Fitness Friday: ZOOMA Cape Cod Recap

It wasn't easy arriving at the ZOOMA Cape Cod event knowing that I wasn't going to be running this year, but I still had a great time hanging out with mr. C, the other ZOOMA Ambassadors, and volunteering on race day.

Here is a look back in pictures:

Race headquarters!

ZOOMA Fitness Expo 

Q&A with Ambassadors - Nancy, Dani, me, Jessica

Honest Tea "Mocktail Hour" - me, Jessica, Nancy & Dani

Race morning

At the starting line with Ambassadors - Nicole, me, Dani, Kelly,  Nancy

Handing out Personal Best medals was so much fun!

Post-race expo party music

Post-race yoga and massages on the Old Silver Beach!

See you next year ZOOMA!

WIAW: Indian Summer Treats for Runners

We love summer squash, not only because it tastes so good, but also for all its benefits: antioxidants help reduce inflammation, low in calories, and packed with vitamins.

I don't know about where you live, but here in New England we've been having some unseasonably warm weather. It's good for running and it means that the farmer's market is going full swing, so we can still find some locally grown summer squash.

mr.C loves to grill up the yellow squash and zucchini with some EVOO, rosemary, and garlic (to keep the mosquitos away!), but this weekend we decided to try a new recipe that gives these veggies some room on our fall menu.

This recipe is so simple, but you might need to plan ahead for the baking time. "Tian" is a French word used to describe a casserole dish in which veggies have been layered with spices and cheese, and are then baked.

It was good. Really good. And the leftovers are really good too!

One of my favorite Halloween treats has always been candy corn. This year I'm trying to stay away from the extra holiday calories, so I'm going to make some healthier treats. One of my newest recipe finds is great any time, but especially after a good workout since it's made with protein powder.

Find more healthy Halloween snack ideas at Jen's WIAW link up.

Training Truths: Patience is my new BF

I do not consider myself a patient person. AT ALL. Dealing with this adductor injury is giving me no choice, so I have had to make patience my new best friend. Not really. Sandy, you are still my BFF!

It has been strange to hear my running friends make comments about how impressed they are with my resolve to wait out this injury. Playing the waiting game has been hard. No matter how much I want to, I know I must take this one day at a time. One run too soon or too long and I could be forced to the sidelines again.

So, getting back into my running shoes has been slow. Fewer running days, shorter distances, and slower paces. I'm ok with that as long as I keep healing.

Monday: 50 morning squats. 5K walk to the beach with mr.C and the dog after school.

Tuesday: Squats. Ran 2 miles on the trail. The run was ok. Some tenderness still lingered around the adductor, but it was progress. Strength work at home later.

Wednesday: Squats. More tenderness just walking around. Strength exercises. Finally tried an Epsom salt soak.

Thursday: Squats. Feeling much better. Strength exercises and another Epsom salt soak after school before I headed back to the HS for Open House night.

Friday: Squats before work. Busy day - school, mammy #2, and then a soccer game under the lights. Rest day was in order.

Saturday: I was finally was able to sleep in and it felt awesome!! Strength exercises and squats followed by a two mile easy run. Felt much better on this one. Might be the downhills that are aggravating the adductor. Epsom salt soak and ice for 20 afterwards.

Sunday: 50 squats and then in preparation for the Bengals game, I did a little stretching and some squat jumps so I'd be ready to celebrate some touchdowns!

What do your running friends say about you?

Fitness Friday: #GoalGetter2013 September Review

How do I feel about September? Meh. Here's why:

1. I didn't run

2. I had to DNS another race

3. I volunteered at a race I was supposed to run

4. I almost did 50 squats a day for 30 days

5. I did a TON of strength training

I'm ready to move on. Ready to get back in my running shoes. Ready to log some miles. Ready to be injury-free.

What are you ready for?

WIAW - Wheat Free ZOOMA Road Trip

Last weekend was my first BIG wheat-free road test as I headed to Cape Cod for some ZOOMA fun. Unsure of how I would do finding G-free restaurant/menu options, I packed some snacks in a cooler for the trip: rice cakes, PB&J, cheese, GF crackers, grapes, and yogurt. So for WIAW, I'm giving you a peek at my eats from the weekend!


When we arrived in Falmouth, I whipped out my trusty iPhone and opened the handy dandy YELP app. Using the search feature, I found three restaurants listed under GF menu options. After reading the reviews and checking the websites, we choose Stone L'Oven because it boasted delicious GF pizza. This very late lunch also became dinner.

