Where Oh Where Have I Been?

 

Yes, I'm well aware of the lack of posts this week. However, sometimes a girl needs to feed into her social (and sleep life). One of my high school friends came into town so I took a night to catch up with her and chat about her upcoming wedding and the other nights? Well, let's just say apparently it takes a week for me to get over a hang over nowadays. Guess I'm getting old.

Work has been going awesome but some late nights = later trains = my old butt just wants to eat and sleep.

This is a bit (a month) late but I was a guest blogger on a SPA sister's blog. Becca from Diary of a Slow Runner asked to me to write something up so I wrote about my first time cooking quinoa. Check it out here.

I solemnly swear to get my act together and get posts back to normal next week! Look out for some mud run and obstacle info, tea roundups, Wind Down Wednesday and Thursday Three's. Also, please let me know if there are any recipes I should test out!

Have a great weekend!

Xo,
Lynette

 

Training Week 10?

I think we're up to week 10. Who's keeping track right? This week was pretty much a bust except for a nice shakeout run on Tuesday. I'm really going to take the next 4 weeks and make sure I get workouts in that are going to get me through the race. Even though I say my only goal is to finish, let's get real-I'm a super competitive person. So I'm hoping for a sub 2:30:00 time.In my personal opinion, I think it's doable. 

I just wrote on one of Jen's posts that I was skipping strength training as well as abs and that needs to change. My friend just signed us up for an intense mud run in June so I need those arms to be nice and strong!

Oh by the way, this is what I'm staring at as I write this post :p

Sunday: Instead of a rest day I did the St. Patty's Day 5K near my house. It was soo cold but I had a nice PR, because I just needed to finish!

Monday: Definitely time for a rest.

Tuesday: I wanted to get a little shakeout run in on the treadmill. Since it was also Pretty Little Liars night I used my Optimum app and ran a solid 3 miles while watching the season finally. This was one of those nights where I'm so glad I have a home treadmill as I was smiling like an idiot while watching the show.

Wednesday: Ummm....I was tired?

Thursday: With a long long commute each day and being in the office I need some human interaction with friends. Me and my friend Lauren decided to go for drinks which was A OK with me. 

Friday: I had to drive my butt to Montauk after I got off the train. Me and my friend had the most amazing dinner at The Harvest. Why did we not know about that place for the past 3 years?

Saturday: 8.5 miles of pure hell. Some of you know how much I LOVE Montauk and I run out here every chance I get. Factor in a long run and this may be the first time I've wanted to run all the way home. Although  many of you don't like to run in the wind, including me, it was needed because I was a little over dressed and sweating to death. I conquered the shit out of the hills and wind though. I was a bit slow because I wanted to try and keep pace. Obviously the only bonus to this was the amazing scenery. Yes it was hell, but I'd do it again.

It's getting time to crackdown. Next week is a 10 miler!

What did you conquer this weekend?

Xo,

Lynette

Thursday Three: My Latest Food Obsessions

Before I share the 3 foods I'm obsessing over, I wanted to share that Jordan has won a Manduka eQua mat!  Jordan had great answers to the questions I had asked on my post. Congrats! 

Back to today's Thursday Three. Long runs have got me hungry all day everyday. And although my office is currently filled with Girl Scout cookies, I need to remember I have a race coming up and need to eat foods with at least some nutritional value. Here are my current indulgences:

[Chobani with granola, source]

[Not too healthy, but a girl needs to eat breakfast on the go! Source]

[My go-to snack on the train ride home pre-work out, source]

Happy Thursday!

Xo,

Lynette

Wind Down Wednesday

It's almost Friday! Before I tell you another way I like to wind down, I want to remind you it's the absolute last day to enter my Manduka Now is Wow giveaway. The winner will be announced tomorrow. 

Whether it's a fight with my parents, a bad day at work, the LIRR breaking down yet again or I ust jneed a good laugh there is always one person who can cure it all- Whitney Cummings. If you've never heard of her, I'm begging you to check her out. Her show Whitney on NBC is one of the funniest shows out there (personal opinion obvs). She also reminds me of myself (just a lot taller, thinner and funnier). 

I'm sure you've heard that laughter is the best medicine. I believe it's a great way to wind down after a long day. Check out a clip of the show:

Courtesy of YouTube.

What shows make you laugh the most?

Xo,
Lynette

St. Patrick's Day Race Re-Cap

I hope everyone made it successfully out of bed and to work on time this morning. Yesterday was the first St. Patty's Day where I did not go into the city and get obliterated. And it's not because I'm growing up, I'm just on a strict budget. One of my best friends birthday is the 17th and this was the first time in 6 years I had to miss it. Instead, I stayed local and signed up for a last minute 5K, the first race since I was injured back in December. 

