Thursday Deals and spreading the love.

I found this via my twitter this morning and had to post about it. I have come to realize that the blogging community is very tight knit, along with the running community, that’s why I wanted to share this link with you guys. Athletes for a Cure . Michael’s 10 year old daughter, Winter is a triathlete who competed in her father’s honor when he was diagnosed with rare and aggressive form of prostate cancer. It was on their site this morning that it was stated, “It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Michael Vinecki this morning at 8:55am. He leaves behind wife Dawn and his four children Yukon (12), Winter (10), Magnum (8) and Ruger (6). ” You can leave a note of encouragement and love On their guestbook.

On another note, here’s some Thursday running deals.

Women
Nike+ 3.5 Shorts -Normally $41.99, Now $19.99
Asics Run Core Women’s Top – Normally $24.99, Now $17.99
Nike Strong And Strappy Dri Fit Tank – Normally $40, Now $23
Nautilus Low-Rise Shorts – Normally $30, Now $12.93

Men
Nike Dri-Fit Short Sleeve Top – Normally $35, Now $14 (only xl)
Nike Tank – Normally $25, Now $15
Nike Short Sleeve Training Top - Normally $30, Now $17
Nike Dri Fit Race Day Shorts – Normally $40, Now $19
Brooks Element Running Shorts – Normally $35, Now $21

Misc.
North Face Hydration Belt – Normally $29, Now $12

Last night my cousin couldn’t take her personal training session so I shared it when her sister. We worked a few things, mostly focusing on some new exercises I hadn’t done before which was fun. She also showed us how to use a few machines which was good for me. Usually I stay away from the machines besides the row and lat pull and stick with free weights. It was a fun and different experience. I ran two miles, and was still incredibly sore so I started out really slow on the treadmill and built up my speed slowly so my quads wouldn’t burn. It was a good work out. I topped it off with not 200 sit ups, but 300. I wanted to feel more burn and I got just what I asked for. I have continued to implement 20 push ups daily but I also think that I am going to up that to 50. I can definitely tell those are making a difference in my arms and back.

Tonight I am hoping to hit up the gym again and get some different muscles worked. Along with my sit ups and push ups. Hopefully I’ll be able to be on the treadmill for more than 20 minutes too!

xoxo

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Recipes, and a great run

So I promised some recipes today. These have become a staple for me as I move into my new place. I love making these and it’s super easy. I’ve made a few adjustments for what is called for which I think makes them more healthy and a little bit more tasteful.

Taco Pies

2 (9 inch) deep dish frozen pie crusts, thawed
1 pound ground beef
1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
1 cup shredded low fat Cheddar cheese
1 large tomato, diced
sour cream

*You can also add
Onion, lettuce, tortilla chips, black olives, or even substitute the beef with turkey. I like it better with turkey.

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake pie crusts following package directions, but cutting the bake time in half. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until evenly brown; drain excess fat. Place half the refried beans in each pie shell, smearing over the bottom and the sides of the partially baked shells. Spread a layer of ground meat over the beans, and top with the cheese. Bake 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly. Top with whatever else you want to add to your taco.

Seriously, it’s super easy and I really like it. Plus, it reheats well for a great meal the next day at work!

This is another favorite of mine. I love chicken and I love pasta. I usually use the spiral wheat pasta for this.
3 cups pasta of your choice
3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
3 fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

*You can also add tomatoes or onions if you want*

DIRECTIONS
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until soft; drain and reserve. Also, over medium heat, cook chicken for about 15 minutes and remove from pan; cool and dice.
In a large skillet over medium heat, combine mushrooms, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper; cook until hot. Remove from heat and add chicken and pasta. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top; serve.

This also heats up well for a great lunch the next day! I wish I had pictures to show you guys.

This morning I went for an easy four miler and it felt great to be outside again and getting my muscles working. I have found that with running sometimes you have a great experience, and sometimes you don’t. If you aren’t feeling like getting out there, then take a rest and do something else that gets your heart working. Whether this is a workout video, which I recommend the Biggest Loser videos, taking the dog for a walk, riding a bike, or jumping rope. I know jumping rope sounds stupid but it’s seriously hard, believe me. I still was active these past few days but once I gave myself the chance and the mindset that I was ready to run again, it felt great and I’m glad I took a mini break. Hope you guys give yourself a break every now and then too so you can fall back in love with running.

xoxo

PS. My credit card was charged with $80 last night, so that means it’s totally offically done! I’m signed up and RUNNING my first FULL MARATHON at the San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon on May 31st!

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I’m moving!

So the good news that I was excited to share is that I will be moving, THIS WEEKEND! I’m super excited because I have been waiting for this opportunity and it seemed to come up this past weekend. I will be living in the Belmont Shore area of Long Beach and the apartment is literally one block away from the beach. The area is really fun and there is a little area literally walking distance away with one of a kind shops and cute little places to eat. The best part is that it’s a GREAT running location. The beach has a big path on it, where the long beach 1/2 marathon was run, and the streets around are very running friendly, minding a few out of control drivers.

Anyways, here’s a few pictures.

Yea, that blue stuff…. THAT’S THE OCEAN

The little house in the complex that we are renting. Super cute. I feel like we are living in Germany or something.

I’m super excited to be moving and into such a prime location. Little Chic Runner is all grown up!

As for working out, last night I went to the gym and hit the weights HARD. I am sore this morning and my arms were shaking last night. I worked a lot of my back and my arms, which is good for my weight training. Also this morning I did a quick 20 minute workout from the Biggest Loser Video and it KICKED MY BUTT. I am still sore as I type and I was sweating like a beast and I don’t sweat. I’m looking forward to doing more of those!

Anyways, much to catch up on at work. Hope everyone had a wonderful Monday enjoying the bachelor, and is jealous of my new homestead. I’m excited for Biggest Loser tonight, but unfortunately won’t be watching the episode until tomorrow evening, since tonight I’m going out to my best friend and now roommate’s Birthday Dinner!

xoxo

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