Heeelllloooo Mr. Gosling

Sight Seeing in Germany

For those of you who don't already know, over the holidays, I spent 3 weeks in Germany traveling around with my boyfriend. We saw many wonderful things, and created memories that will last a lifetime.
The first 5 days I was in Germany, he had to work, so I was left alone all day to do some damage! I squeezed in a great 5 mile run over my 5 days of solitude. Within those 5 miles, I explored much of the city of Aachen, and even ventured outside of the inner-city limits. It's amazing how much ground you can cover in just 5 miles.

Between the cobblestone streets and crowds, it was quit challenging maintaining a consistent pace. Despite trying to prevent myself from tripping over an uplifted brick, I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere! Honestly, I was in complete disbelief...I was on the other side of the world, just going out for a casual run! This doesn't happen...at least to me anyway!! :-/

Red bricks are the bike lane, and brown are for pedestrians. Wish it was this bike/pedestrian friendly everywhere.

WHOA!! Look what I found...a hiking trail!

Cold, Sunny day. My favorite! (And yes, my phone was about to die)

For those of you planning to travel or currently traveling, there is no better way to site see than to go for a run. There is so much to see and discover, that you couldn't do wotherwise. I had no idea, just outside of the city, there were these awesome dirt trails!

Do you have any stories to share about when you went for a run or bike ride while vacationing and your discoveries?

Cheers to Being Fit N Gorgeous

...Why Do I Run?

I don't think I've announced yet...I'm currently training for a FULL marathon! Yes, my very first "Full".

Now that the cat is out of the bag, I can also admit, I'm struggling.

Tuesday, I got home from a long day of work, and was seriously debating skipping my work out. Saturdays and Tuesdays are the only days of the week that I log longer miles. These days are obviously extremely crucial to my preparation.

On this Tuesday, I took my time changing in to my running clothes, still uncertain whether I'd actually run the full 7 miles I was supposed to that day. Grabbed my music, put on my reflective gear, and walked out the door. (Stepping out the door is the hardest part!)

It was dark, late, and seemed like everyone had turned in for the night. I stood there, wondering, "why do I put myself through this?" At this moment, I was thinking of excuses as to why I would not be able to run the full 7 miles.

First things first, music! I put a good song on, and started to pick up the pace. One mile in to my run, I started feeling really good! Suddenly 7 miles did not seem so bad! With about 2 miles left to go, a thought crossed my mind..."why do I run?"

Then I started to think about my blog...and how inspirational it is, not only to my readers, but to me!

I'm sure I'm not the only runner who questions themselves from time to time. However, I might be the only runner that actually admits it... :-/ 

I found this picture, which expresses a runner's thoughts...just a bunch of mumbo jumbo! It made me laugh!

This is what keeps me going...

This is my motivation!!! And this is why I run!!!

Cheers to Being Fit N Gorgeous

LuLuLemon Craze

I posted a blog last week about my discovery of Lorna Jane...

In my searches, I ventured over to LuLuLemon...

Let's just say, I'm obsessed with both of them! Here are some of my favorites from LuLuLemon:

 

Went to yoga Monday night, and saw someone wearing these! I could not help but to let her know I loved her pants! Red is a vibrant, daring color, that really stands out in a crowd. So cute!

 Just another cute pic I found of Lorna Jane clothing! :) If only I looked this good while grocery shopping...

Cheers to Being Fit and Gorgeous

I Have Discovered A Brand I LOVE

First of all, just want to apologize for the delay in blogging! It's been a crazy couple of weeks, with many changes taking place. Well I'm back...and now on to what really matters...

A couple weekends ago, my wonderful parents came down to California for a visit. Among other activities, we took a stroll to get some frozen yogurt at my favorite spot, PinkBerry. We passed by many retail stores, until one in particular caught mine and my mom's eye...Lorna Jane.

It's an Australian based brand, so if you want to purchase online, you'll have to pay for international shipping. Best bet would be to find a store nearby and shop! This way you can touch, feel, and try things on.

Here's the website:

http://www.lornajane.com.au/

And here's the lookbook:

http://issuu.com/lornajane/docs/lorna_jane_believe/7

Whether you're a runner, yogi, gym rat, cyclist, or just pretend like you exercise, Lorna Jane has it all!! There is also a wide variety of lifestyle selections. Many of you are familiar with LuLuLemon, I'm gonna say it...Lorna Jane is slightly better! ;-)

LOVE these tops! There are many tanks and tees with cute text on them!

Obviously, while writing this blog, I browsed the site, and found some loves/must haves!!

LOVE these! They are running tights, that look like denim

Cheers to Being Fit N Gorgeous

The Daily Sweat

Every morning, I wake up, shower, and get ready for work. On average I shower twice a day, because of my sweat sessions at night, which require another shower afterwards. It really is a lot of work, but at this point I have made it a part of my day.

There are still times when I have to make the executive decision...this is mostly on the weekends when I have plans..."Do I shower now, even tho I'm planning on running later? Or do I wait to shower after my run" Such a dilemma!

Many people think if you sweat it means you are out of shape...this is false! The more a person works out, the more they sweat! Sweating is a GOOD thing!! Also known as perspiration, it's the body's way of cooling itself down. An athlete's body has adapted to keeping itself cool, in other words, produces more sweat. Sweating regulates your body's temperatures, to keep it at manageable levels, also increasing the ability to lose weight.

Now that you've sweat like a mad man...make sure to refuel and drink plenty of water!

This was me last night at hot yoga sculpt. Room is set at 95 degrees, and we are asked to perform yoga while lifting weights! Let's just say, I lose at least 5 lbs when this class is over, from all the sweat lost. However, I make sure to refuel with water the entire time.

Cheers to Being Fit N Gorgeous

All Natural Protein Smoothie Recipe

All Natural Protein Smoothie- Good for Pre or Post Work Out!

(This recipe makes 2 smoothies. Reduce everything by half to make 1 smoothie.)

Here's the ingredients you'll need; (The fruit is optional, feel free to add more of your favorite, or do any substitutions.)

1. 1 cup Blueberries
2. 4 Strawberries
3. 1/2 Banana
4. 3/4 cup Cage Free 100% Liquid Egg Whites
5. 1/2 cup 100% Pomegranate Juice
6. 1 cup Lowfat Vanilla Yogurt
7. 5 Ice Cubes

I LOVE Strawberries!!!!

I only added 3 strawberries for this round, because I added a little extra blueberries.

I tend to only shop at Trader Joes! 

I can't believe I drink this...amazing what a blender can do!

Pre-Blend action

I blend everything together, and add ice cubes 2 at a time, to make sure they get thoroughly mushed! I can't stand ice chunks in my smoothie, and neither can Stefan...yes, I make him smoothies in the morning too, and yes, he's a VERY lucky guy! ;-)

ALL DONE! Time to enjoy and re-fuel! :) Props to Disneyland for a great princess cup to drink my smoothies out of! (Yes, that's my little dog in the background, and Stefan waiting patiently on the couch for me to deliver his breakfast)

If you get the chance to try this smoothie, I'd love to hear any moderation you've made, or ideas for other great smoothies!?

Cheers to Being Fit N Gorgeous