Breaking Up with Salt

 In every epic breakup we as girls sulk, think about going back and finally realize we are better stronger versions of ourselves without whatever his name was! Salt is no different.

Runners often hear the opposite of salt elimination and hoard salt in our pre race pasta dinners, sports drinks, recovery drinks you name it.  Sure we need long run prep but that does not give us the right to put what is equivalent to a salt lick next our bed and have at it.  We need to fuel right, fuel for the workout we are about to have.

Three months ago I spoke to a friend on improving my diet.  I eat lean protein, low fat, whole wheat but I was still open to improvement.  Like a great friend telling you your college bad boy boyfriend is dragging you down, she sat me down and told me I needed to end my relationship with salt. Ugh!

This she promised  would be my ticket to a flatter stomach. Deep down I knew she was right and set out to end it!

What I didn't know is that my ex was stalking me.  After getting rid of the obviouse salt shaker, low sodium chicken broth I thought I was on the straight and narrow.  Until I actually LOOKED at the side of my containers.  Have you peaked at the sodium content in your pre race marinara sauce?! That sneaky bastard!

Here are a few of my breakup secrets.  No salt added products and Mrs. Dash Salt Free.  You can still make your favorite easy weeknight meals using canned tomatoes, sauces and broth.  DelMonte, Giant Eagle and Hunts make some great versions of their products in no salt versions. A few of my favorite low carb, low fat, low salt hight protein recipes are: Microwave Chicken Fajitas, Stuffed Pepper Soup, Stuffed Peppers and Chicken Rice and Mushroom soup.  Stay tuned for the details in future posts!

Now my relationship with sugar...well it's complicated. We are seeing other people (Stevia) but haven't completely called it quits.

Spring Race Season

 

It's here!!!  It's here!!

For all the non runners out there spring marks the beginning of race season.  For us runners who have been pounding the pavement in the snow and building mileage on the on dreadmill, spring race season is our version of Opening Day.  There is a thrill that I can't quite describe as we line up to the first start line of the year.   Our minds in a panic, butterflies in our stomach, stress over what to eat for that race day breakfast…. as though we are prepping for the olympic trials that are the community 5k.  

After crossing the finish line we immediately turn to our friends in the midst of our shared endorphin high and suggest filling our entire spring weekend calendar with themed 5k events.  Whether it's a color run, charity run, mud run or just a run for fun we can't' imagine doing anything else from April through June.  Well at least in that 2 hour slot post race we can't imagine doing anything else…. until our 6am alarm goes off every Saturday morning for the next 5 weeks and we think, who suggested this again? 

Spring racing also means us girls immediately flock to the nearest athletic store to buy the latest neon shoes, running skirts and overprices running shirts.  Why?, because running in a matching brightly colored outfit will absolutely make us go faster… or at least look good while we are trotting along:) Running fashion is a whole post on it's own.  

Whatever your training when spring arrives and you step to that first staring line on a 55+ degree spring morning at 8AM to us it's the best feeling in the world.   

What am I running this year?  Well I'm glad you asked!  This year I was lucky enough to kick off Spring Racing season with the same group that got me to climb out of my nice warm bed to workout in  27 degrees and snow all winter.  To be fair they were there every weekend.  I was the "wimp" who refused to show up in anything less than 27 degrees. They are the Achilles International group.  A group of incredible athletes who meet twice a week for group workouts.  Most of the attendees are hand cyclists which works out great for the turtle trotter I am.  Running with a group actually gives me anxiety because I'm slow! (Yes, I do realize I just started a running blog.)  

Achilles International Pittsburgh hosted it's first 5K in North Park under the direction of Jeff Smith, race director and Monica Michna, chapter president.  It was an awesome event for all athletes and I didn't fall over from an asthma attack or finish behind the walkers.  This is what I call a successful race! 

Next up is a race April 26th for the Penn Township Business Association and a June Dirty Girl mud run for team "Save Second Base".  Yeah I thought it was pretty clever as well:) 

There are some great sites that list all the Pittsburgh 5k races. Here is a list below of my goto: 

RunHigh

RunningInTheUSA

EliteRunnersRacing

What are you running this spring? Leave us a comment and tell us about your favorite race or event! 

Hello #FitFam412!!

Over 12 months ago I found myself in a workout rut.  I was tired of running the same 3 mile loop around my neighborhood, eating the same low fat rice cakes and overall blah mood.  In January of 2013 I made a new years resolution to revamp my idea of working out and being fit.  My goal was no longer to make myself an emaciated angry person by calculating calories and miles but to figure out a way to be generally fit and healthy.  How did I do that? Well lets just say an artists work is never done:) I may not have it all figured out but I sure do enjoy getting out and about. Little did I realize I was living 20 minutes from a giant steel inspired jungle gym!  Pittsburgh and it's surrounding suburbs have become my playground.

I am by no means a picture of health or in any way resembling the girl you have taped to your freezer to keep you from eating that last bit of double chocolate chunky monkey ice cream.  I'm not a great cook, not an incredible athlete, I've never won a race.  What I am is a person who loves to find new ways to incorporate healthy ideas from recipes, workout moves and running routes to share with the greater community.  I have run two marathons, a half marathon and countless numbers of smaller races.  However, I also took 3 walk breaks in my 3 mile run last week.

This blog is for all of us runners: the elite, the beginners and the general population that just like to get out and move.  I think we can all learn something from each other no matter how long we have been running and eating healthy. 

On this blog you will find: 

1. Tried and tested healthy recipes.
I mean come on we all brows through tons of sites that tell me to make "healthy" chocolate chip cookies with 12 ingredients I can't find at my local grocery store.  What if there was a person who doesn't think the after taste of protein powder is something to rave about that could test them all out and let you know which ones are actually worth the trip and money to try? Yeah, I'll try and help you out there.  

2. Running tips tricks and Routes:
Of all the sports I have tried running seems to be my go to.  There is really nothing quite like the endorphin cocktail in the midst of a great run on a sunny afternoon.  One of my goals is to find new and inspiring parks, routes, trails through the Pittsburgh area and share reviews.  Lets break out of our running loop at least once a week or once a month to shake it up and get inspired. 

3. General Workout Tips and Tricks: 
Looking for new workouts for those recovery or cross training days?  Wondering what to wear to that first intimidating barre or cross fit class....yeah I'm a girl.  Well we have you covered. Yoga for runners, Barre toning, running all the steps at the cathedral of learning... we will try just about anything learn the tricks and post tips and reviews for you to try!  

4. Runspiration:
You let us know.  Some of the best articles I have read are about every day people that have used running to pull them through. Others are people that have overcome so much adversity and are incredible athletes from right here in Pittsburgh!! 

 I would LOVE to hear what you want to hear! Leave me a comment and let me know! 

http://fitfam412.blogspot.com/p/about_18.html