Archive for January, 2012

Love That Body of Yours

Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

Last night at the gym after my quick outside run I hopped on the elliptical so I could finish my workout.  I got on, started going, put on my Netflix and tried to pay attention to the Kardashians. I had a hard time because I realized the woman next to me was having a really difficult time on the machine.  She had to stop every few minutes or so to just catch her breath.  This woman was trying her absolute hardest on the machine.

It made me think about how lucky I am to be where I am in life right now.  I can run long distances at a fairly easy pace, I can do pretty much any machine at the gym and most importantly I love working out.  I think sometimes we forget how incredible our bodies are and how important it is to take care of them.  Watching this woman, I was so proud of her, so happy she was doing all that she could to workout. It made me truly appreciate my ability to run and workout that much more.

So, take a minute today to appreciate your body and all the wonderful things it does for you.  Whether or not you run marathons or are just starting a work-out regimen you are awesome and should be proud you’re taking the steps to take care of that fabulous body of yours.  Rock on people!

Maggie over at Mag Mile Runner just wrote a similar post here that I’m demanding you check out.

That’s all the nonsense I have for now!

More Packages Please

Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

There are some perks as far as I can see to living away from your family.  Yes I miss them terribly and wish I could just drive over to see them BUT when you live far away you get lots of packages! With goodies inside.  Yesterday I got an awesome package from Mom and JT. Here are mom’s contributions:

As you can see, I have everything I need to live in there. Luna bars, gum, knee highs and mascara.  I may never leave the house again. Is my mother trying to tell me I have bad breath?

And here are JT’s contributions to the package:

Beautiful jewelry from his trip to the  Philippines and a magazine article about my BFF Bill! And the best part is, he even sent it with a heart drawn around Bill’s face.  JT, that man gets me.

I also got a package with my first product to review for the blog and another package with something for YOU guys in it! I can’t wait to show you… until then I will leave you with my two absolute favorite things in the world right now.

People, listen to me. This is good.  I can’t stop eating it. The other thing I can’t stop eating?

General Mills must also get me if they made these bad boys.  I have been putting them in everything.  How can you make these two perfect things even better? Mix them together and stuff your face, or at least that’s all I’ve been capable of doing lately.

That’s all the nonsense I have for now!

What’s your favorite flavor of Chobani?

An Actual Outside Run!

Monday, January 30th, 2012

BELIEVE IT. I went outside and ran.  No it wasn’t 70 degrees (the only weather I run outside in) but a nice 50 degrees.  The second I left work and walked outside I knew I would be outside running.  Did I mention today was a cross-train/no running day?  Listen, I had to it was nice outside, in January, in Chicago.

I only ran an easy two miles because I have big plans to go to Fleet Feet’s chick night tomorrow with Keren and gingerfoxx.  Did I also mention that Tuesday is a complete rest day? If it’s just as nice tomorrow, I’ll switch my running schedule around so I can go run with some ladies opposed to by myself!  They will probably send me off on a separate running route if I actually go.  Would you consciously choose to run with me?  Thought so.

You know what else was awesome about today? I got to finally try out my Garmin! I felt so cool checking it during my run, I basically stared at it nonstop.

The good news is it works.  The bad news is, I don’t really understand how to use it.  I’ll figure it out, maybe.  I took one more picture for you on my 20 minute run:

Seriously, how beautiful is Chicago?

That’s all the nonsense I have for now!

Chicken Gyros!

Monday, January 30th, 2012

If you like food and eating, you will like this.  People, this is good.  Like really good.  Not only is this delicious, but it’s incredibly healthy and easy.  What’s the hold-up?  You should be making this for dinner tonight.

Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce 

Adapted from Closet Cooking

Makes 4

Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 package of boneless skinless chicken breast tenderloins
• 1/2 container of plain Greek yogurt
• 1 handful of Parsley
• 1 tsp of oregano
• Juice and zest from 1 lemon
• 2-3 cloves of garlic (depends on how garlicky you like your food)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pita bread
• Sliced tomatoes
• Shredded lettuce

Combine Greek yogurt, parsley, oregano, lemon juice/zest, garlic and salt and pepper in a food processor.  Process until everything is combined and marinade is made.  Place chicken breasts in large Ziploc bag with marinade and mix until chicken is completely coated.  Let marinade in fridge 8-10 hours, or overnight.  Remove chicken from marinade and cut into bite size pieces (you can do this after you cook the chicken too but I prefer to cook it as smaller pieces because it cooks faster).  Heat a grill pan/frying pan over medium heat.  Once pan is hot, add chicken and cook 2-3 min per side.

If desired, place pita bread in oven.  Once warmed, remove from oven and assemble gryos.  Place chicken, lettuce, tomato on gyro and drizzle with tzatziki sauce.  Stuff your face and enjoy!

That’s all the nonsense I have for now!