What I Ate Wednesday #2

This past week started off so good.  I was determined after seeing a -6lb drop on my weigh-in last Wednesday.  I made it through Thanksgiving STRONG. UNWAVERING in the face of delicious food!!

And then Friday happened.  I fell and twisted my ankle into a pretzel during a simple 2 mile race (but really it's the muscles thru my foot that hurt).  The next day my whole foot was swollen up that I could hardly even walk.  Let's just say it's been a pitiful week for me.  There is no question that I'm an emotional eater.  When I get injured and can't run, I get crabby, frustrated and weak.  I turn to food.  ugh.

I didn't track my food in the absence of exercise for 3 days... and boy, I can feel it.  I'm not even facing the scale today.  Will have to wait until next Wednesday for an update.

But I brought myself back to reality yesterday.  Here's what I ate...

BREAKFAST: Vegetable Quiche Cups

These are an awesome punch of protein in the morning!  I make a big batch at once, and then freeze.  Only 50 calories each, they are a yummy and healthy way to start the morning.


RECIPE
1 pkg 10oz chopped spinach (thawed)
 7 eggs
3/4 c. shredded cheese
1/4 c. chopped green peppers
1/4 c. chopped red peppers
4-6 drops of hot sauce
1/4 c. onion
3 slices turkey bacon (cooked and crumbled).  
Cook spinach for 2 minutes in microwave and drain excess liquid.  Mix all ingredients into a bowl.  Scoop mixture into foil baking cups, sprayed lightly first with cooking spray.  Bake 350˙ for 20 minutes.  May freeze and reheat in microwave.

LUNCH: Taco Salad

 

SNACKS: banana, apple and granola bar

DINNER: Smart Ones meal, and I added in more broccoli and chicken.

LATE NIGHT OPPS!

It really wasn't even that good, but I was sulking as I iced my foot...

. . . 

12 Days of a Fit Christmas starts tomorrow!

Check out the cool ideas and great discounts in my Holiday Shopping Guide.

WEIGHT LOSS GOAL before Myrtle Beach Half Marathon on Feb. 18   

Created by MyFitnessPal - Free Calorie Counter

12 Days of a Fit Christmas

On Dec. 1st, the holiday fitness fun will start!  I'm going to do my best to make sure no one gains extra baggage this Christmas season.  Yes, I want you to relax and enjoy your holidays, but it's important to squeeze in a little exercise time.  The endorphins make you HAPPY... and that's what the holidays are all about, right?!  Happy, happy, happy!!  Plus you'll feel great come New Year's Eve when you still fit in that sexy black dress!

Introducing...

December 1-12

I challenge you to do something FIT for a 12 day stretch...

Enjoy a nice RUN or brisk WALK.

Sweat out the stress at YOGA.

Take a SPINNING or TURBOKICK class.

Pump it up with STRENGTH TRAINING.

Go the distance with a BIKE ride.

Just don't slack... and Stay Fit this Christmas!! 

And to encourage you along, I'VE GOT PRESENTS!!!

Each day during the 12 Days of Christmas, I'll review and giveaway a fabulous item that would look great under your tree. All you have to do is answer one little question... 

"How did you stay FIT today?"

EVERY DAY A NEW GIVEAWAY!

EVERY DAY A WINNER!

Dec. 1 - Endorphin Warrior - warrior training bracelet of your choice

Dec. 2 - SparkleSkirts - SparkleSkirt of your choice

Dec. 3 - Gone for a Run - Race Medal Hanger

Dec. 4 - Fitsok - 3pk of athletic socks

Dec. 5 - Inperspire - motivational gym towel

Dec. 6 - BondiBand - winter running hat

Dec. 7 - H2O Audio - Trax custom-fit headphones

Dec. 8 - Tribute Sports - runner's necklaces and charms

Dec. 9 - Sparkly Soul - sparkle headband

Dec. 10 - Tough Chik - iRun t-shirt

Dec. 11 - Family Fan Club - custom iPhone cover

Dec. 12 - GU - Peppermint Stick energy gels

THE FINE PRINT
• You must follow Run with Jess via Google Friend Connect (click Join button in the right sidebar), on Facebook and/or on Twitter.  I don't mean to force you to like me, but I gotta be able to get in touch with you.
• Giveaway items were supplied to me by the named companies.  However, the opinions expressed here are all Jess.
• Open to U.S. residents only. Sorry my international buddies, but postage is getting expensive.
• Each person may only win once.  Gotta spread the holiday cheer around...
• No sign-up or registration required.  Just come back each day from Dec. 1st thru the 12th.
• Each person is allowed a maximum of 3 entries into each giveaway (1 for a blog comment, 1 for a tweet, and 1 for a FB post).  Each entry must answer the question, "What did you do to stay fit today?"  Of course, you could always make stuff up, but remember... Karma will come back to bite you!

Saturday News

Trot for Tots Recap

Yesterday, I dug out my elf costume for the Trot for Tots 2 mile race, benefitting the US Marines' Toys for Tots campaign.  It was a beautiful warm day and perfect for a run.  I decided beforehand to hold back and jog with my hubby, have fun with the crowd, and save my speed for the 4 mile race the following day.  The race started off great.  I was a waving fool to the huge crowds of spectators.  The kids loved my elf costume.  And then it happened... 