Although it was FREEZING the race went pretty well. The race directors were a bit confused and I think they set up the course last minute (I asked where the start line was 2 hours earlier and they had no idea) but the gym registration was set up in front of was nice enough to let us warm up inside while we waited. At about 12:25 we were called to line up and at 12:30 we were off! I blame the cold weather for my PR because all I could think of was just finish now. The first split was 8:45, probably the fastest mile I have ever ran! The last two were 9:03 and 9:07, not too bad if I say so myself. Final time came out to 27:51. I'm pretty proud of that time and I highly doubt I will be beating that time anytime soon. 

After the race I went down to the parade before I headed to one of the bars. Here are some pics I snapped:

What did you do this weekend? Head to any great parades?

Xo,

Lynette

Training Week 7

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It's getting closer! Yesterday I finished out week 7 training with 7.5 miles. Which, not to brag, but I totally crushed. I was a bit nervous because, as you'll see below, working out this week kind of sucked. These long runs are giving sore and tired a whole new meaning. If you know me then you know that I HATE wasting days doing nothing but I've been napping a lot lately. Next week I'm doing my 8.5 miles out in Montauk, hopefully taking the route on the ocean! Here's what I did last week:

Sunday: Rest Day

Monday:2.5 miles on the treadmill. They went OK. With it being SO hot in my house I had to stop and walk a little but it finished.

Tuesday: This is where everything went downhill. Taking the later train home from work somehow made me really hungry and working out just wasn't in the books.

Wednesday: Same as Tuesday however I managed to squeeze some planks in. Which actually ended up helping my long run so I don't feel too bad about not doing anything additional.

Thursday: Dinner date with Dad! I went to dinner right from the train and then went directly to bed (at 9:30 PM). Oops!

Friday: Got my planks in! 

Saturday: 7.5 amazing miles! I was a little slow but as someone reminded me on Twitter, long runs are for miles not time. I added on to route I did last week which means I got lots of hills in too. I really want to run flat for the next couple of weeks so I don't get so wiped up but I'm not sure if that's possible. Montauk is definitely pretty hilly, but the scenery makes up for it. 

I'm kicking week 8 off with a St. Patty's Day 5K this morning. Fast, flat and ending near the bars, just the way I like it. Those 3.1 miles are going to be all about speed. Hopefully I've still got it!

Also remember, my Manduka giveaway is live until March 20!

How has your training been going?

Xo,
Lynette 

Wind Down Wednesday

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After a long day a work, a tough run or an argument with a significant other, all we really want to do is wind down. For a new series of posts, I'm going to share my favorite ways to relax and end the day. And I promise each week will not have something to do with wine. In fact, today's advice is about music.

Something I really love to do when I've had a rough day is listen to songs that will pump me up. Yes, sometimes I blast Taylor Swift on repeat for a couple of hours but other times I pop my headphones in and get lost in a couple of my favorite songs. Usually I feel relaxed and empowered within 20 minutes! 

Favorite end of day songs include:

Chantel Kreviazuk-Weight of the World

Kellie Pickler- Tough

Demi Lovato- This Is Me

Chantel Kreviazuk- Time

Luke Bryan- I Don't Want This Night To End

Jake Owen- Barefoot Blue Jean Night

Carrie Underwood- Thank God for Hometowns

Miranda Lambert- Same Old You

What songs help you relax? Does music calm you down at the end of the day?

Xo,

Lynette Pettinicchi

Halfway There

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Happy Monday! As April gets closer and closer my training is getting tougher. This past Saturday I ran the furthest I have ever ran and it felt fabulous. Since the distances I need to start running are really long for me I've been trying to keep up with my workouts during the week. Making sure my core is strong is important too so I don't get burnt out. I'm hoping to add some more yoga and spin classes into my regimen for some muscle confusion. My training schedule this past week was:

Sunday: Rest day

Monday: Intervals on the treadmill- They went well however my cat interrupted when he jump on because I had to pause to take an important phone call. While I tried to get him off I accidentally pulled the emergency plug and had to guess where to pick it back up.

Tuesday: Hot Vinyasa yoga- I posted a review on this class. It was not so great but a much needed workout (I also needed to sweat out the delicious but not nutritous lunch I had at jury duty). I was sore after so I guess something went right.

Wednesday: Rest day

Thursday: 3 Miles on the treadmill- Ran 3 straight miles on the treadmill because it was still cold out. According to my Garmin time and treadmill time, I run REALLY slow on a machine. Ooops.

