Training Week 2 (and half of 3)

Major bust. 

I really had high hopes for last week and this week then my good friend insomnia decided to move in, Juno took a detour through Queens and I finally caught that cold that's been going around my office. 

The plan was:

• Tuesday- B/X at Brick (bootcamp at a Crossfit gym)
• Wednesday- Morning run
• Thursday- Acroyoga
• Saturday- 5 mile run
• Monday - Mile High Run Club class
• Tuesday - Yoga at Exhale
• Wednesday - Morning run

What actually hapenned:

Tuesday - I did go to Brick! It was a hard class and I think I over worked my hamstrings during a ball toss. I had asked for a lighter one (I had a 30 lb. ball to throw over my shoulder) and he brought be an embarassingly large 12 lb. ball. I stuck with the 30 pounder which was probably a mistake for my legs. It was a great class overall. A big focus was played on arms and abs- my 2 weak spots. 

Wednesday - I skipped this run because I haven't been sleeping. I've really been looking forward to getting up and running in the mornings again but my health comes first and if I've got no energy, running is out of the question. 

Thursday - I went to Acroyoga and as usual, had fun. It was a challenging class but I learned some new things and got to work on some old poses I always have trouble with. 

Saturday - 5.5 mile run + SHITT class at Reebok. Run was pretty good and I only almost ate shit once or twice from the ice. I ended up running an extra half a mile because I miscalculated how much further up I needed to go after the Queenboro bridge and the distance to 5th ave from 1st. Overall it was a nice run, not very strong but that's something that I will be working on. The Reebok class was fun and I would have loved to do more and not keep going in childs pose but my body was begging me for it!

Monday - I really like Mile High Run Club right now. It's cold out and the only time I can do speed/hill work is when it's dark and I don't want to do that alone. With that being said, Monday's class was good, but not great. The instructor was a sub and she wasn't as motivating as the first girl I had taken it with. And she kept telling us the workout ahead of time. No offence, but I still hate the treadmill even thought I come here. Surprise me! Don't bum me out telling me 10 min before we do it that we have a 3 min climb at 5% at speed 7. 

Tuesday - SNOW DAY! I was supposed to be at Exhale yoga in the morning but we worked from home due to the snow. AKA I slept until about 8:45. 

Wednesday - And today I woke up a little sick and skipped any wortkout I could have done.

As you can see, training is not going well. Here is what I hope to do for the rest of this week and next:

• Thursday - Acroyoga
• Saturday - 6 mile run (+ brunch with some runners!)
• Monday -  Morning class (maybe spin)
• Tuesday - Hopefully Exhale yoga
• Wednesday - Planning on Mile High Run Club
• Thursday - Acro
• Saturday - 7 mile run (+ coffee with some bloggers)

How's your training going?

Xo,

Lynette

Wonderful Things Happening

2014 was a great a year full of changes- a wonderful new new at a firm focused on health and wellness, a new apartment with a great roommate (after a not-so-great living sitch for 9 months) and the decision to do something in November 2016 that I've sworn up and down I would never do (can you guess what?). 

2015 is going to be a year of taking chances! I absolutely adore PR and my job so nothing changing there. However, in addition to that, this website and my new one (Nourish You Magazine coming soon!), I'm starting Keri Glassman's Nutrition School next week! I'm going to become a health coach. 

It is going to be the most wonderful early morning/evening/weekend addition to my life. Publicist by day (and all hours of course) and health coach by night. My dream.

However, being young and in NYC is no easy feat. I set up a Go Fund Me page on Friday because I do need some financial assistance. At first they we'rent offering a payment plan and $1000 was due up front by today. Fortunately, many people felt they couldn't do that and a payment plan was created, allowing me to register. 

While the payment plan is amazing, the financial burden is still going to be there for the next 4 months. I have to move again in September (helloooo broker's fee), I still have student loans, rent, MTA fare and more to pay each month on top of this. 

I'm asking all of you- if you can, please help. Anyone who donates, regardless of the amount, will receive a free month of coaching once I graduate. 

