Sprained your ankle? Here’s what you should know before returning to running… (Exercises included!)

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FLAT BELLY FIX

   Red tea detox is one of the best weight loss product on the market for 2019.

Find the best weight loss tips to help you get started and reach your healthy weight loss goals!

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Do you feel like falling asleep after you eat? Check out these tips to be sure your lunch is fueling you and not slowing you down.

The post Tired After Eating? 6 Tips to Boost Your Energy appeared first on Runtastic Blog.

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The perfect training time! Yes, it does exist. Read our post to find out which time of day is best for your training.

The post Is There a Best Time to Work Out? ➤ Morning, Lunchtime, or Evening appeared first on Runtastic Blog.

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Want to finally start working out and stick with it? This workout plan is perfect for beginners who want to create an exercise habit. Get simple workouts you can do at home in less than 15 minutes!

The post 28-Day Home Workout Challenge for Total Beginners appeared first on Runtastic Blog.

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Build a stronger back to prevent back pain. Find out which back exercises are most effective without any equipment & how to make your own back workout!

The post The 6 Best Bodyweight Exercises for a Defined Back appeared first on Runtastic Blog.

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Your warm-up and cool-down must be a part of your workout. If skipped, it could result in injury! Stay safe and fit with these pre & post-run stretches.

The post The Best Stretches for Runners to Warm Up and Cool Down appeared first on Runtastic Blog.

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Having a great career and a family is totally possible while working at Runtastic. Here is how we support the work-life balance of our employees.

The post Balancing Career and Family at Runtastic appeared first on Runtastic Blog.

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Looking for a healthy lunch that isn’t salad? Check out these 5 easy recipes.

The post Healthy Lunch Ideas That Aren’t Salad ➤ Top 5 Recipes appeared first on Runtastic Blog.

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It’s important to have a healthy morning routine to start the day right. Learn how with these tricks plus a bonus workout!

The post Rise & Shine: Top 5 Tips for the Perfect Morning Routine (+ bonus workout) appeared first on Runtastic Blog.

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Different Git workflows and why rebase is a Git essential, just like descriptive messages and atomic commits.

The post Git Workflows: Should Rebasing Become a Habit for Developers? appeared first on Runtastic Blog.

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Are you overloaded with information? These 6 tips from a personal trainer will help you focus on what matters so you can start your fitness journey the right way!

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Hello! How are you? I tried to get a lil off the grid over the holidays so I didn’t check in with Sasha Medea or read blogs or respond to text messages (sorry Mom). But I’m BACK! And I want to feel like I’m back with running too so I’m thinking about my goals for this year. I have a few races on the calendar so far and need to figure out GOAL RACES next. But before we talk about new year, new goals… Let’s run down the BEST parts of last year.

Here’s a round up of my favorite runs, races and recipes from last year. This is my favorite food or recipes, running highlights and life updates that I want to share and discuss.

(Note: I wrote the post with everything and realized it’s super long. So this is just the best running updates – the food and fun and life updates are coming next)

RUNNING

I don’t really keep track of my mileage, but I do wear a running GPS watch and that tracks it for me. So I looked up my mileage for the whole year and was surprised that I ran so much. I feel like I had a really ‘off’ year. I think when I first went through my separation and eventual divorce I was running and walking a lot. It was aimless and a lot of junk miles, but I just would go out and do some sorta run 6 days of the week.

But this year I transitioned to a different step in the grieving process and just felt unmotivated, unorganized and uninspired. A lot of un-words! So I felt like I ran a lot less. I only did 1 marathon! That’s SHOCKING to me. Ever since I ran my 1st marathon I’ve run several each year! One year I ran 9 marathons!

Right before the Revel Big Bear Marathon I realized I hadn’t run a full in over a year – since the Boston Marathon!!

And that mind F**ked me big time. It made me unsure of my running abilities and fitness. And more importantly, it made me question… Who am I? What am I even doing?

That’s not me trying to be dramatic –  the timing of my separation and some of the things I was told at that time… tied in directly with running. So I just focused on getting through the Boston Marathon without having a public breakdown. After that I didn’t have any running or racing goals because I felt like what I was working towards was unimportant and irrelevant. I stopped working towards a PR in the marathon and potential BQ. It felt sad and pointless. I felt sad and pointless? Both??

I didn’t realize that I kind of fell off the wagon with running until right before Revel Big Bear. I think I was probably stuck in some combination of grief and anxiety for a big chunk of time. Looking back now – I really haven’t been myself for a long time.