Friday: Intervals on the treadmill- Did 25 minutes of intervals to toss a light workout in before my long run. 

Saturday: Long run of 6.5 miles- The only problem with this run was I was wearing too many layers. I had on a long sleeved shirt (thank god  it wasn't my Under Armour compression one) along with my GapFit hoodie/jacket. I ran a nice route that had hills but was usually flat. I think when I do my 7.5 next weekend I may do the same one and just add a mile. Oh I also had a personal best 10K time!

For this week I plan to do some more yoga and make sure I'm prepped for my long run. Next Sunday I also think I'm tossing a 5K in. Mainly to confirm with myself that I still have my time and it's also by the bars!

What are your training plans this week?

Also remember you have until March 20 to enter my Manduka giveaway!

Xo,
Lynette

Manduka NowIsWow Giveaway

On Wednesday I gave you a preview of an upcoming giveaway I have been talking about for a couple of weeks. Let's jump into spring with colorful yoga accessories from Manduka! This is my first giveaway/contest and I'm really excited for everyone to participate. 

Manduka reached out to me on behalf of their NowIsWow campaign. What is it? When you upload a photo to Instagram or Tweet and tag it #NowIsWow, or to the Facebook Now=Wow contest page you have an opportunity to win an entire set of Manduka products in the color of the week. 

In addition, for each photo tagged #NowIsWow or uploaded to the Facebook entry page, Manduka will make a $1 donation to Off the Mat, Into the World, a non-profit organization inspiring leaders who are fully present.

I don't know about you but I'm all for charity, and yoga. My giveaway will be one of the eQua towels in the color Pop. 

This towel is spectacular. It offers a no-slip grip so during hot classes, you can perform all poses correct without slipping and sliding. It absorbs sweat quickly so you're not sitting in a puddle and comes in the most perfect spring colors. 

How to win? I know you're all going to hate me for this but I want this to be interactive. In the comments, please tell me:

1. Why you started practicing yoga?
2. Your favorite pose?
3. Favorite studio?
4. What you take away from each class?

Here are my answers:


1. Why you started practicing yoga? I started for several reasons. To clear my mind, tone, cross train and stretch my body out. 
2. Your favorite pose? Warrior Two (I have no idea why!)
3. Favorite studio? SLT or my little pay what you can in Montauk
4. What you take away from each class? I take away the fact that I pushed my body to accomplish something, an empty and open mind and a feeling of relaxation with no stress following me home. 

This contest will run until March 20, the start of spring! 

I look forward to reading your answers. Good Luck!

Xo,
Lynette

Thursday Three: Goals

For today's Thursday Three I'm going to share some goals. 1 is long term, 1 short term and the other is just a general goal. Even if you don't want to admit it, most of us have something they are working towards. So here we go:

Complete the 6.5 miles I plan to run on Saturday. It's supposed to be gorgeous out and I've been working hard this week. 

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Land a job I have passion for in social media, PR, marketing or health and wellness.

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Accept that people are the way they are and I can't change that. If they aren't going to make time for me, maybe I shouldn't be making time for them.

Xo,

Lynette

You Get What You Pay For

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The title of this is exactly how I felt after testing out a new yoga studio last night. As you may know, I'm currently looking a new job and am unemployed. To save some dollars yet get back into the game of yoga and spin, I decided to test out some local studios (ie. close to my house, not on the East End). Since I had to test out my new eQua Manduka towel I wanted to do a hot class. I pinpointed a hot Vinyasa class at Sayille Hot Yoga and gave it a whirlwind. 

[Yoga getup includes pierces from Nike and Lululemon]

Now, let's get real for a moment, how much can you expect out of a class that only costs $12? Although my Montauk studio was pay what you can, it was amazing and the instructor trained with some of the best. The Sayville studio did not take credit cards and no one showed me around or offered me water. I did love the layout though. After you walk through the lobby, there is a set of changing rooms along with bathrooms. Then to the right is the yoga studio. After I signed in and filled out my forms I proceeded to the cubbys to place my things in (and take some pictures). After I was all set, I headed into the studio which was already heated and cozy. 

As I do before Bikram, I stretched out and did some down dogs. Lara came in shortly after to begin class. I suppose I could call myself lucky being able to have practiced with such amazing instructors previously. The class did not flow well, which kind of shocked me because it was a Vinyasa class. And there were way too many inversions. For someone who doesn't participate in this part of the class, I found myself in child's pose a bit too often. 

I really never thought I would miss someone calling me doll face during a yoga session, but I do! Since I'm on a budget SLT will be a once a month treat for sure, but I need it back. I may return to Sayville Hot Yoga as it is only $12 and I need some cross training in my life. 

