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.

I cant wait for SPRING!

Im typically a FALL/WINTER person, but lately I havent been enjoying this crazy weather.
The skies are so indecisive. One minute you'll see the sun shinning...then the next day the gray clouds
and gloomy weather return making me think an extra 15mins in the morning on what to wear.

Things I look forward to next season:

- more trail runs
-get a good bike to start cycling
-Froyo and ice cream
-Maxi dresses
-flip flops, flats
-random nights downtown
-2nd Saturdays
-vacays
-FRIENDS!

Since Im in the Spring mood..i decided to check out some new spring bedding. PB is having a sale!

Valentines Day 6-mile Run

The morning after valentines day, my love and I decided to get up early and go on a 6-mile run.
The skies were clear..sun was out here in Sacramento and the weather was just perfect.
Its been awhile since I hit the pavement and because I been compromising with the weather conditions and settling on the treadmill....my legs were just so excited to hit the trails.
Neal and I got to the Howe Ave. trail around 8:30am. I was shooting for 7am, but I had 2 extra glasses of wine the night before that I shouldn't have had.


The trails was surprisingly busy with a lot of dog walkers, bikers and fellow runners..I was hoping everyone decided to sleep in since it was the day after valentines day and presidents day..but i guess everyone was thinking the way i was.
After breaking my 1.5mile warm-up, I was pumped up with adrenaline and wanted to speed up a little more. But Neal's shins were starting to cramp up so we slowed down a bit.
Mile 3 was our turn-around point (Watt Ave.) ..it started to get warmer and I was down to 1 water bottle..

On our way back, a deer was about 3 feet away from us and I ran away from it and almost got hit by a biker!..ugh sometimes bikers can be so inconsiderate and feel like they own the trails. Its so annoying how they sometimes take over the entire side. Bikers etiquette?!?!
Runners follow the trail rules..I think runners should too.

We finished at 1:03 and went to Denny's right after..yum


Love you Hun..had a great weekend.

Big Sur Marathon is SOLD OUT!!

This was one of the races I was looking forward to this year and the registration is officially CLOSED.
Its only freakin February and the race is in April.
I wanted to do the 21mile race or even the 10.6 miler but they are all full.
I guess people were right..this is one of the best races in America because of its beautfiul course and outstanding scenery.
I guess I'll have to wait till 2011.
This time i'll make sure to register REAL early.

insomnia

Its already 1:35am and I am WIDE awake!

Iono if its just me being excited for school tomorrow..or my Iced Venti Coffee this afternoon.

I am still listening to Michael Buble' (Wonderful Tonight).

I guess I could blog about my Makeup Forever HD Invisible Foundation.

I am currently using #155 or #151..i forgot exactly which one.

But anyways, it works well with my skin tone and skin type.

Pros:

• It truly leaves a smooth, soft and flawless finish. I apply it on my face using my fingers, rather than using a brush or a sponge because using my hands help me work around my face easier and plus the warmth from my fingers gives the liquid a better texture while applying (although using sponge is more hygienic).

• The have a lot more shades that can match any ones skin tone than most foundations.
• Gives enough coverage (medium-full) that can last all night when you're all sweaty from the club.
• Plus it gives a dewey and fresh look during the day.

Cons:

• 1 oz. bottle is about $40
• can sometimes make me feel oily
• pumps out too much when i only need a dime to pea size amt.

Overall, the foundation works nice and I enjoy using MUFE and Chanel Tiente Fluide liquid foundation.

Right now since its winter and i have oily skin..my face is more prone to breakouts because the atmosphere is a lot more dry vs the summer, I been giving my face a lil break from any foundation unless I am going out somewhere nice.

Night night folks..i am going to attempt to fall asleep.

Michael Buble'

Im in love with Michael Buble'.

Currently listening to:

If I can have him sing @ my wedding, that would be awesome (either him or Sade).

-Crazy Love and Home are also a few of my faves.

I cant wait to start class tomorrow. Whooo Hoo!! (Im not being sarcastic either)

Im taking a few interesting courses this Semester.

• cancer bio
• cell physio
• micro
• plant civilizations (im not too sure about this one..botany has never amused me)

Runs for 2010

One of my New Years Resolutions were to run at least 3 big races this year since i did 2 last year

(1 half and 1 full).

Each year I want to go somewhere different...hoping to qualify for BOSTON somewhere in this lifetime:)

Runs of 2010 I plan to finish:

1) Rock and Roll San Diego: 1/2 marathon or a 4-legged relay (June 6 2010)

This marathon donates all proceeds to the Leukemia and Lymphoma society..so i am very excited about that.

Plus I hear R&R runs are so much funn and this one has a really nice course, running near the coast.

So i am looking forward for this one.

2) Disneyland Half Marathon (Sep 5, 2o1o)

Neal ran this one with his cousins last year and he said he had a blast. So I plan for this one for sure this year!

3) CIM #2: (December 5, 2010)

Im starting a personal tradition for myself and that is to run this race every year.

I enjoyed completing my first marathon all by myself last year and I think it was the BEST way to end 2009 for me.

So giving myself all year to train for this, would be a great way to stay in shape all year long.

So with all these planned races....of course means TRAINING!

In which I ha vent been consistent with lately after CIM.

So starting next week I want to at least do 6 miles/wk for a total of 24miles/month.

My legs have been itching for the trails..unfortunately the weather has been soooo ugly that ive been settling on the treadmill which is super boring.

