Happy Halloween!

I know many people who have a problem cutting back on sugar. Especially in fall since sweet treats are a staple. Everyone is excited to get their hands on candy apples, peanut butter cups and all different pies. I copped the easy way out of keeping my sugar intake down due to the teeth pain I endure when I have more than a bite. Lucky? Yes. But sometimes I really want to eat that WHOLE piece of cake!

Today is Halloween so I thought I would share a healthy treat for those not trying to splurge on candy.

Disclaimer: I have never made these they just look really yummy and contain less sugar than most candies. For more information visit http://www.mommyrunfast.com/five-for-friday/.

PB-Oat Balls

• 1/2 c. peanut butter at room temperature
• 1/2 c. rolled or quick oats
• 2-3 Tbsp agave nectar or honey
• 1/2 c. raisins
• chocolate chips, optional

Mix all ingredients together and roll into balls. Store in refrigerator or freezer. 

What were your candy alternatives?

Xo,

Lynette

Mizuno Running Shoes Review/Interview

Since I am very skeptical about trying new running shoes other than the brand I wear due to various injuries (I've been dancing/baton twirling/playing sports since I was 2) I decided to interview a friend at running club so you could get the scoop on the new Mizuno Wave Riders. 

It is my pleasure to introduce you to Gloria Andia. She lives in NYC, works in mortgage sales origination and runs about 2-3 times a week. Running career highlights include the NYC Marathon, 2 half Marathons, a couple of 10K’s, and a few 5K’s.

[Mizuno sneakers and post run club treats]

Life’s Better In Yoga Pants: Were you skeptical about trying a different type of shoe other than your usual brand?

Gloria: Yes, as many runners usually are. The right type of sneaker can make or break your training.

Life’s Better In Yoga Pants: Was the fit different than what you were used to?

Gloria: It was different but a good different. It fit like a glove!

Life’s Better In Yoga Pants: Do you feel the Mizuno Wave Riders are lighter than the average running shoe or about the same?

Gloria: They are definitely lighter than most of the other brands I have tried.

Life’s Better In Yoga Pants: What was your favorite thing about the shoe?

Gloria: The arch support. I have a high arch and sometimes the shoes don't go up high enough causing me discomfort and pain after a few miles. When doing distance runs you need a shoe that is soft, comfortable and provides good support for your ankles.

Life’s Better In Yoga Pants: Was there anything about the Mizuno Wave Rider you would change? 

Gloria: The only thing that bothered me was the sole on the front of the shoe was too flexible.

Life’s Better In Yoga Pants: What is your current go-to running brand?

Gloria: Asics Gel 12! They are the best.

Life’s Better In Yoga Pants: How often have you changed/tried different running shoe brands?

Gloria: Not often. I stick with Asics because they have worked for me for many years, I never had a leg, or ankle or foot injury and am very careful with the shoe I trust for running. The pressure of your entire body lies on your feet, so they need to be perfectly protected.

Life’s Better In Yoga Pants: Would you consider switching over to Mizuno from your current brand? 

Gloria: Yes, absolutely!

Feel free to contact me with any questions regarding the sneakers and any tips for future interviews!

Xo,

Lynette

My Attempt at Chicken/Rice/Vegetable Soup

Contrary to what my friends and co-workers will tell you I really do love food. I’ll admit I may like cooking more than eating but so be it. About 2 weeks ago I got this brilliant idea to try and make this chicken/rice/vegetable soup in my crockpot. Needless to say my “soup” was more like mush. But the mush was actually pretty tasty! My suggestion is, if you want actual soup, use fewer amounts of the ingredients and put the rice in last. I’m pretty sure the rice soaked up a whole box of chicken broth!

Needed:

Chicken breast

Chopped celery

Chopped carrots

Brown rice

Chick peas

Green peas

Green beans

Chicken broth

First, I made the chicken by placing 2 chicken breasts in a pot of boiling water for about 15 minutes. After it’s done, I drained the water, let the chicken cool and chopped it up. 

[Boiling chicken breasts]

Then I chopped up the carrots, green beans and celery. I used chick peas from a can so I drained those and the peas were frozen so I defrosted them in hot water. 

[Carrots, celery and green beans]

[Chick peas and green peas]

Once everything was prepared I tossed it all in the crockpot, including the rice. I mixed the ingredients around with a wooden spoon then added a whole box of chicken broth. 

[Chicken broth]

[Right before it started cooking]

Put the crockpot on high for 4 hours or low for 8. I stirred the soup every once in a while to make sure it was cooking evenly. 