Twisting around to look for my running partner, I rolled my left ankle and fell to the ground.  Ouch!  Not only painful, but darn right embarrassing!  The whole crowd did a big "Owwww".  I continued to jog my way to the finish (no idea what my time was).  Hindsight, I really should have quit.  It's much worse than I originally thought.  I iced it and babied the ankle yesterday... but today it hurts even worse and is nicely swelled up.  Crap, crap, and double crap!

The Sole Sisters reporting for duty!

My First DNS

Due to yesterday's face-plant and my inability to even walk today, I recorded my first DNS (Did Not Start) in this morning's River Trail Classic 4 mile race.  I was really looking forward to this one, although the rain this morning was rather unappealing.  Needless to say, I'm a little crabby today.  Welcome back to the DL... ugh.

Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge - Week #1

I was a day late getting started in the HBBC challenge, but still managed to rack up 36 points this week.  It comes at the perfect time for me since I'm on a mission to shed my last 30 lbs before February's Myrtle Beach Marathon.

Highlights from my first week of the HBBC include...

• eating seven servings of vegetables 4 out of the 7 days

• logging 21 run miles and 12 on the bike

• cross training activities like Yoga, Spinning, Boxing, and Weights

Fit Fluential

I'm so excited to be added as a Fit Fluential Ambassador.  I look forward to the opportunities with this great group and the things I can learn from them.

Holiday Shopping

Did you brave the crowds and do some shopping this weekend?  I did not.  I made some online purchases, but am not fond of shopping (in general), much less in big crowds and lines.  If you missed it on Black Friday, check out my Holiday Shopping Guide {here}, full of ideas and great discounts for the runner on your list... or send it to your hubby to shop for YOU!

Check it out here!

WEIGHT LOSS GOAL before Myrtle Beach Half Marathon on Feb. 18 

Created by MyFitnessPal - Free Calorie Counter

Holiday Shopping Guide for the Lady Runner

Shopping Ideas, Discounts & Freebies!

I pleased to work with some of my favorite companies to provide you with an awesome Holiday Shopping Guide... packed with discounts and deals!  Now go make life easy for your husband, mother-in-law and those who aren't submersed in the running obsession (yet)... send them this Shopping Guide with a simple note...

Santa, please bring me one of each!

Shop Bondiband here for incredible headbands, hats, neck gators and more!

DISCOUNT CODE:  

Enter code ONE at checkout to get 1 free headband with the purchase of 3

Shop Gone for a Run here for a huge array of running gifts...

jewelry, medal hangers, decor, apparel, head gear,  decals and much more!

DISCOUNT CODE:

With a $50 order, get a free ROO Hydration Bottle. 

When placing order, place the bottle in shopping cart and 

enter code ROO11 at checkout.  Expires 11/30

Shop Inperspire here for high quality sweat towels with neat motivation printed on them.

DISCOUNT CODE:

At checkout, enter JESS in the coupon code box to receive 15% off your order.  Expires 1/1/12

Shop the Fitsok Shop here for athletic socks that are engineered for fit and performance.

DISCOUNT CODE:

At checkout, enter THEBESTTHINGSINLIFE to receive 15% off your order.

Shop Sparkly Soul here for gorgeous sparkle headbands.

DISCOUNT CODE:

At checkout, enter RUNWITHJESS to receive 15% off your order.

Shop Endorphin Warrior here for jewelry with positive and powerful messaging to wear while running, cycling, working out, sweating, racing - or all day long - to help you stay strong-minded and focused... and help you train harder, improve performance, overcome challenges, achieve goals and live stronger.

DISCOUNT CODE:

At checkout, enter RWJ15OFF to get 15% off the Warrior Training Bracelet of your choice. Expires 12/31/11

Shop tough chik here for stylish performance clothing for women (and girls!).

DISCOUNT CODE:

At checkout, enter RUNWITHJESS to receive 20% off all merchandise.  

Team memberships not included.  Expires 12/21/11

Shop Saucony here for top-notch runner's apparel.  

Check out Saucony's holiday gift guide here for great gift ideas.

DISCOUNT CODE:

Enter RUNWITHJESS at checkout for 15% off apparel at Saucony.com (US customers only)

Shop Tribute Sport here for unique gifts for the athlete on your list!
DISCOUNT CODE:
Enter JESSGIRL at checkout for 20% off their athlete gift collection.  Expires 12/15/11

Shop Family Fan Club here for apparel and gear for the athlete and the spectator!

DISCOUNT CODE:

Enter runwithjess at checkout for 15% off your purchase.  Expires 12/15/11

MORE IDEAS

FOR THE LADY RUNNER ON YOUR LIST

Runner's gear and clothing

race entry for 2012
foam roller

gym bag

shower towel for the gym

runner's calendar / training log

iTunes gift card for music

makeup/toiletry bag for gym

Books about running (my recommendations here)

Gift certificate for a Massage

Headlamp and reflective gear (for dark winter running)

STOCKING STUFFERS

Headbands

Energy gels (I recommend GU)

Hydration tablets (I recommend nuun)

Shoelaces in different colors

Socks (colorful knee highs for the fashionista!)