As for my eQua Manduka Towel, it was amazing! It's my first grip accessory and it soaked up all the sweat from the power class (sorry to gross you out!). I didn't slip once and it actually helped me stay in most of the poses. It fit well over my whole yoga mat which was great. It's really thin and not bulky. Oh and for all of you going green? It's eco-friendly. Look out Friday, March 8 for a giveaway!

Xo,

Lynette

Toning Up Tuesday: Favorite At-Home Accessories

Over the past weeks, I've covered the major toning areas for Toning Up Tuesday. Today I'm going to share my favorite products to use at home that maximize the effects of your workouts. This post will end my Toning Up Tuesday series and next week will kick off Wind Down Wednesday :)

My savior when doing at-home yoga are my Gaiam yoga blocks. I have 2 and they're useful when I'm doing a pose I could pull a muscle in. I used the blocks a lot after I had neck surgery because I was so nervous of pushing myself too far. They're also ideal for Pilates. 

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Another staple is a stability ball. This item has so many different uses. I use the stability ball for abs, arms, back, legs and glutes. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, the ball can always help improve your workout. 

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DVD's and YouTube videos are also important. The great thing about them is you can choose what you want to do. Don't want to do an hour of yoga today? Opt for Hilaria Baldwin's Yoga With a View. Want to sweat, relax and tone? Go for Jillian Michael's Yoga Meltdown. YouTube has some great options that go by target zone or time. 

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A small medicine ball is great to have around for extra resistance for crunches or side twists. I have a super small one that does the trick. 

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And one of my favorite "plus'" of an at-home workout? I get to wear whatever I'd like. I don't have to dress all cute and I can wear my old favorite yoga pants that have holes everywhere!

What are your at-home toning essentials? Favorite part of doing your workout at home?

Xo,

Lynette

Half Training: Miles, Sickness and More

Something I learned this past weekend? Being super sick does not make for a good training run. Last weekend before I headed up to Cortland to get a change of scenery, I had an awesome 6 mile run. And should my estimates be correct, it was at a sub 10:00 pace. Yay! The run was easy and had some nice views. Although I had to change up my route due to snow not being removed. Hopefully when it's a bit warmer I'll do it the way I intended.

[Before my terrible run]

After I came home from Cortland I gave myself Monday off and had planned to do an easy 3 miles for Tuesday. Instead it turned into a 2 mile spring at a sub 9:40 pace, which was fine by me! It was cold and it needed to be over. All went downhill after that, I ended up having a fever which put me in bed for 2 days and had an interview on the third. I tried for 6 miles again on Saturday but with no working out during the week, being SUPER sick and it being cold, I ended up with a crappy 3.5. At least it was something.

I did a nice interval workout this morning on the treadmill to stay warm and am hoping to get a hot yoga sesh in tomorrow evening. My biggest focus is getting better.

What do you do when you get sidelined by a sickness? Any home remedies to cure you quick?

Xo,

Lynette 

National Nutrition Month

March apparently kicks off National Nutrition Month (who knew?) and StumbleUpon was nice enough to compile a list of the healthiest cities based on 25 million users stumbling habits. As someone who is on the market for a new job, this may be something to take into consideration. And most of the cities are warm, completely opposite of New York's weather lately.

However, before I share this list with you and you head off to a treadmill or spin class, I need to tell you it is also National Peanut Butter Lover's Day. I eat peanut butter almost every day, usually with breakfast by dipping a banana or apple into it. CRUMBS Bake Shop is celebrating with a delicious Peanut Butter Cup Cupcake, a rich chocolate cake filled and frosted with their peanut butter butter cream frosting and topped with peanut butter cup wedges and edged in crushed peanuts and chocolate chips. YUM!

Now I'm ready to hit the gym just looking at that photo. Here are StumbleUpon's findings of the healthiest cities in the US:

1.       Miami

2.       Fort Lauderdale

3.       Boston

4.       Tucson

5.       San Diego

6.       New York

7.       Las Vegas

8.       Sacramento

9.       Los Angeles

10.   Gainesville

Woo, we made the list at number 6! Must be the yoga and spin studios on every corner. I've actually researched many of those cities on various job searches so I guess I was doing something right. 

One of the things mentioned in the National Nutrition Month campaign is to describe what "Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day" means to you. Well to me it simply means eating the foods I believe are nutritious to my body and help nourish it rather than not but not following what everyone else does. What may work for a friends body could not work for mine.

If you live in one of those cities, do you agree it's one of the top healthiest? What to do you do to stay in shape? Favorite places to workout outside?

Xo,

Lynette