Let me know if you attempted to try this out or if you have a soup recipe you'd like to share with me!

Xo,
Lynette

Hurricane Sandy Survival Kit

Besides the usual of tuna, water, soup, crackers, etc, THIS is my main survival kit for the next couple of days. 

[Riesling Relax, my favorite and most important thing on this list!]

[A stack of great books]

[iPAD]

[Cinnamon candle]

What are the most important things you got for Hurricane Sandy?

Xo,

Lynette

5 Reasons My Distance Runs Are Worth It

Before the FITNESS Mind, Body, Spirit Games 4 Miler, I laughed at the thought that I could even run that far. Mind you I had already signed up for my 10K. Luckily I joined my run club 2 weeks beforehand and they whipped me right into 4 mile shape. I kept my pace and finished in just over 40 minutes. As I grow as a runner, I've started appreciating long runs more. Why?

1. I love taking in the scenery. Especially now that the trees are turning and leaves falling. Each turn has something new and pretty around the corner.

2. Long runs clear your head. Even if I’m running 6 miles with music, I still get lost in the moment where nothing is on my mind and I forget my music is even on.

3. A long flat run is the perfect time to work on speed. Sometimes I do  intervals or aim for steady pace a little above my norm. Although now I have to guess about speed, once I get my Garmin for Christmas (SO excited) it will be much easier to keep track of my pace.

4. I LOVE fall running clothes. Going on a nice long run in the fall means I can wear my running shorts and favorite Gapfit jacket and won’t be too hot or cold. They’re comfortable so the run is tolerable.

5. The last thing I appreciate about long runs? Finding out how far I can push myself. I never imagined I could run 6.2 miles. Next year I’m starting to train for my first half!

What are your favorite things about a long run? Favorite long run route?

Xo,

Lynette

My PR Essentials

These are my essentials that make getting up and out the door in the morning a little easier!

1. A cute yet comfy outfit always makes me feel ready to take on the world.
2. Chapstick. Especially for the winter since my lips are always dry (too much talking?).
3. Twitter keeps me updated and in touch with PR related news, editors, friends and what's happening in the world.
4. A pair of low heels that are versatile; comfortable enough to run errands in, stylish enough for an event.
5. Coffee. Coffee. Coffee. Need I say more?

What are your PR essentials?

Xo,
Lynette

Thursday Three: My Favorite Halloween Costumes

Every year in college I waited until the last minute to find a costume, but I always ended up loving what I found. Here are my favorites:

[Bumblebee]

[Pirate]

[Witch]

What will you be this year?

Xo,

Lynette

Hump Day Laughs

How true!

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Xo,
Lynette

Lunch Tips

Let it be known that I do not participate in any fad diets or even think about counting calories. Whatever weight I have lost has been done naturally through exercise and carefully choosing what I eat. That may sound like a diet but if I am in the mood for a cookie, I’m going to eat it, I don’t deprive myself. However, I am always looking out for ways to keep my meals and snacks healthy. I work in a busy office where lunch is often eaten at my desk which makes it easier to want to pack a lunch in the morning.

From hanging out with friends or reading articles on the internet, I've noticed many people are not sure how to create healthy lunches. While pizza or Chinese may be tempting, these tips may help you rethink your lunch choice.

Tuna:

To cut back on carbs, put tuna on cucumber slices. I love a great tuna melt every once in a while or tuna on crackers but the carbs add up. Each individual is different but I know that too many carbs cause me to bloat and gain weight, making me feel icky.  The cucumber slices are healthy yet you still get that crunch like a cracker.

Chips:

When I was younger, Cooler Ranch Dorito’s were my go-to chip. And I would eat way too many in one sitting. Now I opt for baked or popped chips. I love Popchips and Pirate’s Booty. They might not provide any nutritional value but are a bit better for you than greasy potato chips and go great with a sandwich. Consider the switch!

Pizza:

In every office I've worked in, pizza has been a lunch staple. I’m a born and raised New Yorker and yes I LOVE pizza too. How often do I eat real pizza place pizza? Rarely. I often opt for Kashi’s delicious pre-packaged ones. Same as with many other high calorie greasy foods, pizza is fine in moderation. Place the Kashi pizza in the oven and in a few minutes you will have a healthy delicious lunch. I recommend the mushroom trio and spinach.

What are some of your tips to keep lunch time healthy?

Xo,

Lynette

Run for Ross 5K Recap!