My watch is gettin a lil rusty and my dri-fit shirts are waiting to soak some sweat. So I hope weather will get better soon.

On a different note. Glenny and I went to Costco today and grabbed this:

Yummy breakfast smoothies..all you do is add 1 cup of juice/soy milk to this bag of frozen fruits and yogurt...we'll throw in some protein to help our workouts.

Eclipse

Currently Reading:


Its only been 2 YEARSsince I started reading the Twilight Series. Its about time I finish!!! I must finish before school starts.

CIM

So I havent been blogging for quite some time.

The semester has been crazy busy and training for CIM has been also.

Although, I havent been training enough in the past 2 months and the race is in 4DAYS!!!!!! should I be freaking out right now?

All these emotions, nervous, scared..excited and thrilled for my very 1st FULL marathon race. All the hard work, long-runs and sweat is finally coming together this sunday. I dont really care any more when I finish.. I just need to finish under 6hrs. Even if they have to roll me in a wheel-chair to the finishline..thats okay with me.

Finishing this race will be such a huge accomplishment for me..because it is something I personally worked hard for all by myself.

I'll blog a full summary after my race..on details how CIM went.

Tribute to megan

Megan Parody:

Asian Poses:

Enjoy these Megan...We miss ya- SacFam

Let the mind run the body..not the body run the mind..

"Now if you are going to win any battle you have to do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do. The body will always give up. It is always tired in the morning, noon, and night. But the body is never tired if the mind is not tired."

- George S. Patton, U.S. Army General, 1912 Olympian

I'm such an amateur right now in running compared to the runners out there. I know I shouldn't be hard on myself because I have never played a sport in High School or when I was younger, never been in any shape to be athletic and never ran a MARATHON in my life...so I shouldn't put myself down because everyone has their own pace. But it sucks to hear that folks I know can run a 5mile run in an hour with out stopping for water or to stretch. 

Yesterday, I got 3.4 miles done in 1 hr and 15 mins thats with walking/jogging.

Today, I got 4 miles in 46 minutes(walk/jogg/run).(About 11mins/1miles) So I'm improving in small increments..baby steps ash...baby steps. But it's so hard for me to run straight without stopping for air and water bec i feel like im going to crash bec i feel so light headed and my calves start to burn a little.

I just realized that you really have to tell yourself that you have the will power to get it and you will just do fine. There is no competition here with anyone except with myself. I swear your mind can sometimes be your worst enemy.

Lets hope for a better run tomorrow...the day after tomorrow..and for the rest of this training. 

26 days remaining of Sumer 2009

There are only 26 days left of my summer before the crazy, most hectic and sleepless semester begins. 

Fall 2009 Schedule:

1) Bio 184-Genetics

2)Bio 131- Human Physiology

3) Chem 161- Biochem w/lab

4) Bio 103- Plant Civilization

5) Facs 113- Metabolism

 Plus part-time with the periodontist 2 days a week. CIM Training Wednesday @6:00pm and Sunday @ 7:00am for 17 weeks.

So i am really tryin to enjoy summer while its here.

I am getting really excited up for my training with Fleet Feet for my very first MARATHON (26.2miles) on Dec 6, 2009. 

Day 1 is this coming sunday, bright and early 7am @ William Land Park. I got myself a new nifty gadget to help me on my runs. 

I played with it last night around Mckinley Park after work and its unbelievable. It calculates your calories,speed, distance and time. Yesterday I hit a good 3.4miles in 1hr and 15mins. Not bad for my first land run. I been running on the threadmill and only the threadmill..which is such a bad idea because there is not start and finish. Running outside gives you at least real fresh air, scenery and people who are running with you as well. I love Mckinley park its real nice, quiet and the houses are beautiful.  My dream is to own a house around the Fab 40s one day..and maybe get a golden retriver running around my white pickett fence (wait i dont want a fence). HA!

Okay so plans/goals for the rest of the summer:

-increase at least .5 miles everyday and be able to run 10 miles by the end of August.

-Go on the Palomarin Trail Hike to the Alamere Falls..absolutely beautiful. Never gone hiking before so iam taking mama natures advice and thats to enjoy her while she is still around.

-Finish Eclipse and Breaking Dawn before school starts!

-and to be with my fam and friends while i can. 

Enjoy the sun folks..weather is great!

My love for Maxi dresses

I absolutely love Maxi dresses. I use to think they were only made for tall and skinny white girls, but Im soo wrong. 

I tried one on @ Forever21, just to see how they look and I fell in love instantly. They are soo comfortable. I love walking around the house..lounging on the couch , taking naps, getting ready and doing my hair/makeup and walking out the house doing my groceries in them. They can be worn casually to the park, the beach and they can also be worn to a nice dinner or party. Every girl out there must purchase one..Check out Ross and Marshalls they have them in different prints and colors for $10 bucks and under. What a STEAL!

Welcome summer 2009!..

Chicago

Im leaving for Chicago next week and I am soooo excited. One of my good friends from Gator/Gooch, Brian Rice, is graduating with his Masters in Psychology.

Congrats Brian!

So proud of you..He's the first out of our grp of friends to graduate with his masters..dang we're getting real old so fast.

I've never been to Chicago before..well i did, but only for a stop over.

So excited to try an authentic DEEP DISH CHICAGO STYLE PIZZA:

yum yum..

Miss you Meg Meg.