Please visit my site here: http://www.gofundme.com/LynetteNicole

Thanks in advance for your consideration. Can't wait to share my new journey with you!

xo,
Lynette

Thursday Three: Goals for the Week

This week flew by! I can't believe it's already Thursday. With that said, I skimped on 2 workouts, haven't been sleeping well and would do anything to just have an extra day to lay in my bed. I'm really determined to stay on track with training so here are a few of my goals for next week:

[Get all of my workouts in, even if I have to cut them short. Photo Credit]

[Prioritize what projects are important and create a healthy balance around them while making more time for me things (ie. sleep!). Photo Credit]

[Make an effort to explore more. I went to the Met last weekend with Megan for the first time and had a wonderful time. Photo Credit]

Xo,

Lynette

Training Week 1

Happy Monday! Week 1 of training is officially complete and I have to say, I do have high hopes for this race. Although I feel great, after a few indulgences this weekend, I don't exactly look great. At any rate, I can't wait to get some long, head-clearing runs in the next few weekends.

Here's what went down last week:

• Saturday: Surf Set class and 3 mile run on the indoor track. I was a little late to class so I only got 30 minutes out of the 45 but it was still pretty challenging! While I had the opportunity (it was freezing out this day) I got my 3 mile run done on the Chelsea Piers track. I felt pretty strong, mainly because I felt like people were watching me and I didn't want to look like wimp. It was definitely great motivation!

• Monday: Yoga at Exhale. I really enjoy these classes. They are a mix between traditional, relaxing yoga and strength so you really get a workout. 

• Tuesday: Spin at Peloton. Lisa Niren puts on a great class regardless if I'm taking it in the morning or evening. 

• Wednesday: 2 miles run in Astoria. I really needed a head-clearing run in the middle of a rough week and weather was perfect! I tossed my credit card into my Armpocket too so I could grab some veggies at the farmers market for dinner. 

• Thursday: Acroyoga at Twisted Trunk Yoga. This is my new Thursday night activity. Good luck trying to get me to cancel. Acro gets me out of my comfort zone and teaches me something new each week. And it's a killer core workout. If you haven't tried it, I recommend joining me. 

• Satuday: 4 mile run in Astoria + 1 hour of Reebok's MavenStrong netWORKOUT. My run felt pretty could albeit cold. The Reebok workouts felt a little harder than usual after my run (recap coming soon!) but fun. There were 6 instructors who taught 15 minutes of their signature class. I only took 4 before my body was telling me enough was enough for today. 

On the schedule for this week:

• Monday- Strength at home (was supposed to be a run but I didn't get out of bed on time this AM)
• Tuesday- B/X at Brick (bootcamp at a Crossfit gym)
• Wednesday- Morning run
• Thursday- Acroyoga
• Saturday- 5 mile run

For those who are looking to add some classes into the mix, I've been using FitReserve and love it. 

How is your training going?

Xo,
Lynette

Thursday Three: Weekend Fun

I  know I did a weekend Thursday Three last week but I'm going to do it again because I have more fun things happening. 

[This weekend we're celebrating these girls birthdays! Can't wait for a fun girls night]

[Reebok is hosting a 2-hour MavenStrong NetWORKOUT on Saturday. Photo Credit]

[I downloaded a new book that I've been reading on the subway and can't wait to really indulge. Photo Credit]

What are your plans this weekend?

Xo,

Lynette

NYC's Newest Fitness Concierge Site

[Photo Credit]

I love boutique studios but sometimes, they can get a bit pricey and destroy my monthly budget. Back in December, the reps for FitReserve reached out to introduce me to their new platform. 

FitReserve is a premium monthly fitness memberships giving you access to studios full schedules. Right now there are about 40 boutiques on there with more being added daily. One of the things I really liked was that you can book up to 4 classes per month at each studio. 

Booking is really easy. You can search for classes by studio or by type of class/day. 

The pricing is $149/10 classes or $249/20 classes a month which equals over 50% off each class. Right now the service is invite only but once you are a member you also receive exclusive perks such as  special events + experiences as well as special promotions from perks partners including:  Lole, Phat Buddha, Uber, Keri Glassman Nutritious Life, Bestowed and more.

I loved being able to try out new studios with FitReserve. Here's what I did during my trial:

• Twisted Trunk Yoga- Acroyoga (x2)
• Peloton- Spinning (x3)
• Exhale- Yoga and CoreFusion Barre + Cardio
• Brick NY - B/X
• Clay Health Club + Spa- Tred
• Mile High Run Club- Dash 28
• Chelsea Piers - Surf Set (and their indoor track!)

There were so many time options and very few classes were blocked off because they were full. All of the instructors and front desk staff were great and answered any questions I had. 

As you know, I've begun training for my big spring half marathon and FitReserve appears to be the best thing to compliment my training right now, so I decided to continue. 