After fulfilling my ambassador duties and serving up Personal Best medals at the post-race expo, we headed to Woods Hole for lunch and a little sight-seeing. After using the YELP app again to locate G-free restaurant options, we settled on Fishmonger Cafe after reading the menu posted on the door. mr.C and I shared a delicious serving of GF Rice & Beans: black bean chili, brown rice, cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, and fresh corn tortilla chips served with salsa and sour cream. Blogger blunder, I forgot to get a picture, but here's one of our post-lunch wild berry fruit smoothie made fresh at Woods Hole Market.

On Friday night when we skipped dinner but joined fellow ZOOMA ambassadors briefly after the Mocktail Party, I noticed that Red's (the resort restaurant) offered GF items on their menu. So for dinner on Saturday we ordered some take out on our way back to the room after watching the sunset on the beach. We both chose the GF veggie burger meal with fries. The GF bun was so huge I had to cut it in half. Despite my terrible photo, the veggie burger tasted homemade and included a spicy kick.

With so much success finding GF restaurants using the YELP app, we did it again on Sunday. This time we hit the jackpot with Idgy's - a 100% Gluten Free restaurant! It was so nice to be able to order ANYTHING off the menu. I selected the chicken panini quesadilla and mr.C chose blueberry pancakes and eggs.

We were so happy with our meals that we picked up some GF chocolate chip cookies to go. All I can say is, we should have bought more!

There were actually more cookies in the baggie, but I ate some before taking the pic!

For breakfast both Saturday and Sunday, I raided the mini kitchen and had PB&J rice cakes, some yogurt, and coffee. I've never been a BIG fan of the large restaurant-style breakfast, so this worked perfect for me.

Most of the food we ordered was made in restaurants that also made meals containing gluten. While we are not allergic, we knew the possibility of cross-contamination existed and all of our servers made a point to also tell us. We were comfortable with the small chance, although I recognize that some people may not be.

I'm feeling really good about my first time eating on the road and staying true to wheat-free diet. It was easier than I though it would be thanks to YELP and restaurants offering GF menu options.

How successful is your diet on road trips ?

Training Truths: Switching Gears

Last week should have been a taper week for the ZOOMA Cape Cod half marathon, but instead it was another injury-induced-no-running week. I haven't become a couch potato during my time off though because I'm hoping to bounce back enough to be ready for my next running event in just two weeks!

Monday - My 50 squats a day streak continued first thing in the morning and after a chiropractor adjustment, I did some touchdown lunges.

Tuesday - Morning squats and a 5K walk along the New Boston Trail with mr.C and the dog. Threw in my challenge workout while we were there: superman pulls.

Wednesday - Morning squats and another 5K walk with mr.C and the dog. This time we went to the beach and when we got there I did some dolphin walks on the dock.

Thursday - Morning squats and a quick walk after school on the Goffstown Trail before heading to my step daughter's soccer game. Does jumping up and down while cheering count as exercise? I think so! For my evening workout, I broke out the PAPER PLATES for some gliding saws.

Friday - Morning squats and then we were off to Cape Cod for the ZOOMA weekend. We walked around Falmouth after lunch doing some sight-seeing and some shopping.

Saturday - Spent the morning working the ZOOMA Cape Cod race handing out personal best medals. In the afternoon, we went exploring on a 15 mile bike ride along the Shining Sea Bikeway from Falmouth to Woods Hole.

Sunday - Started the day with a little yoga and a walk on the beach before leaving Cape Cod and heading home.

Have I mentioned how much I love the Under Armour September Challenge? Every day there is a new exercise that pushes me to try something new. As much as I have enjoyed focusing on some strength work the past 6+ weeks, I'm ready to put on my Mizunos again and go for a run.

Fitness Friday: ZOOMA Weekend Fun!

TGIF!! Today I am off to Cape Cod to begin my weekend with #ZOOMAnation. I was so excited yesterday when I got home from work to find a big box of product from ZOOMA sponsor Honest Tea  waiting for me. I was ready to get the party started!

Just like last year I am looking forward to an amazing weekend and as I already mentioned in my ZOOMA blog post, I'm not letting my cranky adductor ruin my fun!

So here is what I have planned for this weekend:

• First stop on Friday will be at the Sea Crest Beach Resort for the ZOOMA Fitness Expo where I will check-in with race co-founder Brooke. I'll probably do a little shopping, too.
• At 6 P.M. you will find me chatting it up with race participants and some of the other ZOOMA Ambassadors at a Q&A Session in the Nauset Center.
• After working up a thirst answering questions, we'll be heading to the Honest Tea Let's Get Fizz-ical "Mocktail" Party at Red's Poolside Bar. The fun begins at 7 P.M.
• Bright and early on Saturday morning, we will be reporting for volunteer duty at the Runner Info Tent and then waiting for the first runners to cross the finish line! 
• Sometime during the morning, we will head over to the After-Party Expo and maybe do a session of Recovery Yoga by Yoga Therapy.
• On Sunday morning, mr.C and I will be unloading the bikes and pedaling our way to the Shining Sea Bike Trail for a little ride before heading back to New Hampshire.

