Asics DS Trainer is Back!

 

It looks like Asics is back on my list of faves.  Just got a sweet pair of DS Trainers and I couldn’t wait to get them on my feet.  Two workouts in less than 24 hours with these babies and I couldn’t be happier.  The fit and feel is superior.  I tried to compare this with an old pair of DS Trainers, which I loved and the only thing different I noticed was the forefoot was missing that “squishy” feel (not exactly a bad thing, just different) and the heel collar was a tad too high, but adding a pair of

Powersteps fixed that problem.  I know some people prefer a higher heel collar and for others it may drive them insane, but asking your favorite iRun staff member how to make adjustments can really change the dynamics of a good shoe.  So here’s my review on this shoe thus far, lightweight and mild stability for that in between a neutral and stability runner.  Soft and springy feel on the forefoot, and a seamless mesh allows for a flexible and comfortable toe box.  Although high in the collar which went away once I added an orthotic, the narrow heel counter (which I love) makes this an almost perfect fit.  Very happy runner this morning, plus I love the color way on this shoe considering the bright pink goes against everything I stand for.  Maybe I’m becoming more open minded these days, who knows. 

Last night’s post workout meal was random, nutritious and delicious.  I forgot I still had a box of Quinoa, and I needed to finish the last of my Kale, so it all worked out, no food left behind in Ericka’s kitchen. 

Randomness #2

Baked Chicken, con Kale and Quinoa

    1.    Boneless, skinless  (of course) chicken breast or tenders

    2.     1 cup of Quinoa.  Make Quinoa as directed on package.

    3.     2 – 3 handfuls of washed Kale.

Directions:  Season chicken to taste or a light seasoning packet ( I use these $1.00 packets from HEB and mix with either fresh lemon juice, orange juice, olive oil or sometimes a white wine).  I don’t use butters, lard, extra salt or vegetable oils.  Bake chicken at 400-425 temperature for 20-30 minutes.  Next, cook your Quinoa as directed.  If you feel the need to be lazy, throw a steamer basket on top of the Quinoa as its cooking and steam your Kale in the basket at the same time.  Once chicken is done, drizzle extra juices over Kale and Quinoa for added taste.  Bon Appetite!

***Note:  I’m not a Registered Dietician, or Nutritionist.  Recipes will not include nutritional content or total calories, because some of it’s pretty obvious.  I just like to EAT. 

 

iRunning Mama

Here Comes the Heat!

In case you haven’t been outside lately you may not have noticed it’s starting to heat up again.  The mornings are still nice and cool but by the afternoon, temperatures are reaching the mid to high 90’s and if you’re like me and probably starting to realize it’s time to bring out that water bottle again.  I’ll admit I hate to carry any type of hydration system, I can be extremely stubborn during the colder months and refuse to bring water.  However, as it starts to heat up and the humidity

becomes unbearably dehydrating, even I play it smart.  As a coach you’ll hear me say “do as I say not as I do” , yep…..I’m that gal.  I’m not perfect, and I’m as stubborn as the next person, but even I know that in Texas there is no way around proper hydration.  I’ve found the most comfortable handheld that works for me and also carries my phone is the Nathan Quick Draw.  The only annoying thing is I can only carry it in my right hand; it’s too awkward in my left hand for some reason.  A couple other things I include to improve my electrolyte balance is Nuun.  If you don’t currently use Nuun, I highly suggest giving it a try.  Great product to throw into your everyday water consumption with added benefits of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and vitamin C.  Regardless, I just like it because I can liven up my water with a light, sugar free, zero calorie burst of flavor.  My favorite is the lemon lime but I always forget that it is slightly carbonated (all Nuun is!). I have to be careful because I'll be in that zone, running like the wind, and pull the top of my water bottle open with me teeth and immediately get that fizzy shot in the face. Think of an seltzer tab, you gotta give it a little ventilation!  This can sometimes not only be embarrassing, but also very wasteful.  Then there’s

another electrolyte in a capsule form from Hammer called Endurolyte Extreme.  Similar product as the regular Hammer Endurolytes but higher percentages of potassium and sodium as well as an added ginger root which if you’re not familiar is used as an anti-inflammatory and also helps soothe your stomach.  Basically, to my understanding its made specifically for extremely hot weather events.  For sure I’ll be including it in my summer workouts, mainly for my long runs lasting over an hour or two.  So I guess now that I’m comfortable with my daily routine, I feel confident it's time I pick a race to train for.  With that being said, it’s time I start really thinking about all training details regarding my nutrition, hydration, footwear, etc.  Although I eat fairly healthy, there’s definitely room for improvement.  Maybe I’ll even start sharing some recipes.  Recipes from Ericka’s Kitchen, these are what I like to call my “Quick and Easy Random Recipes”. 

This past Sunday I completed a nice hilly 8 miler which was the perfect time for me to think about my new plan.  Most importantly what gets me excited is the fact that my sweetie is a teacher and has the summers off, which means he’s on baby watch and I can start getting up early again  for 5:00am workouts with our License for Distance training class…..yay!  Sounds crazy, but I’m soooo ready to wake up early and sweat like hell.  I look forward to my summer marathon training. 

Randomness #1

Kale and Potato Tacos
1.       Corn tortillas
2.       Kale
3.       Potatoes (gold or red potatoes)
4.       Cheese (optional)
5.       Olive Oil ( 1 tablespoon)

Super simple to make.  Cut potatoes fairly thin and pan fry in tablespoon olive oil (can substitute with 1.4 cup water if you don’t have olive oil), season potatoes to taste .  Once potatoes are soft, throw 2 handfuls of washed Kale over potatoes to steam, cover with top.  Heat tortillas in Microwave or on a separate pan.  I don’t like my Kale overly cooked, so I remove after about 2 minutes in the pan.  Add Kale, potatoes and Cheese to corn tortilla and enjoy.  You can include a side of black beans or brown rice to top it off. 

***Note:  I’m not a Registered Dietician, or Nutritionist.  Recipes will not include nutritional content or total calories, cause some of it’s pretty obvious.  I just like to EAT.