Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Energy Reset: Dr. Oz 3 day detox challenege

In light of a minor back injury and the fact that I have been eating less than acceptable because of the holiday weekend, I decided to push the restart part button on my eating. I caught the Dr. Oz  show yesterday, (which by the way is my favorite daytime show) and he shared a plan for a three-day detox. Although the lunch shake doesn't sound appetizing I think its worth a shot to get my energy level back to where it should be and clean myself of all the processed foods I've been eating the last week. I'll try to post how each day went in the comment section.I have most of the ingredients on the list but well see how my blender works with the celery and cucumber.

DAY 1
Day one wasn't as bad a I thought the morning and lunch smoothie were doable. For dinner however I didn't have the opportunity to get to the store to do get all the ingredients. Instead I had a salad with tomato and onions,and some kale. My energy level was great throughout the the day and I wasn't hungry like I thought I would be. Goal for day two get that last shake in.

Day 2
Day two I did great with breakfast and most of my lunch shake, but I got very sick the rest of the week. I wasn't able to finish the challenge. But I did enjoy the shakes for the most part and my energy was great until being hit with a bug. I would definitely recommend the 3 day challenge especially with the holidays coming up. After all the unhealthy yumminess you may partake in you may need a dietary reboot.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Monday Moto! Keep Pushing!

 
Don't just get moving today ladies and gents, move with your best effort in mind! Happy Monday!
 


Sunday, November 11, 2012

I.R.G.: ProFile: Pamela Lister Bright

This month's I.R.G. has accomplished some much in a little over a year of running. Pamela Lister Bright began running October 2011, after suffering a back injury in a car accident in August of 2011. Due to her injury she was unable to do high impact classes at the gym and began looking for activites outdoors. Pamela shares her motivation, and how to she went from only running 3-5 miles at a time to completeing her first 26.2 at the Raleigh City of Oaks Marathon.
 

Lexx: What peaked your interest in running?
 
Pamela: I was just looking for something to challenge me and to help keep me fit and healthy. I did a google search and found Black Girls Run.
Lexx: What motivated you to enter your first marathon?
Pamela: I decided to do a marathon after being tickled pink with doing a half. I just wanted to be able to say I did one.
(Pamela has completed several half marathons including the Baltimore Half Marathon and the Divas Half in Myrtle Beach).
Lexx: What was the most difficult aspect of training?
Pamela:The most difficult aspect of training was the long distance running and learning what pace would work for me.
Lexx: What were things you did to mentally prepare  for  the race ?
Pamela: To prepare for the race mentally I prayed a lot. I held on to the saying “Mind Over Miles”. My mom passed away almost two years ago and I got her angel wings put on the back of my race shirt. That gave me an extra boost too.
Lexx:What do you do for cross training?

Pamela: For cross training I do weight training, I like to ride my bike, water aerobics, walking and I take some aerobics classes (body pump, body attack and zumba).
Lexx: What do you feel are the most important benefits of running?
Pamela: The most important benefits of running for me. Running helps me to clear my mind. It allows me to be free and to push myself to the limit. It gives me confidence to know I can do anything I put my mind to.
Lexx: Every runner has a wall or stagnant point. What do you feel yours has been?
Pamela: My biggest wall has been to learning my pace and not starting out to fast when I race. Not getting caught up in the energy of take off.
Lexx: Whats one lesson running has taught you?
Pamela: Running has taught me anything is possible. I can do anything I make my mind up to do.
Lexx: Do you have a dream destination race you'd like to do?

Pamela: I would love to do the Disney full.
 
Lexx: What are some of your favorite pre-race and post race foods?
 
Pamela: I drink the Energy Fizz sticks by Arbonne pre-race. I also like to eat the Marathon energy snicker protein bar before the race. Afterwards I do another Fizz, bananas, protein, and pasta.
 
Lexx: What is one thing you advise new runners to do to be successful?
Pamela: I advise new runners to learn the only person you are running against is yourself. Run your own race at your own pace.
 

Monday, November 5, 2012

Monday Moto!


No matter how fast or slow, how skinny or thickyou are, and no matter your color never be discouraged to run because you dont fit the mold. I once saw a quote that said black women are fat because they want to be. I saw another that said they we dont run long distances. I'm proud and blessed to go out everyday and tear down those generalization. Run for health, for fun, for whatever your reason, keep going. You're a runner as long as you run.

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Runner on a budget: Gear I love

My new pre-dawn run obession and seasonal temperature change has prompted me to share my favorite fall gear for less. Yes, the big name brands come with high quality but most of the time they also come with a higher price. My thought is way pay $60 for something when I can be 30 percent less and still have good quality.

The first item on my budget list is a headlamp for early morning or late evening runs. The local sporting good chain (rhyming with six) prices headlamps from $9.99-$69.99. However, I got the Coleman brand in the sporting sections at Walmart for $7.88, saving me anywhere from $2.11-$62.11. The one I purchased comes with batteries and a lifetime guarantee on the LED lights.

The next items I love are dri-fit longsleeve shirts and long sleeve compression shirts.  I love these for the fall and winter because they absorb sweat really well and keep you warm without having to wear a jacket.Again Walmart and Marshalls have been my saving grace. Both stores carry Starter brand, but  be sure to check the men's section, ladies. For the compression shirts you want to make sure you get at least one size larger than you actually wear. I made that mistake last year by buying a small and I nearly squeezed myself to pieces.

Going to either WallyWorld(Walmart) or Marshalls I spend around $12.00 on the tops and each retailer carries a decent color selection. The big name sporting good stores prices the tops anywhere from $30-$120.  Some would argue that the more expensive brands have a better quality or more features but I have had one of my tops for over a year and its been washed quite frequently. Despite this my tops have not worn thin, ripped, faded, or shrank. 


One last money saving tip that's helped me, is store browsing and Amazon shopping. I personally have strict rule about buying shoes, which is trying them on before buying. Asics are my absolute favorite, and after getting a list of the best shoes for my foot type from Runners World.com I knew I had to get the Blur 33's. The retail price on the list and in the stores in my area was between $85-$95. While this is not expensive, every dollar counts when you're on a budget. I found the same shoe on Amazon.com for $69, shipping included.

In closing if you have the extra money to spend on expensive gear do it. I've indulged in my share of higher end running accessories from time to time. However, if your looking to indulge without breaking the bank hopefully some of my methods will be helpful to you.