Source

This is hopefully my last weekend of no running. I will be doing another test run next week and (fingers-crossed) slowly getting back out there in my running shoes. 

Are you racing this weekend? Let me know in the comments and I will give you a shout out!!

WIAW: Weekend Plans

I've been cooking up some ideas on how to spend my ZOOMA Cape Cod weekend even though I'm injured and won't be running. You can check out some great ways to still have fun on race day in my post on the ZOOMA Blog and find out what I'll be up to this weekend!

Weekends are also fun for cooking up some treats around my house. Last weekend we had a big batch of Greek Flaxseed Protein Pancakes for breakfast.

Then for dinner, we skipped the usual meal options and went straight for the football appetizer favorite: Buffalo Chicken Dip.

The recipe is so easy:

We watched football and munched all afternoon!

Find more ideas to cook up your weekend plans at the WIAW link up!

Training Truths: ZOOMA Week 11

My second "test" run last week did not go as I hoped, so my plans to run the ZOOMA Cape Cod 10K have been scrapped. However, I have plans to make race day just as fun as ever. Stay tuned!

Last week, I spent more time with my strength training and more time doing what I can do without pain: WALK. My friends in the running community keep telling me that hamstring injuries take a long time to heal, so I've decided to walk on the days that I used to run.

Monday - 50 squats. PT after school followed by a workout at home: Good Morning Circuit from Lorna Jane and the Knee Strength Workout from Christine.

Tuesday - 50 squats. Ran two slow painful miles on the trail after school and then sat through a soccer game. My adductor was not happy for about a day and a half.

Wednesday - 50 squats. Spider man pushups, straight leg bicycles, and the 8 minute belly buster circuit.

Thursday - 50 squats. Normally a run day, I took a 5K walk to the beach with mr. C and the dog. The view was gorgeous so I did some spontaneous side plank crunches for the Under Armour daily challenge.

Friday - 50 squats. Saw the dermatologist after school and he took a small spot from my cheek. Long day, emotional day = rest day.

Saturday - 50 squats. Walked, instead of ran, the My Dogs Are Barking 5K course with mr. C and the retired-loyal hound. Knee strength routine and got caught up on some daily challenge exercises.

Sunday - 50 squats. Needed to work the abs, so I did the 4 Minute Ninja Abs circuit and then added some glute strength exercises as well.

Waiting out this hamstring/adductor injury is by far one of the hardest things I've had to do in a while. If you have been in my shoes, I'd love to hear your advice/tips. This week, I'm looking forward to some good walks and then we head down to Cape Cod for a ZOOMA filled weekend!

Last, but not least, the winner of the Oofos Recovery Shoe giveaway! Please email me your Oofos recovery shoe selection and size.

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Oofos Recovery Shoes Review & Giveaway!

One thing that is never far from my mind as a runner is recovery. I have accumulated a lot of recovery gear like compression socks, compression shorts, ice packs, foam rollers...you get the idea. Recently I was sent a pair of recovery shoes from Oofos.

Oofos footwear is built using the "proprietary OOfoam™ technology" and "patented footbed design" to "comfort and support while reducing fatigue and enhancing recovery." At first glance, it's a clod-hopper with a very thick sole, but it's surprisingly lightweight.

As soon as I put on my Oofos Ooriginals, I forgot about how awkward looking they are and immediately felt their cushion-iness. After standing on classroom tiled floors for the first three days of school, my legs and feet were tired.

I like to wear slip on shoes around the house (my normal go-to pair are some Addidas that I have had for years). After just a few steps, I could feel some bounce in my walk. According to the Oofos blog, these shoes make an excellent training buddy because they'll "help absorb 37% of stress."

After spending some quality time in my new Oofos shoes, I can see why they have made the Sneaker Report's Top 10 Recovery Shoes list.

Oofos Footwear would like you to feel the #RejOOv for yourself. Use the rafflecopter below to enter. This giveaway is for US residents only and ends Sunday evening September 22.

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Disclaimer: I received a complimentary pair of Oofos footwear for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

A Day in the Life: What I do Besides Run

Happy Hump Day! Making it to the middle of the week takes on a whole new meaning once school is back in session. Today I'm joining Angela and Jill for a "Day in the Life" link up and sharing a glimpse of what one of my days as a high school English teacher looks like.

I usually wake up around 5:30 and after brushing my teeth, feeding the dog, and pouring a cup of coffee, I start my day with 50 squats. This is a new routine for me. One that I adopted right after the PT told me I need to strengthen my glutes.

