So Doggone Happy!

I  have several fun giveaways and reviews coming up soon, but before I let that fun begin, I thought I'd update you on my life.  There are a million and one photos in this post -- you have officially been warned.

Angela and I are now puppy parents!  We recently adopted my little sister's former dog, Holly.  She is the sweetest pooch on earth, and I swear my quality of life has improved ten-fold since we took her in.  How can you be grumpy or irritable when you have the most adorable little doggie giving you puppy kisses and wagging their tail at you?  I actually wake up and smile in the morning because her cute little face is right next to mine.  This is unthinkable as I am not a morning person by any stretch of the imagination. 

That is the face I wake up to every day.

Holly loves our running trails!

Doggie's first trip to Dog Beach!

 She is almost two years old and is absolutely perfect.  She sleeps with me every night and has become quite attached to me in a short time.  We are flying back to Chicago this Wednesday on a red-eye and we paid $250 to bring Holly with.  Isn't that an outrageous fee?  She will be sitting in her bag at my feet the entire time.  I was shocked at the cost. 

On the running front, my mileage is getting back up there.  I ran 17 this Sunday, and crazily enough, I ran each mile on the treadmill.  I know, I know, what kind of crazy person besides EMZ runs that much on a treadmill?  I slept in too late and didn't want to endure the hot sun for over two hours, so I hit the 'mill and watched Running the Sahara as inspiration.  17 miles feels like a piece of cake when you're watching three men run 100 times the distance, literally 1,700 miles.  I love that movie! Does anyone else get so irritated by Charlie at the end when he leaves the other two behind?  I still can't get over that.  The other guys responded so maturely and with such kindness.  I, on the other hand, would have been pissed.

unconditional love.  puppy kisses after a sweaty, 17 miler.

We are headed to Chicago this Wednesday to meet Angela's newest nephew, Eli, and hopefully meeting my newest nephew, Leo, as well, but he has yet to be born.  The clock is ticking!  I told my sister to go for a run, have sex, and drink milk of magnesia so that baby comes before I leave to return to San Diego.  She is convinced he'll be here soon.  Crossing my fingers!  While we're home we'll get to play with all of our adorable nieces and nephews that we miss terribly.  2,000 miles is quite far when you are away from these cute little faces! 

 

 

Giveaways Coming Soon:

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Reviews Coming Soon: 

 

 

STAY POSTED!

B12, Iron and Yoga

I have to admit, my Long Beach Marathon training hasn't exactly been pleasant.  Luckily, I still have several months for things to turn around but as of right now, I am not digging it.  I decided this will be the last time I train for a marathon in the summer.  Winter training is far more desirable in my book.  My training for Boston was great (until I had that stupid injury).  My training for Surf City was basically perfect and the race was in February.  Don't get me wrong, San Diego is not nearly as hot as most places in the summer.  We don't see 90 degree days and humidity barely exists here.  Regardless, the sun is brutal and I am a wimp.  I said it.  I hate cold weather and I hate hot weather.  Thank god I live in southern California or I'd be screwed!

I have come to accept the fact that I will probably never be that hard-core runner that wakes up at 5:30 AM every Saturday to beat the heat on a long run.  It just isn't going to happen.  I have spent the last several months setting my alarm for 5:30 AM to no avail.  My alarm clock ringtone is a screeching "Cocka-doodle-doo!" on repeat and I still don't wake up.  In reality, I wake up way later, look out the window, see the sun blazing, and I hit the treadmill. I thoroughly enjoy my time on the old 'mill but it's far from ideal.  My long runs are suffering because I can't drag my butt out of bed.  In the past, I was at least able to wake up by 7am, but even that seems impossible these days. 

So, why can't I get myself out of bed? It's not sheer laziness.  I have been feeling extremely fatigued lately for no good reason.  I can wake up at 11am and go back to bed for a nap a few hours later.  That doesn't seem quite normal.  I used to be anemic years ago, and I took an iron supplement to get me back on track.  I should have never stopped taking it, but I did.  I realized that I have not been taking my B12 supplement either.  Well, hello!  Once I realized this, I immediately hopped back on the B12 and Iron bandwagon.  Maybe it's a placebo effect, but I already feel so much better.  My energy levels have increased.  I don't feel the need to nap every hour.  I was able to wake up early on Sunday to surf and on Monday to run.  And my run was actually enjoyable for a change!

