Posts tagged ‘Treadmill’

September 3, 2012

A Lazy Sunday

After crossing so much off my to-do list Saturday, Mike and I enjoyed a doubledate night out on the town with friends, Bre and Anthony. Thanks to the awesome Living Social deal us gals purchased, we enjoyed cheap laughs ($20 for two tickets and two drinks) at The World Stand Up Comedy Club before heading back to our apartment to continue our fun on the rooftop–with a quick pit stop for $1 slices thrown in there.

As if my last post jinxed me, yesterday I wasn’t as productive as I had planned, work-wise. I’ll have to make up for that today. However after an early wakeup–my mental alarm roused me from my slumber at a not-so-lovely 6:50–I made breakfast in bed for my man and myself using leftovers from a spicy veggie-filled quinoa and convinced him to go for a stroll. After months of living off Muscle Milk, he has certainly been eating like a king since I moved in. This morning he got his new favorite “hot chocolate oats” as I’ve been calling them, which includes 1/2 cup Earnest Eats Mayan Blend, 1/4 cup regular oats, 1 cup milk, 1 scoop of Chocolate Muscle Milk powder and topped with a scoop of peanut butter, sprinkle of stevia, cinnamon and frozen berries. He’s so spoiled.

 

So back to our romantic stroll. We. Walked. Far. Let’s just say we left a little after 9 and didn’t get back to our place until, oh, 2:00. We had intended on just walking up to Central Park but found ourselves gravitating toward the water first, enjoying the Hudson and views of a lone sailboat. We discovered the Hudson River Park, where I plan on running after I finish this here post, and watched a sorority’s philanthropy race along the way. After making our way up into the high 70s, we cut over to Central Park and weaved our way through, seeing the Conservatory Water, Zoo, among other things. Halfway through our walk, I smiled to myself realizing how little conversation we had shared in the woods. We were both lost in our own thoughts, enjoying the sounds of nature and patter of our strides. 

We emerged near Fifth Ave. when realized how much of an appetite we had worked up. Insert “Operation Find a Place with Large Portioned Salads.” We wandered and wandered some more before coming across the Renaissance Diner’s extensive menu and outdoor seating. Done and done.

 

We both toyed with the idea of an Acapulco Salad (organic greens, mango, orange, yellow and red peppers, topped with chicken, shredded coconut and orange dressing) but decided on a spicier alternative, a Mexican Salad with marinated chicken, avocado, mango and a cilantro lime dressing, was what we were jonesing for. Fueling up on a hearty salad and a big cup of tea energized me enough to squeeze in a 3-mile jog on the treadmill later while shamelessly watching old Hills episodes on MTV. The rest of the afternoon was lazy…


He was pooped. Sorry I’m not sorry for being a stalker, Mike. I skipped nap time but was in bed by 9. Yep, wild Labor Day partying for this gal! Well, I’m off to go back to where our journey started yesterday for a nice slow jog. Lots to do today to prepare for the upcoming week, including some meal prep I hope to share with you–I haven’t forgotten about my lunch talk! 
What fitness fun has filled your holiday weekend?

Sprinkled with Love,
Lauren

November 1, 2011

Gleek Out!

I’ve been a Gleek since the pilot aired in 2009. For those who don’t know, if I had one wish it would be for my life to be a musical. Weird? Maybe…but come on now, how fabulous would that be? By the way, it’s a given in this wish that I am a talented singer because although in my head I’m T. Swift’s equivalent, singing in reality is not my strongest suit. When I’m not warbling along (ha, get it fellow Gleeks?) with the talented “highschoolers” in my car, I’m jamming out to Glee in the gym. In honor of the show’s new episode this evening (FINALLY!) after a short hiatus full of re-runs, I decied to put together a playlist of my favorite adrenaline-pumping tunes.

1. Teenage Dream
2. Last Friday Night
3. Empire State of Mind
4. Gives You Hell
5. My Life Would Suck Without You
6. Telephone
7. Forget You (Feat. Gwyneth Paltrow)
8. Any Way You Want It/Lovin’ Touchin’ Squeezin’
9. Loser Like Me
10. Singing in the Rain/Umbrella (Feat. Gwyneth Paltrow)
11. Dog Days Are Over
Cool down/stretch: Poker Face, Over the Rainbow, True Colors, I’ll Stand By You

Whether you’re struggling through the last minute of cardio or working out with free weights, these beats will definitely keep you going. My favorite new gym routine is a circuit Emily showed me: .25 mile treadmill spring (I increase from 7.5 to 9 speed), 15 crunches, 15 body squats, 30 seconds plank. Repeat 4 times through, to complete 1 mile, or more if you feel inclined. I typically do this after a half hour on the Arc Trainer or before a light arm routine to get the sweat going. Let me know what you think!
What is your favorite Glee song? 