Luckily, I kept running because I love it. It’s fun and a good way to get some good endorphins, think, cry, listen to podcasts, stay in shape…

So yeah, this year I didn’t accomplish any major running goals. But I survived, didn’t take up any super self-destructive habits, didn’t lose faith, tried to become a better person and got through several challenges – they just happened to be adult stuff not running stuff.

Moving on –  instead of focusing on what I didn’t do – let’s talk about what I did…

I did run several half marathons, 1 full marathon and a lot of miles! (Randomly, my best half marathon isn’t recorded on the Garmin Connect calendar? There’s no mileage recorded at all for that weekend so I actually ran more than the record shows! Boom.)

 

Miles I ran last year: 2,536*

Calories I burned: 272,234

Calories I ate: +8,986,246,544

*Note: At least 1 race isn’t recorded in this total but there may be more. I’m not concerned enough about it to try and go back and check to see other days where I know I ran but the calendar doesn’t show it. This is a good estimate and if anything I’ve run more and not less so I don’t feel like I’m cheating myself on this.

Focus on what YOU did not what you failed to do. Then, focus on what you want to do next.

Stay positive. Give yourself credit for every tiny victory.

Repeat.

 

Overall I’m just super grateful for so many things. That’s what I want to focus on as I look back on last year’s running.

I’m grateful for…

The miles I ran.

You! Thank you for following along. I really like you.

My body. I didn’t get injured this year!

Brooks Running Shoes. I put so many miles on them!

My family and friend. I’m able to do this because they’ve always supported me.

My education. If not my ability to create RunEatRepeat.com and RER on social media – I wouldn’t be able to do this.

Runners on Instagram and Facebook – the running community is awesome! Runners are the best.

California. The weather and all the races make it a lot easier than it would be other places.

This time. I’m glad I live in a time and place where it’s safe, normal, accepted, etc to be a runner.

I’m just super grateful for running and Run Eat Repeat and all the opportunities I have because of it. I’m very blessed.

 

Let’s move on to the highlights and recaps!!

I put together a list of my favorite running themed posts from last year. There are some race recaps, tips and training plan posts below. Let me know if you have any questions. I’m here to help.

 Best Runs, Races and Running posts of the Year:

Half Marathon Training Plan for new or returning runners – check out this newbie half marathon training plan for your first 13.1 miler.

Surf City Half Marathon recap with Steve – my best race of the year! I pushed myself and ran fast and had fun running with Coach Steve.

PCRF Half Marathon Irvine, CA – Local half marathon that raises money for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation 

OC Half Marathon race recap – I don’t even remember this one! That’s why I have this blog – to be my memory.

My favorite running shorts – probably one of the most asked questions about running and running gear I always get!

The one marathon I ran this year – Revel Big Bear Marathon Recap. Thank God for SkinnyRunner and you for sticking with me as I tried to get back on the wagon.

Half Marathon Training Plan – 10 weeks long training plan for a half marathon race.

Las Vegas Half Marathon Race Recap – The race known as ‘Strip at Night’ is a blast!

What I are before the Las Vegas Half Marathon – it’s a race with a late start so it can be hard to time up fuel.

Lexus Lace Up Race Series – Riverside Half Marathon recap and challenge. Love this race series! This was the grand finale!!

And now for my Running Goals for This Year…

1. Run 1 dress rehearsal marathon, 1 fun marathon (I’m doing one out of the country!!) and 1 goal marathon.

2. Figure out a long term running plan to stay in half marathon shape and also spend time on strength and cross-training.

3. … I’m not sure?? Those might be fine for me, but I’m open to finding another goal.

What are your goals?

Oh, and because I love ‘em… here are some funny New Year’s Resolutions memes I found like looking for inspiration on my goal setting.

 

 

Question: What was your BEST Running accomplishment or moment of last year?

Me: I think running over 2500 miles last year is the thing I’m most proud of! And also I’m glad I ran a marathon last year and it was really great to be able to run with SR again!!

If you’re not sure about your running goals – check out the How to Plan Your Race Calendar post for some tips on planning!

 

The post The BEST of the Year Races, Running and Recipes! appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

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Special thanks to Jenny Craig for their sponsorship of this post.

Happy Birthday Eve to Me!!

As you’re reading this (assuming it’s today), I’m making my way to Nashville to celebrate with my Tennessee girls.  We’ve got tickets to see my favorite podcast/radio show LIVE on Wednesday night, and I’m sticking around tomorrow to hang out and visit with my peeps.  As a bonus, my friend Natalie is flying in to celebrate too!  So so excited!