A couple of weeks ago I received an e-mail from someone who I previously worked with on an event inquiring about a former brand I was with to sponsor her 5K. Since I no longer worked with the brand I decided to go out and run to support the fundraiser anyway. And I am so glad I did! First of all, I love Main Beach in East Hampton. It’s one of the prettiest beaches and looks just as nice in the winter as it does in the summer. The weather was perfect and the beautiful scenery was such a treat.

[Run for Ross sign]

[Main Beach, East Hampton]

 I got there at 8:30 AM to register because I wanted to make sure I would wake up. Normally I register for races beforehand but I’ve been so tired I didn’t want to waste money and not get to the race. I sat in my car until about 9:30 to keep warm since it was quite cold on the beach. Eventually I made my way back up to the meeting area where they had a tai-chi class on the beach to prep runners and walkers. There was also a DJ up on the deck which was nice as many smaller races do without.

[Tai-chi on the beach]

[Keeping warm pre-race in the car]

At about 9:55 they asked all participants to go down to the starting line. We all made our way down and they lined us up from runners to walkers to kids. There were many walkers and children (the 5K was supporting a school) and it was so cute seeing all the kids getting excited. There were very few runners and I lined up with the 9 minute milers (ambitious much?).  At 10:02 we were off! The course was very fast and flat. It really didn’t feel like it was 3 miles which is good because I felt like I was sprinting.

[Sponsors]

[Front of t-shirt]

Right before the 2^nd mile I became incredibly hot (probably had something to do with the long sleeved fleece I was wearing) and grabbed a sip of water which is not something I normally do on short runs. But that little sip kept me going. I really liked the ending of this race. When we turned the last corner, the finish line was in view so the “finishing sprint” went a little quicker than usual. When I got up to the finish line the sun was so bright I couldn’t see the time and I think I lost a couple of seconds trying to see the clock! But who cares because I PR’d! I wanted less than 30 minutes and that’s exactly what I got. Finishing time was 28:25! I also received a medal for being 3^rd in my age category (keep in mind this was a small race with many walkers).

[My first running medal]

Back up on the deck was water from Hampton’s Water Company and apples and cider from The Milk Pail. Awards were done at around 11 and the whole time the DJ was still playing. This was one of the best small races I have done and I recommend if you are in the Hampton’s area or close to it next year to participate!

Xo,

Lynette

Ps. Thanks Courtney for letting me know about it! 

5 Songs for a 5K

The first annual Run for Ross 5K is tomorrow and I’m hoping to finish in less than 30 minutes. This run starts at Main Beach in East Hampton, which is what initially attracted me to this race. I'm excited to see the gorgeous Hampton's fall scenery. My playlist is getting amped up for some motivation to PR. The top 5 songs I'm using to really push myself are:

1. Gangnam Style Psy
2. All of the Lights Kayne West
3. Bass Down Low The Cataracts
4. 50 Ways to Say Goodbye Train
5. Born This Way Lady Gaga

What are your top race songs to get you going?

Xo,

Lynette

Mizuno Samurai Socks: Review

I have been a busy busy girl lately. Trying to balance interning, coaching, writing and attempting to have a social life is tiring. I did promise a post on the Mizuno Samurai socks I received 2 weeks ago though and here it is. I wore them last Wednesday during run club for a short 3 mile run.

       

The Mizuno socks were very form fitting. When I first put them on they were a little tight but loosened up after walking around for a bit. I really liked how low they were. I hate it if you can see too much of my socks over the top of my sneakers.

During my run they stayed in place and the mesh venting let my feet breathe instead of sweat to death. I would recommend these however be prepared for them to really hug your foot. 

In my opinion there is not too much you can say about socks but if you have any questions feel free to reach out!

Xo,

Lynette

Thursday Three: Fav NYC Drink Spots

[The Heartland Brewery, Union Sqaure]

[3 Sheets Saloon, not the best picture of me but great place with great friends]

[Rue 57 has the most delicious Riesling I have ever tasted]

Let me know your top spots so I can check them out!

Xo,

Lynette

Set a Goal, And Then Another One

The best feeling in the world is achieving goals you set for yourself. Not only in fitness but in your life and career. 

 What goals did you achieve this week?

Xo,

Lynette

Fall Foliage

Each season has something special I always get excited about. One of my favorite things that fall brings is the gorgeous foliage. The leaves are changing and autumn flowers are everywhere. While out and about the past couple of weeks I've snapped some photos in Central Park. Take a look!

What are your favorite places to spot the leaves changing?

Xo,

Lynette

Get Spooked!