Sprinkled with Love,
Lauren

July 15, 2011

“There’s nothing better than a good friend, except a good friend with chocolate.” Linda Grayson

Hey all! TGIF! Boy, has this week whizzed by! Here are some of my foodie highlights. 1) I had the privilege of attending a Chile 101 Boot Camp and family-style lunch at Rosa Mexicano (Union Square) on Tuesday, hosted by Culinary Advisor, Susana Trilling and Culinary Director, David Suarez. At the event I learned all about chili peppers from how to prepare them to the different types. Although I never considered myself to have a palate for spicy schtuff, I really enjoyed having the opportunity to taste-test and discovered I’m quite fond of the variety of flavors (smoky, fruity, hot, etc.)!

The restaurant’s atmosphere and food was fabulous…I can’t wait to go back! FYI the Guacamole en Molcajete is TO DIE FOR. 

2) After getting out of my internship, I met up with Laura and her friend, Steph, at Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar for dinner. I was still pretty full from my incredible lunch but ordered the Wild Smoked Salmon Salad (with mixed field greens, tomato, cucumber, capers and extra virgin olive oil dill dressing), which was delightful. Light but just the perfect portion, leaving room for…

Tuesday’s Ladies Night Out! AKA complimentary chocolate shots and Belgian chocolate covered strawberries!

Doesn’t get much better than that, huh?

Perfection. By the way, it was a sticky 98 degrees that day. Traveling on the subway and walking around was not the most pleasant experience but completely worth it, of course. 

3) I spent the night at Laura’s, giving me the opportunity to “sleep in” — which in my case is 7 AM. I ran 4 miles on the treadmill in her building’s gym before showering and grabbing some breakfast in a little place near my office. What did my favorite meal of the day include? An assortment of fruit (grapes, blackberries, blueberries, watermelon and honeydew), two hard boiled eggs, a plain Chobani yogurt and grande iced coffee from Starbucks. Great way to start off my day!

4) Lunch included a protein-packed salad (spinach, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, tofu, navy beans, chickpeas, edamame, pumpkin seeds and carrots with balsamic vinegar/olive oil) from Zeytinz Fine Food Market Place. I caught a few rays and people watched in Bryant Park while chowing down on my lunch break!

So there’s a look at my week through what I ate. I realized the other day that most of my pictures on my camera and phone are of food. Pathetic? I think not! Hopefully I’ll be able to cook something new and fun this weekend! (I’ve really been wanting to create my own gazpacho.) Although I love trying different fare in NYC, I miss the comfort of home cooked meals, not to mention having the time to prepare my own recipes.
Any quick, summery recipe suggestions? 

Sprinkled with Love,
Lauren

March 31, 2011

Spring Training

Spring is in the air and boy, am I glad…I’m so sick of the treadmill and can’t wait to make the shift to outdoor jogs for good! To compliment my cheery state of mind with the change in weather, I decided to put together my favorite workout picks for spring training. As you can see there is a theme. Don’t these colors just shout, “USE ME (and be thrilled to be doing so…)?” I don’t know about you, but I think the hot pink and bright cerulean combo is simply energizing.

1. ALO Women’s Workout Mesh Inset Tank, $44
2. Nike Tempo Track Women’s Running Shorts, $28
3. Vibram FiveFingers Women’s Jaya (white/grey/purple), $85
4. Apple iPod Nano, 8GB $149, 16GB $179
5. Nathan Shadow Pak, $20
6. Nike Free Run Spark/Copa/Pure Platinum/White, $84.99
7. Pilayo® Clear Blue Braid Headband, $12
8. Moving Comfort Alexis Bra, $33.99

Lesson of the day: you can exercise and look cute while doing so (sweaty and all)! You will feel more confident and motivated by the new ensemble you’re rockin’ so ditch your raggedy old gym clothes and splurge on some bright new pieces to add to your collection. PS: I am saving up for a pair of Vibram FiveFingers. I’ve heard such great things, especially for half marathon training, plus they look just plain wacky and fun. What are your thoughts on the innovative footwear?

Sprinkled with Love,
Lauren

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