This birthday will definitely have a different pace than those of recent years.  I am planning to celebrate in Denver when I get back with my Colorado peeps.

Fun fact:  Did you know that I typically drag everyone out for Indian food on my birthday?  It’s a tradition, and I like to order it basically as hot as I can handle it requesting “hot” style and then asking for extra spices if it comes out too tame.  Ahh… chicken saag sounds so good right about now.

Anywho… it just seemed appropriate to share this flatbread recipe today in honor of my latest trip around the sun.

The Jenny Craig Chicken Ranch Melt has quickly become one of my favorite dishes to play with.  The pizza options have become endless, and I love how filling this is (even more filling than the pepperoni pizza which is a favorite!)

Note:  If you’re on the Jenny Craig Classic program, please be sure to count the Thai Curry sauce as 1 limited free addition.

Thai Curry Chicken Flatbread

Serves 1

INGREDIENTS

1 Jenny Craig Chicken Ranch Melt

4 grape tomatoes, sliced

1 1/2 scallion, sliced

1 Tbsp. Buffalo Wild Wings Thai Curry Sauce

1/3 cup fresh arugula

INSTRUCTIONS

1.  Wrap the chicken ranch melt in a paper towel and microwave for 1 minute.

2.  Remove and scrape the sauce and contents of the wrap into a small bowl.  Add Thai Curry sauce and stir to combine.

3.  Spread the mixture on top of the flatbread.  Top with tomatoes and scallions.

4.  To cook your flatbread, here’s the instructions:

Airfryer Instructions:  Cook your pizza at 370 degrees for 8 minutes, until flatbread becomes crunchy.

Oven Instructions:  Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.  Bake for 12-15 minutes until your pizza is crunchy and done.

5.  Top with arugula, and cut into pizza slices.  Serve and enjoy!

Click here to see a full listing of my Jenny Craig Recipe Creations!

Disclaimer:  This post is sponsored by Jenny Craig; however, all of the opinions and comments about the program are exclusively my own and do not necessarily represent that of the brand.

Related posts:

Weigh-In Update and Going Public

Jenny Craig Recipe Creation: Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla

Jenny Craig Recipe Creation: Loaded Greek Nachos

Jenny Craig Recipe Creation: Thai Curry Chicken Flatbread originally appeared on No Thanks to Cake on 01/09/2019, which is not permitted to be copied on other sites without written permission from the original author.

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This post is sponsored by Zappos.

Where do you get your running shoes? Well, I have my go-to resources but I just tried Zappos for a new pair of running shoes –  umm…welcome to 2019 Monica! Yes I’m familiar with Zappos but I’ve only used them for heels or casual wear shoes. But today I’m going on a test run with a pair of Asics from the site.

I’m going on a test run with these Asics GT 2000 running shoes.

They’re in the support and stability category of running shoes. Sometimes stability shoes can be bulky or heavy, but these are designed to be lightweight and sturdy at the same time. This latest design combines lightweight and durable to help keep ya going for the long haul (or long distance). 

The shoes I’m wearing are the mist/white color. In person they look like a cool blue/grey. I think they’d work as a casual or athleisure shoe too.

The Asics GT 2000 also comes in black or navy blue (peacoat/silver) with pink accents. I thought the blue one was called ‘peacock’ not peacoat at first because they look like the color of a bird! Ha!

When you’re buying running shoes it’s important to keep in mind these factors:

– Type of foot/arch you have

– Do you pronate (over or under pronate)

– Goals / Mileage: what will you be using them for? Your first 5k? A half marathon? Ultra?

– Size: proper sizing is very important with running shoes. Some brands vary in length & width. If a shoe is too big or small it could lead to blisters, losing toenails, corns, overall discomfort that changes your running gait… and more.

– Type of shoe for your running: Are you training on trails? Do you want a lightweight trainer for speed work? Is heel to toe drop important for you?

– Return policy: If you don’t choose the right shoe – can you return them?

And finally it’s important to find out…

Does my dog like my running shoes??

Kidding.

Kinda.

I like that Zappos has a 365 day return policy and fast, free shipping. When I order shoes I want them to arrive fast and make me *faster!

(*I don’t think they guarantee fast shipping = fast running, but I’m pretty sure positive thoughts help so I’m going with it.)

You can check out these Asics GT 2000 on the Zappos site here.

Question: Where do you get your running shoes?

