Marathon Training- week 9 complete

This has been such an amazing experience so far, with the best being this morning.  I finally had the chance to make it out to Newton for a Team run out of Heartbreak Hill Running Co.  WOW what an awesome atmosphere to be in.  I will admit, I was beyond nervous for it because while I love team atmospheres (I mean duh, growing up playing soccer), but when it comes to running, I am a solo runner.  Headphones on and tune out the world without a care in the world.



Saturday morning...surrounding yourself with energetic, positive people who share the same passion for living a healthy and happy lifestyle is exactly what I needed!!  I could have done without running heartbreak hill twice...and all of the rolling hills in between, but it was well worth it!

My coach says that we need to find a rhythm.  Week after week. In training. In our nutrition. In our habits.  Well one thing is for sure, I love this pre long run meal!  Oatmeal, chia seeds, hemp seeds, cinnamon, dash of maple syrup, mixed with banana slices and a few strawberries.  WOW it is yummy!  Sometimes I mix in a tsp on chocolate or strawberry shakeology too if I want a bit more flavor.

Layering is another piece of the rhythm and preparation that I need to get better with.  I SWEAT! Seriously wonder how one person can sweat so much (maybe it's because I CONSTANTLY drink water).  So figuring out how many layers in what degree temperature is still a mystery...only a bit more time to figure this one out!

Here is the run from this morning and seriously, I feel like I just inhaled a ton of positive energy in my life and exhaled the negative.  Of course it was even better to come home to my girlfriend ready to make me a post run shake and get ready to head to our massage!  What a Happy Weekend!

Heading into week 2 of Boston Marathon Training!

Week 1 down...Week 2 here I come!!

It was awesome to wake up to Coach Dan's email this morning talking about heading into week 2 of marathon training.  It is crazy that week 1 has flown by already.  Felt awesome getting a few short runs in, some cross training, and then the long run in on Saturday!

I love that with the beginner marathon training schedule, Dan is a huge supporter of listening to your body and adjusting accordingly.  If you need a cross training day, or an extra day off, then take it. Your body will thank you in the long run. 

In the first week, my short runs were done on the treadmill because it was 5am and I do not have any reflective gear...something I perhaps need to invest in!  But the long run yesterday, I could not have asked for a more beautiful day.  Smiling ear to ear, my feet hit the pavement and it all came together as to how amazing it is to run for the American Red Cross.  The team of individuals organizing the team runs, etc and the individuals who are training for the marathon are sure to be friends I will have for a lifetime.  I did not make it out to Newton for our team run together but will be sure to plan for this in the future.  I had already scheduled time to hand out gift bags my girlfriend and I made for the homeless people near us as a happy holiday gesture, so this took priority.  

I am happy to say I have already planned a cross training program to incorporate in with my training so that my body does not break down.  The new Hammer and Chisel beachbody program is absolutely amazing!  Focused on Balance the one day which completely works your core...Endurance another day, which I thought I was in shape until Autumn the trainer kicked my ass on the DVD...another day of strength.  It truly works the entire body and it will ensure my muscles do not break down for the next few months of training.

Nutrition has been on point this week which I am super happy with!  No cheating on my meal plan, shakeology is helping curb my chocolate cravings, and meal prepping prior to the week is just so easy to do!  I will say that after my long run yesterday, being treated to a north end italian dinner was pretty awesome :)

Overall, week 1 was a success and I am ready to tackle week 2.  Thank you to all who have donated so far, I am so grateful!!  If anyone else would like to donate and help me reach my goal of $7,000 please donate here! www.crowdrise.com/lynngugliuzza

ROASTED RED PEPPER & SUN-DRIED TOMATO SOUP

3 Red Bell Peppers, roasted, peeled, seeded
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
2 garlic cloves, peeled
1/4 cup white wine
1/4 bunch Italian parsley, trimmed
1 cup low sodium vegetable broth
salt and pepper to taste
red pepper flakes to taste

1. Place all ingredients, starting with the peppers, into a blender, followed by the rest of the ingredients.
2. Puree until smooth.
3. Pour mixture into a saucepan and simmer until heated through.  It is just that simple!!

I served it with cauliflower "couscous" but you can also mix in brown rice or quinoa as well!

Pre-Marathon Training

The official training has not begun yet but the days leading up to meeting my team are filled with excitement!  I have been continuing to run several times a week, one long run included in that just so my body is not in complete shock once the training begins! I am continuing my weight training with the home workout program Body Beast so that I continue to strengthen my muscles to prepare for what is to come!  Healthy eating is still in full effect and wow has it really been making a difference. Not sure what happened but my mindset has completely changed since entering the race.  I see food as fuel for my workouts, not to satisfy cravings. Am I perfect?  Not by any means.  But it sure is a hell of a lot better than it has been and I can see the benefits from it and feel the benefits!