For breakfast my pre-wheat-free toast has become an apple cinnamon rice cake with PB & J and a side of yogurt.  At this time of the morning I still have the downstairs to myself, so I watch the news, read email, and check Facebook while eating. 

After breakfast I make a smoothie and pack my lunch. After getting dressed for work, if I'm lucky I get a brief chat with my husband and step-daughter before heading out the door for my 20 minute commute to work.

My days vary as a high school teacher because we are on a 90 minute block schedule: we have odd days when periods 1, 3, 5, 7 meet and even days for periods 2, 4, 6, 8. Here's a look at a typical even day. 

From 7:30 - 7:56 I get ready for my day - making copies, writing instructions on the white board, greeting students as they enter the classroom. 7:56 - 9:26 I teach Period 2 English 10 for 90 minutes. As the class starts, the morning announcements begin with the Pledge. During announcements students work on a quick write that leads to a discussion of the story the students read. Afterwards I give them a writing assignment to complete. The class ends with another reading selection. When the bell rings, I quickly change what I've written on the white board for my next class.

9:31 - 11:01 Period 4 is my planning time. Most of it is spent in the teacher's room which happens to be right across the hall from my classroom. I use this time to grade papers, make copies, and run errands. I might also have a snack during this time, like some dry rice chex cereal. Although I could stay in my room, another class is being taught in there during this time.

11:06 - 12:36 I'm back in the classroom for Period 6 English 10 Honors. This is my biggest class of the day and right before lunch. Today this class starts with a practice SAT question and discussion. Today they are practicing how to write correct works cited entries for various sources. They work quietly with a partner to complete a series of entries. I walk around helping and monitoring for most of the activity.

12:36 - 1:06 This is my lunch period and I'm back across the hall in the teacher's room for a little down time with my colleagues. Today I'm having some tuna, grapes, and cheese & crackers. 

1:11 - 2:41 Period 8 English 10 Honors is a repeat of the my before lunch class. The last five minutes of class we listen to announcements before the dismissal bell. I like to stand in the hall and say good-bye to students as they leave.

3:00 - 4:00 Today we have a faculty meeting in the Information Center (aka library). These are held every third Wednesday and are scheduled for one hour. I also attend a quick GEA meeting after the faculty meeting.

4:30 When I get home, I will complete the Lorna Jane daily challenge and my strength workouts. I told my PT about exercises I found from Christine and he LOVES them, so it is a priority to get them done more than twice a week.

Once everyone is home, it is time to prep dinner. Tonight we are having a favorite: chicken florentine with gluten free pasta. I used to use cream of chicken soup, but now I use plain yogurt, milk, parmesan cheese, and garlic.

Don't forget to see what everyone else is doing and eating today!

Training Truths: ZOOMA Week 10

Another week has gone by and I'm still not back to running. Instead of training for the ZOOMA Cape Cod half marathon, I downgraded my registration to the 10K (in the off chance that I might be able to run 6.2 miles just 2 weeks from now).

For now, it is more PT, lots of strength, and testing the hamstrings on smaller runs. I am again using challenges to help keep me motivated and focused while working to get back into my running shoes. Another thing to love about challenges is that some have prizes. Like this great Brooks Running hat I received from the #AugustCoreFocus challenge with Kat.

Monday - 50 squats and I broke out the weights for single leg dead lifts.

Tuesday - 50 squats in the morning. My afternoon workout consisted of horizontal pull ups, the 4 minute ninja ab workout and the knee strength workout I mentioned last week. Then I tried a new one from the Lorna Jane Challenge: Good Morning Circuit.

Wednesday - The usual morning 50 squats. After work I had to get a physical and then went straight to  PT. I was tired, so it turned into a rest day.

Thursday - 50 squats. After work I did some reverse table top crunches, single leg squat jumps, planks, and a slow, tender two mile treadmill run at the suggestion of my PT. As much as I wanted this to be pain free, I'm realizing that the healing process cannot be rushed.

Friday - My hamstrings were tender following my short run, but I still did my 50 squats in the morning. When I got home from work I did the Love Your Legs workout from Lorna Jane before heading to another session of PT.

Saturday - I started the day with happier hamstrings and 50 squats. Later I did some planks and jump rope jacks. My PT told me to take it easy after the ART session we had on Friday. I'm not taking any chances!

Sunday - This was rode trip day to Connecticut for a soccer clinic with my step daughter. Before we left I did my 50 squats and a handstand challenge. While at UNC, we walked around campus for a bit to stretch out our legs from the 3 hour car ride.

Off to PT now and hopeful for some more improvement. Maybe I'll even try another run tomorrow!