vegan diet?" and the conclusion he came to was yes! His website is very inspiring. He has accomplished so much with this lifestyle, and has some very impressive athletic accomplishments under his belt. I am interested to try to use some of his more natural dietary options as fuel instead of traditional running nutrition. Maybe I'll wait until AFTER the marathon to experiment....remember- Nothing new on race day!
Tuesday night I had the pleasure of trying New York City's epitome of fine-raw dining: Pure Food and Wine. I have been so excited to try this restaurant after months of hearing rave reviews. It did not disappoint. Everything at Pure Food and Wine is raw-vegan (not cooked above 118 degrees). It is incredible what the chefs can do with those kinds of limitations.
We ordered:
King Oyster Mushroom Scallops with Hijiki Seaweed
chive crème fraiche, wilted watercress with black garlic, tomato broth
for our main courses:
Zucchini and Local Hothouse Tomato Lasagna
basil pistachio pesto, sun-dried tomato sauce, pinoli ricotta
and
Sweet Pickled Beet and Rosemary Cashew Chevre Ravioli
wilted spinach, grapes, saffron cream, green olive tapenade
and for dessert....
Mint Sundae
chocolate, fresh mint, and mint chip ice cream, with mint chocolate cookies and vanilla cream
Keep in mind....all of this was RAW! isn't that amazing?
I wasn't such a big fan of the appetizer, but I loved the ravioli and the sundae was out of this world!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
I LOVE Wednesdays
I really do.
Wednesday is the only day of the week when I have free time during the day AND during the evening. Of course, I'm not one to leave that as free time. But I try to fill my Wednesdays up with fun activities.
I started out the day with a Core Fusion class at the Gansevoort Hotel on 13th street. I had never been to this location, and I was very impressed! It was hidden in the basement of the hotel, and had a very intimate space. My class was small (considering it was at work-time on a Wednesday) so I got the dressing room/shower area all to myself afterward! One aspect of the core fusion class that I love is the amazing facilities. Everything is very clean, the towels are heated, and they have tons of free toiletries and calming music (well, it is a spa). Better yet, there is a student discount :-). Not to mention it's a kick-ass workout. I am excited to stop running these long distances, and just do strength training and city walking for a while. I need a break.
Then, I had a break between my class and my voice lesson a few blocks away, so I stopped at Integral Yoga for a juice, and perused the book section. I ended up buying "The Vegan Guide to New York City." (how lame is that? I'm a sucker for restaurant guides! Especially when its all health food!).
After a productive voice lesson, I headed over to meet my nutrition counselor at the Jivamukti Yoga Cafe in Union. I have learned so much from her about digestive health and feeling GOOD about what I put into my body. Food is and has been my vice of choice for a while, and it isn't healthy. That only leads to guilt. I am working with her to steer away from that guilt, and make healthier choices in the process. I feel like I have come a long way! Plus, she is a fantastic person and mentor to me.
That evening, I tried dinner at "Peacefood" (The new vegan restaurant on 82nd and Amsterdam). I got the Asian Greens Salad (with grilled tempeh) and the scallion pancake special. The greens were good...but I'm not a big fan of tempeh. Live and learn.
The pancakes were great! Maybe a little too heavy, with the curry soup-type dipping sauce. But very tasty. The service was okay; a little rushed and scattered. The cute waiter seemed like he had been working too long. He also was a little surprised when I ordered the salad and the scallion pancakes. The scallion pancakes was an appetizer! I can handle them both! I headed over to a concert afterwards, and saw my friend Hilary who went to Peacefood for lunch! (great minds think alike). She said she had the same waiter at 1PM that I had at 715PM. I will assume that he was just tired and not judging me for having too large of an appetite...
Then I finished the night off with beer at George Keeley's for a post trombone quartet recital celebration. I love New York.
10 DAYS UNTIL THE MARATHON!!!
Wednesday is the only day of the week when I have free time during the day AND during the evening. Of course, I'm not one to leave that as free time. But I try to fill my Wednesdays up with fun activities.
I started out the day with a Core Fusion class at the Gansevoort Hotel on 13th street. I had never been to this location, and I was very impressed! It was hidden in the basement of the hotel, and had a very intimate space. My class was small (considering it was at work-time on a Wednesday) so I got the dressing room/shower area all to myself afterward! One aspect of the core fusion class that I love is the amazing facilities. Everything is very clean, the towels are heated, and they have tons of free toiletries and calming music (well, it is a spa). Better yet, there is a student discount :-). Not to mention it's a kick-ass workout. I am excited to stop running these long distances, and just do strength training and city walking for a while. I need a break.
Then, I had a break between my class and my voice lesson a few blocks away, so I stopped at Integral Yoga for a juice, and perused the book section. I ended up buying "The Vegan Guide to New York City." (how lame is that? I'm a sucker for restaurant guides! Especially when its all health food!).
After a productive voice lesson, I headed over to meet my nutrition counselor at the Jivamukti Yoga Cafe in Union. I have learned so much from her about digestive health and feeling GOOD about what I put into my body. Food is and has been my vice of choice for a while, and it isn't healthy. That only leads to guilt. I am working with her to steer away from that guilt, and make healthier choices in the process. I feel like I have come a long way! Plus, she is a fantastic person and mentor to me.
That evening, I tried dinner at "Peacefood" (The new vegan restaurant on 82nd and Amsterdam). I got the Asian Greens Salad (with grilled tempeh) and the scallion pancake special. The greens were good...but I'm not a big fan of tempeh. Live and learn.
The pancakes were great! Maybe a little too heavy, with the curry soup-type dipping sauce. But very tasty. The service was okay; a little rushed and scattered. The cute waiter seemed like he had been working too long. He also was a little surprised when I ordered the salad and the scallion pancakes. The scallion pancakes was an appetizer! I can handle them both! I headed over to a concert afterwards, and saw my friend Hilary who went to Peacefood for lunch! (great minds think alike). She said she had the same waiter at 1PM that I had at 715PM. I will assume that he was just tired and not judging me for having too large of an appetite...
Then I finished the night off with beer at George Keeley's for a post trombone quartet recital celebration. I love New York.
10 DAYS UNTIL THE MARATHON!!!
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