Goooooood morning to you! I hope your day is off to a fabulous start!Ā 
So, this blog post is all over the place with all sorts of topics and randomness, but, hey, it might be kind of fun, right? Here we go.
Snack
I had a running date with Kerrie at 11:00 yesterday, so I made myself a snack beforehand. I was starting to get a little hungry, and I can’t exercise on an empty stomach, so I spread a wedge of Light Queso Fresco & Chipotle cheese on a rice cake and topped it with a sprinkle of chipotle chili powder and a couple of slices of red bell pepper. Holy yum! That Queso Fresco & Chipotle Cheese has a serious kick to it!
Workout
I met Kerrie at KFIT and then we headed out for a run. We hadn’t seen each other in over a week, so we had a lot to talk about. We did a loop around the area and ended up covering about 4.5 miles together.
I wore a new pair of black capris from Reebok for the run yesterday. They’re the PWR Fitted Capri, and I’m a big fan of them.
I have to admit, I thought all black capri workout pants were the same, but these one are in a league of their own. First off, they really, truly stay put when you exercise. The legs are fitted at the bottom, so they’re tight, but not restrictive and don’t ride up when I workout.
These capris also have a wide waistband with a the words “strength” written on the back, so they’re both flattering and motivational at the same time. The material is soft, smooth, and moisture-wicking (PlayDry technology), so it moves with you and keeps you cool. And, at $50, they’re an affordable and high-quality gear option. Love āĖem!
Lunch
After running, I headed home to make lunch, which was a Veggie Masala Burger from Trader Joe’s and a baked potato with broccoli and cheese. Yum! Loved this lunch! Why don’t I eat baked potatoes more often? They’re so delicious, nutritious (depending on what you top them with, of course), and satisfying. Baked potatoes might have to become a regular “thing” for me.
Snack
The sun came out yesterday afternoon and it was a beautiful day.
I guess the warm weather and sunshine made me crave fresh juice, so I whipped up a big batch. In the mix: cucumber, celery, apple, red bell pepper, carrots, and ginger.
I drank my juice while watering our lawn.
We’re at it again this yearāĀ¦
Three Questions Thursday
It’s Thursday, which means Three Questions Thursday happens today! Keep those questions coming!
It’s so great you take Murphy to visit people and I would love to do the same thing with my dog. How did you get him certified as a therapy dog? Did you have to take a class?
I actually just wrote a post for the Count Us In program for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care about how Murphy and I became a therapy dog team. Check it out!Ā How My Dog and I Became a Therapy Dog Team.
Is it hard to get the at-home UV nail polish off? The stuff from salons is and it destroys my nails. Curious how your nails look when you take the polish off.
I actually just peel it off. The nail polish doesn’t chip at all (it’s amazing!), but, eventually, the polish will start to peel away from my nail. Once it gets really loose, I just peel it off in one piece. The āproperāĀ way to remove the polish is by soaking your nails in acetone, which you can buy at Ulta with the Red Carpet Professional LED kit or at CVS or another drugstore.
Congrats on your healthy colon! I too, have UC and also am in remission. It. is. great.Ā I just have a couple of questions/ comments: Do you eat a gluten free diet? (I dabble in it once in a while, but I slip up because I feel ” too restricted.”) Do you feel like “relaxing” your work outs have helped you to achieve a healthier digestive tract? (I used to train for marathons, it wasn’t until I gave it up that I saw significant improvement; overall.)
I don’t eat a totally gluten-free diet, and I’m still trying to figure it all out. I met with an RD a few weeks ago, and she thought it might be fiber (not gluten) that upsets my stomach (wheat bread verses a cookie), and I think she might be onto something. For example, I ate quite a few scones and toasty white breadĀ sandwichesĀ in Ireland last week and had zero stomach issues, which makes me think gluten might not be the issue. I’m still playing around with different foods and figuring out what works and doesn’t work, but it seems like a low-residue diet keeps my colon happy and healthy.
As far as workouts go, I can’t seem to figure it out for the life of me. I’ve cut back a ton on my workouts and have even taken off entire weeks at a time, but things don’t get better and have even gotten worse at times. It makes no sense. However, running long distances like you mentioned does seem to upset things. When I was having a flare, I often saw more blood after a long or intense (intervals) run. I haven’t been able to correlate my other workouts to my symptoms though. On occasion, certain CrossFit workouts made things worse, but other times, they had no effect at all. I tried to figure out if it was certain movements, type of workout (heavy lifts verses metcon) or duration, but I haven’t been able to find a pattern. My doctor insists that my workouts aren’t causing my flares, so I just try to take it easy when I experience symptoms.
Health News & Views
Spring has officially sprung, which means it’s time to start thinking about bathing suit season. Are you ready?
The thought of slipping into a bathing suit right now might make you feel a little uncomfortable, but some pre-summer planning can get you bikini-ready without much stress. If you start incorporating these easy tips and tricks into your everyday life now, you’ll look and feel great in your bathing suit when the summer weather rolls around!
Easy, Everyday Tips to Get You Ready for Bikini Season
Questions of the Day
Do you have a favorite pair of black workout capris? They’re not all the same, right?Ā
How do you get ready for bikini season?
Do you like baked potatoes? How often do you eat them?
P.S. The Chicago Running Bloggers are organizing a 5K to raise money for the victims of last week’s Boston Marathon Tragedy. Just wanted to pass along the details: https://www.facebook.com/RunForBoston5k.