This is the first year in a long time where I haven’t been scary movie obsessed. Usually I’m the one ready to skip going out to catch a scary movie on TV or pop in a DVD. Maybe it has more to do with that I’m not in college or have no one to cuddle up with. Whatever the reason, I want to share my top 5 scary movies that I will never get too spooked or sick of.

1. Halloween (all of the ones with Michael Myers)
2. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (the modern day version with Jessica Biel)
3. The Ring
4. The Exorcist
5. The Blair Witch Project

What are your go-to Halloween movies?

Xo,

Lynette

Rockin' and Rollin' Through Prospect Park

Yesterday I ran my second 10K, my first only being 3 week ago. And am proud to say that through the coldness I beat my time by about 45 seconds (not much but still faster!) with a time of 1:01:52. And I kept my pace just under 10 minutes at 9:58 (according to the results). I chose last minute to do the Rock ‘n Roll Marathon Series since I wasn't sure if I was going to make it through RUN10FEED10, but I did and I’m pretty glad I made the decision to go. Although there were things I liked and disliked, overall it was a great EARLY morning in Brooklyn.

[Race day outfit. Pretty snazzy for 4:45 AM] 

The two major things I was not happy with were the parking and lack of how far you could hear music on the course. All the parking garages were full and I had to pull some pretty illegal moves to find a place to park and make it to my corral on time. I also assumed there would be speakers so I could hear music a little further than the 2 seconds it took to run past the music.

[The starting line. It was early and dark and I own a Blackberry. Need I say more?]

I loved the course. Prospect Park is a beautiful place and am sad I only discovered it today. The first mile had to be the quickest. For some reason I thought it was a great idea to sprint it. Let the record show, it was not a good idea. The 2^nd and 3^rd miles were fast and flat on the outside of the park which had many spectators cheering on the runners.

[A pretty pond in the park]

Then came the 4^th mile, where I started to slow down. We went through the park where the sun was beating down, making being in long spandex and long sleeved shirt practically unbearable. But of course I sucked it up.

[Thank god I took this picture and looked at it because I almost for got to put the tag on my shoe]

The start of the 5^th mile repeated the beginning part of the course. Which I must have forgotten included a HUGE hill. Second time around? Not as ambitious as that first mile. I swear I was going so slow I could have been walking, but I didn’t and pushed through and eventually it turned into a downhill.

[Race village before the start]

The last 1.2 miles were a piece of cake. It was quick and mainly flat/downhill. And when I saw that finish line you can bet I sprinted to it! 

[6.2 done and still lookin' pretty cute!]

The race village was filled with goodies and sponsors. Although, with it being practically 40 degrees a cold beer and ice cream would not have been my first choice of things to serve. Coffee or hot chocolate anyone? All finishers also received a beautiful medal specifically designed for the New York race. Overall I would recommend this race. It was the perfect location and provided great entertainment. 

  

        

        [Candy Sponsor]

        

                 [Post race in the beer garden listening to the band]

          

[Another sponsor. Can't wait to use the samples.]

[A little brunch treat]

Xo,
Lynette

          

10 Songs for a 10K: Country Style

Experienced runners laugh your butts off, but I used to shudder at the thought of running or working out without my iPod. No music meant either no workout or a half-assed one. I have now discovered that no music can be super relaxing and actually make me run faster.  Tomorrow I am running my second 10K (first one was about 3 weeks ago) with no iPod, mainly because it’s the Rock ‘n Roll series! I am really excited to hear all the different bands on the course, which I may add is Prospect Park in Brooklyn that I was told is gorgeous.

My taste of music is probably quite different from yours, I’m a country fan! That definitely stemmed from going to school in upstate New York for 4 years. However, these songs will get you up and running so check them out.  

10 Songs for a 10K:

1. She’s Country Jason Aldean
2. Truck Yeah Tim McGraw
3. Good Girl Carrie Underwood
4. Fastest Girl in Town Miranda Lambert
5. Felt Good on My Lips Tim McGraw
6. Drink Myself Single Sunny Sweeney
7. Cruise Florida Georgia Line
8. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together Taylor Swift
9. Big Star Kenny Chesney

10. God Lover Her Toby Keith

*Please note: You will need more than 10 songs for a 10K!

Check back next Saturday for 5 songs for a 5K (not country style, I promise)!

Xo,

Lynette

Thursday Three

Fall Favorites<3

[Leaves Changing]

[Boots and Layers]

[Pumpkin Everything]

What are your 3 Autumn favorites?

Xo,

Lynette