If you are looking for a superior fitness concierge service, sign up for FitReserve. I promise you won't be disappointed!

Xo,

Lynette

New Farm to Table Take-Out In NYC

[Photo Courtesy of NYC Living/Media Maison]

I love that there are so many healthy, new restaurants popping up in NYC. While I don't limit myself to order a salad when eating out (I think it's meant to be enjoyed and I don't eat out everyday), it's nice to know that I can still get a flavorful pizza that is somewhat good for me. 

I've been trying to look for restaurants that use organic ingredients, source locally and boast a good-for-you attitude. I downloaded CleanPlates a few weeks ago but haven't really used it yet. 

One of the newer healthy restaurants popping up is Darrow's, farm fresh takeout right in Union Square. I was invited to the grand opening party on Friday night and got a tour of the space and got to try some of the sides they will be serving and some of the drinks.

A few of my favorites were the rice salad, roasted Brussels sprouts and crispy Tuscan kale. 

[Photo Courtesy of NYC Living/Media Maison]

Downstairs boasts a juice bar, the kitchen and a little room that sells various items made locally. From some delicious smelling chocolate to pickles to Grace Hightower and Coffees of Rwanda, there is quite a selection. On and off farmers will also be coming in to set up a little market. There will also be grab and go meals and snacks in the coolers. 

[Photo Courtesy of NYC Living/Media Maison]

[Photo Courtesy of NYC Living/Media Maison]

[Photo Courtesy of NYC Living/Media Maison]

[Photo Courtesy of NYC Living/Media Maison]

Upstairs has a full bar and seating. To order food, you use the iPads that are set up at each table. They are easy to use and contain the entire menu. If you need to remove ingredients you can do so right on there!

[Photo Courtesy of NYC Living/Media Maison]

[Photo Courtesy of NYC Living/Media Maison]

The decor is on point. There is a living wall upstairs, in the farmers market room there is a large video screen and I'm a little obsessed with the lights.

If you're looking for a light yet flavorful and healthy meal, I highly recommend checking out Darrow's. 

115 East 18th St, between Park Ave. South and Irving Place

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Xo,

Lynette

Thursday Three: Winter Weekend Fun

The cold and the snow has arrived in NYC! While I have a love hate relationship with it, I'm not letting it hinder what I have planned for this weekend. 

[Time to start training! This weekend kicks off training with an easy 3-miler]

[Finally getting to take a full Surf Set class! Photo Credit]

[Homemade brunch with Emma! In an effort to save money this year, I'm convincing all of my friends we need to cook dinner/brunch together]

What are you doing this weekend?

Xo,

Lynette

Tone It Up Tuesday: Glutes

Summer is not practically around the corner but it's never too early to start working on those glutes. You need them to take you up hills during races and to drag you out of bed at ungodly hours for training runs. 

When I was at Exhale this weekend I forgot how much getting on your elbows and knees and kicking your legs up can burn!

If you need a fix. try this:

[Photo Credit]

Get down on hands and knees with a neutral spine. Lower onto elbows, keeping your back flat. With a bent knee and flexed foot, send your right leg straight into the sky. Pulse for 20 counts. Repeat with left leg.

What are your favorite moves for your glutes?

Xo,

Lynette

Races and Goals and Things

Today is the first workday of 2015 for many of you. Time to start fresh and get your head back in the game. I've been back at work since last week (new job meant I had to give up my holiday break) so I've been at it for a bit already. However, this week does lead up to the beginning of my first training cycle of the year!

I will be running the Michelob Ultra Half Marathon in Queens this March. Unfortunately I didn't get into the NYC Half so I needed to find another race. I've got quite a bit of things coming up- a new move, a friends wedding, the Hampton's, etc- that spending money on a race entry + travel was a bit out of the question. I live in Queens and the entry was well under $100. And you get free beer. Need I say more? 

[Photo Credit]

My goal is to sub-2. It is possible? I think so, but you never know what race day might bring. Or what training obstacles may get in the way. 

As usual, I plan on doing my long runs on the weekend. I've been trying out FitReserve (more on that next week!) and considering continuing throughout my training. If not, I'll do strength and yoga a few mornings and try to get a run or 2 in. Being it's dark out in the morning and evening, and I work long hours, I might have to rely on one-off classes and my own strength routines. 

But I trained when I commuted for 4 hours a day and essentially did it all on a treadmill, sans run club days, so I think my goal is attainable as long as I don't give up. 

Can't wait to share my training with you all! 

Xo,

Lynette