In addition to taking my supplements again, I have also returned to my beloved yoga practice.  I was having a terrible time "fitting it in" but I finally decided I needed to make time for it because it is equally as important as running.  I found a new studio that I love, Mosaic Institute, with passionate teachers and a warm, welcoming vibe.  I was crazy about my last yoga studio but my favorite instructors have all moved on, so it was time to find something new.  Angela and I have a weekly Friday night yoga date at Mosaic and I am already looking forward to tonight's practice.

I am hoping with a regular yoga practice and my nutrition in check, marathon training will begin to improve.

How is your summer training coming along?  

Do you wake up early to beat the heat?  

Any tips or tricks for summer training?

My New Favorite Smoothies!

This weekend I tried something new and ridiculously refreshing.  It was the perfect post-run smoothie that provided just enough calories and the perfect amount of protein.  What is this fantastically refreshing smoothie I speak of?  The NEW Vega Energizing Smoothies.  I guess you could consider it a meal replacement if you add your own fruit and other goodies, otherwise it can serve as a pre-workout energizer or a post-workout recovery drink.

A single serving pack will cost you $1.99 and worth every penny!

• Made from all-natural, plant-based ingredients
• Clean and green - Energizing Smoothie is dairy, gluten and soy free and contains no artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners.Alkaline-forming¹ - and easy to digest

Formulated by Brendan Brazier, vegan professional Ironman triathlete and bestselling health author on plant-based nutrition, Vega Energizing Smoothie is alkaline-forming, free from dairy, gluten and soy, and contains no added sugar, artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners. 

Each pack boasts 10g of protein and only 90-100 calories (depending on the flavor)!

You can either mix the packet with cold water or your favorite non-dairy milk.  If you want to get fancy you can add your own fruit!  Angela and I mixed the Tropical Tango flavor with some fresh mango, a few strawberries and a splash of almond milk.  It was delicious and made for a more filling smoothie.  

My "HOLY COW, THIS IS GOOD" face

The Vega Smoothies come in a variety of flavors from fruity to vanilla and chocolate.  I love that I get 10 whole grams of plant-based protein in one drink without a ton of unnecessary calories.  I also love that this doesn't leave a chalky after-taste like so many protein drinks do.

My absolute favorite thing about Vega is that everything in their products is NATURAL.  Not just the gimmicky "All Natural" that so many products pretend to be.  Everything is plant-based, from Mama Earth.

10 More Reasons I LOVE Vega Products:

1. Made with all natural, plant-based ingredients (absolutely no animal products)
2. Made primarily with whole foods in their freshest, least processed form possible
3. Provide a balance of protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats, plus a significant contribution to your daily intake of vitamins and minerals when mixed in plain water
4. Feature proteins from a diverse variety of vegetarian sources that combine to deliver a complete essential amino acid profile
5. Provide carbohydrates that are naturally occurring, complex and low-glycemic, with no added sugars or sugar-derivatives
6. Deliver essential fatty acids of the highest quality, the majority being Omega-3s, with no trans fats
7. Free of dairy, gluten and soy
8. Include no artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners
9. Taste good with pleasant texture and flavour when mixed with plain water
10. Easy to prepare for on-the-go convenience

Thank you, Vega, for sending me the smoothies.  You have a new addict on your hands.

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Besides drinking delicious smoothies all weekend, I also enjoyed the great San Diego weather.  I am always grateful for San Diego's moderate climate but even more so when the rest of the country is sweltering hot and we're hitting high 70s-low 80s on a daily basis.  


This weekend I...

Surfed at Ocean Beach 

Hung out with Frida the Kitty

Cuddled with this little guy who we were lucky to dogsit

Celebrated a friend's soon-to-come wedding! 

And finally, I spent my Monday off on Coronado Island relaxing in the sand.  I love having every other Monday off.  I know it's a bit late to be recapping the weekend but better late than never!  I hope you all had wonderful weekends as well!  Now go get yourself some Vega Smoothies.  You'll thank me later!