Yoga+Running= NO INJURIES and MORE MILES!!

After running so much, I begin to complain about my aches and pains throughout my body.
My lower back and shoulders start to feel sore and my calve muscles start to tighten up because of the build-up of lactic acid, pounding from the pavement and shortening of my muscles. I usually pop a few Motrins before a long run to reduce inflammation in my muscles after and stretch longer than usual, but thats not enough to avoid chronic discomfort and future injuries.

What I want to concentrate on maintaining a balance between is Yoga and Running

These two physical elements sit on opposite ends of the exercise spectrum, but they work great hand-in-hand.
Running creates imbalances, whereas Yoga will help maintain balance.
Runners primarily work certain muscles, mainly in the legs and core. Yoga, which utilizes all of the body's muscle, makes the runner stronger and better functioning as a whole.

Runners tend to look at running as a mission, challenging physical limitations and meeting personal expectations. Runners stay in touch with their abilities, developing discipline and self control. The whole body and mind connection that yoga provides improves a runner's ability to achieve goals and exceed past performance levels.
Overall, Yoga can improve a runners capabilities and make them enjoy running so much more and avoid injuries.
Heres a quick Yoga video that can avoid IT band injuries from RunnersWorld.com

a tasty Irish inspired dinner

In honor of St. Patrick, Glenny slowcooked Corned beef with potatoes, carrots and cabbage this morning before we left for work/school. When we got home..dinner was ready! (Slowcookers are GREAT)
After a long day of studying and exams, this was a great comforting meal.

Just wanted to share my dinner with you all..i would share literally..but i'll make sure we have more next year;)

-Ashley

Happy St. Patty's Everyone!!

Good Morning.. HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY!! I hope everyones wearing green because its a beautiful day outside and I dont want to pinch you. lol.
Well here my St. Pattys spirit:

I really wish I was drunk right now..but I have 3 exams this week and 1 practical.
I didnt want to show my face because i have this gigantic pimple that I am trying to get rid of by Saturday:(. 3 exams can definitly do that to your face.

Anywho...here's my oatmeal from yesterday and it didnt turn out as good as Day 1.
I think I didnt add enough water this time. But it was good enough to eat.
I added banana, granola, almonds and instead of sugar I added peanut butter.


For lunch, I made a spinach salad with chicken, strawberries, almonds, tomatoes, cucumbers and rasphberry vinigarette.


I hope i stay on this health vibe because I've saved $30 so far in the past 3 days. I ususally buy lunch @ school which can cost $10 and more. So its been great having my lunch ready from home.
Tonight, glennys is slow cooking cabbage and corned beef for dinner. I am really looking forward to it:)

Enjoy the lovely weather today everyone..

My Homemade Jamba Juice version of Oatmeal

So this is how it looks the night before:



Super easy and totally effortless..I just added 1.5cup of water and 1/4cup of steal cut oats.
Tomorrow, it will be ready to eat...Cant wait!
I'll show you guys how it turns out tomorrow Day2.

On a sidenote:
My second pair of Shoedazzles came in and i am in love with "Cameron"


Sprng/Summer please come soon.

Healthy Lifestyle Challenge

I'm really trying to gain healthy habits of both eating and working out..not only because I'm going on a cruise by the end of this month or because summer is near, but just simply to live a healthy lifestyle with maintaining my weight and being physically fit. I don't know if this 25yr old age-thing is getting to me because I am starting to think like an old woman..but I want to avoid all the health issues in the future. Diabetes, High-blood pressure, high cholesterol and hypertension.
I always find myself workingout only for special occasions but always going back to my old lazy habits..especially after a race.

So to begin this health challenge, weekly grocery shopping works best in our household because when we end up buying in bulk, food always goes to waste.
Heres a look of my TJ Haul:


Steel Cut Oats..just like jamba:

I slow cook just the right amount overnight, so by the time I get up..oatmeal is ready the natural way.

Have you guys ever tried these?? OMG one bag is not enough. Glenny and I always fight for the last bite. They are thin pretzels dipped in Dark Chocolate.

All this health talk..you have to treat yourself! (in moderation of course)

And now for the Bodum French Press Review..Thank you Meg Meg!! One of the best gifts I've received this year.

Its quick..easy and coffee has never tasted soo good in the morning @ home. Goodbye Venti Vanilla Lattes and Hello Fresh Brewed Coffee.
Meg also got me this cute mug/plate for my morning coffee. I love you meg..

I recruited some runners and I am soo excited for them...MEGAN MATUTE & JENNIFER EVANGELISTA!
We got up @ 5:15am this morning and went to the american river for an early Monday morning run. Forgetting it was daylight savings time, 530am was really dark. Thank God for my contractor light that shined our path.We did a 3.24mile run in 40mins..which is really good for first time runners.
You guys did so well and I hope you continue to push and motivate yourselves. Prepare for your first 5k, Nike Women's Festival Run in June. Im happy to share some runners advice to the both of you.

Happy Monday Folks!

BREAKFAST..my favorite meal of the day

Yesterday, I went to TJ and picked up a few things to eat this week. I decided to buy groceries on a weekly basis, instead of buying bulk and throwing half of the stuff I buy by the end of the week because I dont end up eating it all and veggies spoil quick.
Because I gave up FAST FOOD for lent and hopefully forever...I started making my lunch for school and dinner when I get home. I save soooo much money when I make my own food and it's so much healthier. I am trying to gain a healthy diet by at least summer and before RnR San Diego. Im done trying out all these quick diets I read in magazines, how-to loose 10lbs in 2 weeks, and flat abs in 1month. They dont work..at least for me and I just want to stay consistent and just healthy PERIOD.

So for breakfast:

-Blueberry crumpet, Greek Plain non-fat yogurt, blueberries, a little drop of strawberry jelly, granola and a few slices of bloody oranges.

And of course my cup of joe on the go!



Unfortunately, for dinner ill be having sushi with my old co-workers @ Sushi cafe for my first Bday Meal. They're sooo sweet..they keep in touch with me and still try to meet up once in awhile.

Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone!!!!

going GREEN with coffee

I am an absolute coffee ADDICT!!...as much as I try to replace coffee with tea, I just dont get the same effect. Dont get me wrong, I love drinking tea..but in the mornings, my tongue craves for the bitter taste of coffee.
Neal hates coffee..he thinks its for old people and he makes fun of my coffee breath..but in time I know he will appriciate coffee someday.
I hear so much talk about how your coffee taste so much better brewed in a coffee press. So I decided to do a little research and found this cute affordable coffee press made by Bodum:

My eyes are on the GREEN one.
Its quick, easy and its GREEN. The greeniest way to make really good coffee.
It makes a good 2-3 cups and all you need is hot water and ground coffee. No filters needed!
It would be nice since glenny and I drink coffee every morning. (BTW, I started to use the straw again while drinking coffee..I just started my 2-week teeth whitening session and I cant give up coffee for it).

I think this will be my birthday present for myself:)
Let you guys know how i like it.