Nutrition bars (I recommend Luna)

Skin lube to prevent chafing (I recommend 2Toms SportShield)

Gum (if you're like me and can't run without it! Extra please)

Foot lotion for those hard working feet (Peppermint!)

Temporary runner tattoos

Fruit... oranges, pomegranates and bananas of course!

Happy Shopping!!
Psst... I'll have reviews and giveaways coming from nearly all these companies
 during my 12 Days of a Fit Christmas, December 1-12.  Don't miss it!

3 Things Thursday: Thanksgiving Edition

1.  Thanksgiving Race(s)
I woke up in a lazy mood today... and did not run first thing.  {AH- the Horror!}  I sipped my coffee, previewed the Black Friday ads, and did some shopping online instead of running.  {Gasp!}  Yeah, sometimes you just gotta go with the mood and enjoy a relaxing holiday morning.

Alas! Finally, I got my butt out there to complete my 5K for the three Thanksgiving virtual races.  While the kiddos napped and hubby snored away on the couch, I laced it up and ran 3.2 miles into the beautiful Thanksgiving sunset.  My time was 29:19 (9:09 pace).  I was pretty happy with that.  It was a little windy and along the airport here, our road is like a wind tunnel.  The first mile was directly into the wind and I had a tough time getting going, but I flew on the way home!  :)

Feed the Turkey 5K - hosted by Dailymile.com

Thankful Healthy Blogger 5K - hosted by A Journey to Thin

Thanksgiving 5K - hosted by Daily Vitamin F

2.  Thanksgiving Food
I'm really proud of myself today.  I was proactive and avoided the gluttony of another holiday.  We went to a relative's house for dinner.  I brought my own bag of vegetables to microwave so I knew exactly what my calorie count would be.  Add in a couple slices of turkey breast... and I kept my Thanksgiving meal under 300 calories!!  I skipped the huge offering of desserts... and when we got home, I made myself a healthy Pumpkin Smoothie as my afternoon treat.  My food decisions today make me very happy.

That's 3 servings of veggies right there HBBC!

PUMPKIN SMOOTHIE

1/2 frozen banana

1 c. almond milk

heaping spoonful of light vanilla yogurt

1/3 c. pumpkin

handful of ice cubes (5-6)

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

1 tsp. vanilla extract

dash of pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon

Top with light whipped topping and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Makes 1 serving of 308 calories.

3.  Thanksgiving Football
It just wouldn't be right if I didn't mention the highlight of the day... my GB Packers continue their perfect season (11-0 baby!!), beating the Detroit Lions 27-15.  It wasn't exactly a pretty or exciting game, but it's a W and that's all that counts!  My husband, on the other hand, is a Dallas Cowboys fan.  As I type, he is yelling at the TV... I have a feeling the second game of the day is not going so well.

And the Pearl Izumi giveaway winner is... #25

Hey Falon... Email me your address and I'll ship out your new Pearl Izumi goods!

runwithjess@comcast.net

WEIGHT LOSS GOAL before Myrtle Beach Half Marathon on Feb. 18  

Created by MyFitnessPal - Free Calorie Counter

What I Ate Wednesday #1

Because I'm watching every morsel that goes into my mouth (see weight goal at end of post), I thought I'd join the WIAW (What I Ate Wednesday) trend from Peas and Crayons.  Plus after losing 6 lbs this past week, I've had a lot of questions as to how...

First off, I'm tracking every piece of food that goes in my mouth on MyFitnessPal.com.  It's free and easy to use.  Friend me (RunWithJess) if you use it - I love being held accountable!  

Secondly, I joined the Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge hosted by Run to the Finish. Each day that 7 servings of fruit & vegetables are consumed, one scores a point.  So I've been trying to reach that and fill my belly in the process.

Here's a smathering of photos from What I Ate this week... 

Vanilla yogurt topped with granola, bananas, strawberries, raspberries and grapes.
BREAKFAST: 260 calories

Whole wheat tortilla filled with light mayo, lean turkey, shredded cheese,
red onions, and cucumbers with spinach on top (not shown)
LUNCH: 340 calories

Parmesan encrusted tilapia, broccoli, corn, roasted potatoes and a salad
DINNER: 575 calories

Pumpkin Smoothie - slightly altered recipe from Blonde Ponytail {here}
LUNCH: 310 calories
Believe it or not, this was completely filling for a meal!

Lean Cuisine meal with added-in broccoli and corn for more vegetables.  Delish!
DINNER: 380 calories

This is my seasonal drink "treat" but only allow myself 1 soda a day.
I wish they sold this flavor all year long.  When you're watching calories,
it's a great mixer with vodka for a 0 calorie holiday drink.

WEIGHT LOSS GOAL before Myrtle Beach Half Marathon on Feb. 18  
Created by MyFitnessPal - Free Calorie Counter