87 Comments
I like the fit of lululemon capri’s the best, but I recently bought a pair of capris from Athleta which I am liking a lot! I never eat baked potatoes, but I probably should!
Baked potatoes are my go-to dinner when I don’t feel like cooking. I top mine with cottage cheese, spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, anything to make it a big meal. I do a lot more abs to get ready for bikini season, but I don’t think I’m ever truly ready for bikini season..even though I still wear one!
This isn’t a criticism of your blog or article because it is probably on every magazine on the shelf right now but I really hate how women have to “get ready” for bikini season. It’s like we are being put on show and need to get ready for it. Why isn’t the way we are good enough? I’d love to see some non-weight related tips like get a spray tan, find the most flattering bathing suit for your body, or get a pretty pedicure. I’m afraid if we don’t question these things and don’t make positive strides in a different direction, society won’t change.
@Kelsey: I totally agree with you! I’ll never be able to wear a bikini and I’m okay with that. I’m fine in my tankini thank you very much! I love the beach and I won’t not go because I don’t look perfect in a bathing suit.
Why isn’t my white skin good enough? How dare you suggest getting a spray tan!
…seriously, why is everyone always on the defense when it comes to weight? Maybe some people do want to look their best in a bikini and don’t give a hoot about how pale they are. That is all.
I love the gel mani I do at home. Lady at beauty supply said to put a small glass bowl of acetone in larger bowl with really warm water and heat the acetone. Soak for about 10min. then try rubbing off with paper towel, soaking etc. till all gone. Or use the remover that come with gel polish with a piece of cotton ball soaked in the remover and hold on nail with a strip of the brown stretchy wrap tape. I have even branched out to French manis with the small white tips applied with some brush-on glue. then proceed with the natural nail gel polish mani as usual. Don’t try putting tips on top of gel polish–as they will pop off…don’t ask how I know!! Peeling off is really hard on the nail. But it is a lot quicker.
Love that those Reeboks don’t ride up! I have four pairs of the Nike capris and I love them all, but they always ride up to the bottom of my knee when they are supposed to be mid-calf and it can get kind of annoying. I live in FL so it is bikini season year round, so no matter what my shape is (unfortunately) I’m always awkwardly comfortable in a bathing suit!
Oh and baked potatoes are awesome, I like to sprinkle them with chili flakes and roast a side of asparagus with them, yum!
I love baked sweet potato. Mmm mmm!
I’ve been going to bootcamp twice a week since February and following a Paleo diet and am feeling bikini ready, I just need the tan. Bring on the beach!
I use greek yogurt instead of sour cream …super good and healthy! other than that…cheese cheese cheese.
I would LOVE to get my pug registered as a therapy dog! Maybe over the summer when I have some extra free time.
I love my capris from Old Navy! I also wear my black leggings from Target and roll them up to my knees. I’m a cheapie when it come to my gym wear. š
Um, is it me or are you missing the “E” in the middle of the word STRENGTH? LOL
Those do look so comfortable though. Someday I’ll get the body to wear them without making the world fall over in laughter….. oh who am I kidding, I have so many physical issues anymore I have serious doubts I’ll ever be the sporty gal I once was. But that’s okay, I have so many other wonderful things in life to be thankful for. š
My favorite black capris are from Reebok and they are from their yoga line. I actually prefer to wear them for everyday wear because they are sooo comfortable and flattering.
I love baked potatoes…I tend to put butter, sour cream, salt, and pepper on top. I eat the skin so that makes it ok š
I REALLY want those workout pants! I still haven’t found a pair I’m in love with yet.
the bikini bit was obviously a sponsored post/link. š
How so? I wrote that piece. I wasn’t paid to link to it.
Aren’t those capris the best???? š Love them!
I just received a pair of Lorna Jane black capris for my birthday and I’m obsessed. The lines are very flattering on the legs, and I never have to pull them up during a workout. They are pretty great! Love the “strength” on the back of yours!
That snack you created before running looks interesting and delicious. If you do running everyday as your form of exercise, that is really great! I hardly have enough time to do that myself. I love your Reebok capri and your running shoes! They are the perfect attire for your type of exercise. Your dog is so cute! I have one myself so I appreciate dog lovers like me. That juice you drank is very nutritious, very good for the health. I’m sure if you water the grass everyday, it will grow quickly. Thanks for giving me a glimpse of your daily routine. It inspired me to insert exercise into my busy schedule and to practice eating healthy.
I love my skins to run in. I need to get more capris but haven’t invested in any yet I might check out the ones you got.
I love baked potatoes (usually with cheese and beans) and as I often cycle long distances, they are a great way to make sure your fuel tank is full before you start.
If you have any diabetes problems, they are no so good as they produce a large spike in blood sugar levels.
I have one pair of capris that I absolutely love and all the rest of them tend to ride up or fall own when I’m working out, especially when I’m running. I actually do eat a fair amount of baked potatoes but usually their sweet potatoes. I try to get creative with the toppings so they don’t undo the nutrition. Great idea to top it with one of the best combinations ever-broccoli and cheese.
Thanks for answering my nail polish question š
Thanks for the detailed review of those workout pants. I like Lululemon but can’t spend $90 on capris each time. And that snack looks SO yummy!
-AJ
FitTravelerAJ.com
I have to order a pair of the Reebok capris! They were also in Women’s Health Magazine a few months ago!
I’m definately going to look into a dog therapy program in my area. Thank you for sharing!
I just tried the link about the therapy dog process and it doesn’t work š