From the first day I found out I was accepted onto the American Red Cross team till my most recent run in Boston, the weather sure has made the shift into the fall season.  Some research had to be done as well as drilling some friends who have run the marathon in the past about what I need for the winter training months.  New running attire had to be purchased since in the past, I have been only a seasonal runner (spring and summer that is!)

I am trying to slowly teach my body what a new "cold" really is.  50 degrees...no problem!  40 degrees...easy!  Now as the winter season approaches us, 40 and under will have to slowly become the "this is easy and not even cold mindset!"

December 2nd is when I finally get to meet the team, get the official training schedule and get after it!!  With less than 5 months until race day, the butterflies in my stomach will probably continue through race day.

Stay tuned with how team night goes and the start of training!!

Want to donate?  Any amount helps TREMENDOUSLY to reach my goal of $7,000 for Team Red Cross!!  www.crowdrise.com/lynngugliuzza

November BEACHBODY PROMOTIONS!!

Hands up if you love Thanksgiving!! Especially this year with the exciting news that I have been offered a spot on the American Red Cross Boston Marathon 2016 team…I WILL RUN FOR FOOD!! I am honored to be part of this team and would love your support in helping me raise $7,000 for such an amazing organization!!  (Thank you in advance!) www.crowdrise.com/lynngugliuzza

So…back to Thanksgiving…Yes the food is amazing, but what I cherish most is the time spent with family and the memories made. With the craziness of the holiday season, we can sometimes put our health on the back burner.  Little by little we over indulge, skip workouts, have huge portions, and end up feeling like crap leading into the new year which only forces us to make yet another New Year’s Resolution of “get in shape.” So I wanted to share some tips I have learned in recent years to avoid that, but first let's hear the promotions and sales happening this month! 


Once again we have both the 21 Day Fix and the Fix Extreme challenge packs on sale. Love shakeology and know someone who wants the 21 day fix for Christmas? One of these would be perfect for you! 


This month we also have the Cize Challenge Pack with Shakeology and the 21 Day Fix Containers on sale! All of these are $140 for the month of November!



Aside from those the Cize Kickstart Challenge Pack as well as the 21 Day Fix and Fix Extreme Kickstart Challenge Packs will be on sale. With these packages you get a month supply of shakeology, the fitness program, containers, and the 3 Day Refresh Cleanse which might come in handy after Thanksgiving! $180!



Now for the good stuff, here are my top tips to have a happy, healthy, Thanksgiving.

1. Eat Breakfast! Start Thanksgiving day off with a veggie egg white omelette or a bowl of oatmeal! Saving up calories for the big feast does not work. You end up 'spending' a lot more and overindulging because you are so hungry. Or have your shakeology to kick off the day in the best way possible with all the nutrients you need!

2. Pitch In! Offer to bring a healthy version of a dish to the dinner you are attending. Sweet potatoes are always a good one. Many times they are loaded with sugar so here is a healthy version! http://www.recipetobefit.com/2014/03/stuffed-sweet-potatoes.html

3. Divide your plate! Fill your plate half with veggies, one quarter with white turkey meat, and the rest with a healthy starch such as corn or sweet potatoes. 

4. Start the day with physical activity! Just because it is a holiday doesn't mean that you need to skip your workout. If you can't get your workout in take a walk with the family when you are finished eating. 

5. KEEP YOUR GOALS IN MIND! Before heading to your Thanksgiving feast take a few moments to really focus and think about yourself and your goals. Remind yourself of your ultimate vision: a healthier, leaner, happier you! Most importantly have fun with the people you love! 


I will be hosting a challenge group to keep you on tract during the holidays starting on November 16th as well as a 3 Day Refresh Cleanse challenge starting on November 30th. If you are interested in joining either of these let me know! 

I hope you all have an amazing November and holiday! 

Your Coach,

Lynn 

CARROT CAKE BITES

So excited to share this one as carrot cake is one of my favorites!  Coming up with a healthy alternative was my goal!

1 1/4 cup oats
1/4 cup ground flax
1/4 cup ground walnuts
1/4 cup almond meal
1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup PB
2 tsp cinnamon
1/3 cup honey
1/2 cup raisins
handful of crushed walnuts
splash of vanilla extract

Mix it all together, make into bite size using a cookie scoop (about 20-23), freeze, and enjoy!!!

SLOW COOKER BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

Put everything into the slow cooker:

2 1/2 cups vegetable stock
2 cloves of minced garlic
1 carrot, peeled and diced
1 Granny smith apple, cored and diced.  Keep the skin on!
1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded and diced
1 white onion diced
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne, or more if you like!
1/2 tsp cinnamon
pinch of nutmeg

Toss to combine it all then cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours.  When it is done, stir in 1/2 cup coconut milk (I used light coconut milk and it still gives a good depth of flavor!)

Place in 2 separate batches into a blender and puree till the soup is smooth.  Serve it up with some more cayenne pepper on top and some extra coconut milk swirled in if you wish.

SO SO good on a fall or winter day!