 

This post is sponsored by Zappos. All opinions are my own.

 

 

 

 

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Special thanks to Jenny Craig for their sponsorship of this post.

Happy New Year!

2019 is officially here, and I’m excited to see what I’m able to accomplish in the year ahead.  I’ll share more in upcoming days about what I’m hoping to achieve.

Before I share today’s recipe, I wanted to share my thoughts on 2018’s weight loss.  I conducted my final weigh in for the year, and the results are below.

You might remember that I went into December hoping AT MINIMUM to stay consistent with my weight.  I am thrilled that I lost 2 lbs during the holidays.  Would I have hoped that number would have been higher?  Sure.  Considering all the ups and downs of the holidays, I’m going to take this weight loss and RUN with it.

I’m also extremely happy to report a -7.2 lb weight loss for 2018.  Boom!  Again, ups and downs.. but moving in a positive direction.

Ok… now, let’s talk about today’s recipe.  

There’s a few dishes in the Jenny Craig lineup that I see as blank canvas – – the Jenny Craig Chicken Sandwich is definitely one of those dishes.  I’m surprised that I haven’t tried this in the past, but I’m thrilled that I was inspired to convert the sandwich into a colorful stirfry.  Loaded with vegetables,the dish triples in size, satisfying your eyes as much as your tastebuds.

Asian Chicken Stirfry

Serves 1

INGREDIENTS

1 Jenny Craig Chicken Sandwich

3 cups stirfry vegetables

1 tsp. minced garlic

1 Tbsp. reduced sodium soy sauce

1 1/2 Tbsp. low-sodium chicken broth

1 tsp. cornstarch

3/4 tsp. oyster sauce

1/2 tsp. garlic chili paste

1 tsp. minced ginger

cooking spray

Optional: crushed red pepper flakes

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cook the chicken sandwich per the package instructions.  Remove the bun and set aside.  Toast and chop to use as croutons on your daily salad.

2.  In a skilled prepared with cooking spray and brought to medium heat, add garlic and veggies and saute until tender, 5-8 minutes depending upon what veggies you’re cooking.  Note:  I used a Trader Joe’s Asian veggie mix, but any combination of your favorite stirfry vegetables will work well.

3.  Slice your chicken and add it to the pan, saute for an additional 3 minutes.

4.  Whisk all of the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and pour it atop the stirfry, stirring to combine.

5.  Sprinkle with crushed red pepper and serve!

Click here to see a full listing of my Jenny Craig Recipe Creations!

Disclaimer:  This post is sponsored by Jenny Craig; however, all of the opinions and comments about the program are exclusively my own and do not necessarily represent that of the brand.

Related posts:

My Current Struggle

Ask Me: How Did You Get Started

Jenny Craig Recipe Creation: Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Quesadilla

Jenny Craig Recipe Creation: Asian Chicken Stirfry originally appeared on No Thanks to Cake on 01/02/2019, which is not permitted to be copied on other sites without written permission from the original author.

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How to plan your best running year ever! Check out this video with 5 steps to plan your race calendar for this year. It’s simple but very important if you want to get faster, run farther, PR, get healthier or just have more fun running. I’ve been using this hack to plan my running and training calendar for years. It’s so important to have visual reminders of our goals. Check out the video and let me know what your goals are for this year!

How to Plan Your Running Calendar for the Year:

These tips for planning your running or racing calendar can work for runners or all levels. Make sure you are setting goals that are relevant to YOU. Your goals should be about your fitness, health, goals, priorities, time, resources, etc. Don’t let other people on social media or around you irl impact how you feel about yourself and the goals you set.

Planning Your Race Calendar:

1. Set goals

set 3 goals – they can be all running goals or a combination or running and fitness goals

2. List races

list the races you want to do, races you do every year, potential goal races…

3. Important dates

note any important dates / events / other and note race dates – check to see if there are conflicts

4. Assess your goals, dates, timeline, your health / life prioritiesr

finalize the races you can do

5. Go!

register, plan, research training plans, get going!

Race Planning Tools:

1. Yearly Calendar – dry erase calendar for the year

It’s 2-sided and has the calendar horizontal and vertical

2. Dry erase markers

3. Calendar

4. Post-its (the small ones)

If you aren’t using a dry erase calendar – consider using the small post-its to note potential races and dates.

Now go get em!!

What are your goals for this year?

What races are on your calendar?? Let me know!

Remember to follow @RunEatRepeat on Instagram for the daily run check in!

 

 

 

 

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