Good to see ya again
Breakfast was the return of an old fave:
Quinoa bowl!
Since I usually make a giant batch of quinoa and lentils for the week, I figured I’d leave the quinoa plain since it would be more versatile that way, and didn’t season it so we could do sweet or savory versions.
I picked up a bag of the tricolor quinoa at Trader Joe’s and prepared it the usual way: rinsed, added it to the rice cooker with water (2 parts water to 1 part quinoa) and put it on the brown rice setting.
This morning, all I had to do was take the quinoa out of the fridge, scoop it into a bowl (I had about a cup and a half) and added berries, honey, hemp seeds and almond milk:
+ a pop egg on the side
Another recent reunion:
A date with the ex-boyfriend! He looked niiiiiiiiice. We’ve been on and off for the past couple of years and lately, it’s just been short and quick rendezvous.
I ran a few weeks ago with friends while we were in La Jolla, but last night it was just me, the treadmill and my iPod. Lucky for me, Michele stopped over to chat for a while, too. I didn’t have a goal as far as distance or pace went, but figured I’d do 2, 3 or 4 miles, depending on if I felt like running, if I was dying, if my music was good, or if I wanted to do a combo jog/walk. To my surprise, I felt great and the iPod did that magical thing where it seemed to pick the songs I wanted to hear. I ran 3 miles straight and then walked for 8 minutes to cool down.
The reason why I decided to treadmill it up is because I’m doing a race in the fall. I’ll post all the details when they’re finalized, but hopefully some of you will be there! You may see me on the sidelines trying to Zumba the pain out of my legs 😉 The good news is that there are different distances, so I don’t have to decide how far I want to go until I get there, which is perfect since my workout time and schedule is limited these days. I’ll probably only run once a week to train, on Sundays, which is what I did for my first half marathon and it didn’t end up being too bad. Michele said to train like I want to run the half, and then if I get there and decide I don’t want to, I can smoke the 10k. I like that idea. I’m not sore at all today, but I got a massage right after my workout… can’t all runs be like that? Heh heh .
While I was on the treadmill, I was thinking about the fact that some people prefer to run long distances, while others, like me, like short bursts of energy followed by recovery (interval training and sprinting). I think I’ll always be an interval girl, which is why running is a good challenge for me. By interval training, my steady state workouts feel easier (even though the time seems to drag on sometimes) and it’s a great idea to alternate intensities. If you’re a distance runner, it’s beneficial to add in some cross-training and tempo work to your routine.
Some things to remember: steady state workouts can be done more frequently and will burn more calories than short, interval workouts. Interval workouts have a higher afterburn affect, and should only be done max 3x per week on non-consecutive days. (Your heart is a muscle- remember that it needs rest, too!) For more info on my favorite types of intervals, check out this post on HIIT and this one on Tabata.
Do you prefer steady state or interval training? What’s your favorite? Anyone else signed up for a race this fall?
Hope you have a happy Monday! See ya later today on the family page and tonight with a recipe.
xoxo
Gina
Something to do: “Make It Happen” Monday! Don’t forget to write down and declare a goal for yourself this upcoming week. Put it in a visible place and make steps each day to make it happen. If you’d like to share, I’d love to hear your goal! Tweet me (@fitnessista) or send me an instagram shot (@fitnessista) <3
72 Comments
Leave a Comment
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
I use to be a steady state kinda gal, but lately I am all about the intervals. Side note: that quinoa looks amazing. I need to bring it back for breakfast too.
i prefer intervals training; i don’t really like running for a long time…
I’m starting the couch to 5k tonight with a friend. I’d like to run a race in the fall, but I’ll have to wait and see how it goes.
that’s awesome you’ll have a buddy! if anything, you can walk/run it 🙂
happy training <3
Ahhh good luck on your race!!! I hope to work up to a half marathon eventually!
I just finished my first ever race on Saturday… a mud run, no less! I posted earlier this summer about my goal of finishing it in under 50min, and I ended up clocking in at 41minutes and placing in the top 10% of my age group, so excited! 🙂
I’m not too keen on running, so I prefer the races that a bit more interesting- I’m doing the Color Run next month (NYC, anyone, anyone?), and I’m officially hooked on mud runs, so I think I’m signing up for another one at the end of September- still debating if I want to do the 5k, or upgrade to the 10K. Hoping to get around to the Summer Shape Up after all that, the workouts looked phenom!
What model rice cooker do you use? I have one, but it’s old, cheap and finicky, and I’d love to own one that has a brown rice setting on it. Love your blog!
it’s the aroma brand rice cooker- i got it for around $40 at coscto. it’s been a great kitchen tool!
Thanks so much!
I’m doing a race in October for my bday. First race post baby. My running endurance is shot but I’m excited to work my way back up!
BTW, I was late to the SSU party but I followed along with the clean eats on schedule and started the workouts a couple of weeks late and I am proud to share that I can see definition in my abs again!!
woo hoo!!
If I was wealthy, every run would end with a massage 🙂 I got one after my first half last fall and felt like a new woman.
haha right?
Yay, I’m doing a race later this year too! It’ll be a motivator to follow your training and preparations 🙂
I MUCH perfer shorter distances and sprints/recovery/intervals too. I would bet it’s because we are both dancers! You give it 100% for the combination/performance, then rest and do the other side, or get a new combo, I think I am wired that way forever 🙂
Yay for running again! I definitely prefer running long and slow. I dread speedwork and tempo days, though Tabata doesn’t bother me. My last race was almost a year ago and I’m getting he itch to run another one but my 200 hour yoga teacher training is coming up in September and I can’t risk being at all broken. Maybe I’ll shoot for spring!
I do like to alternate between steady and interval workouts—not just for health benefits, but to beat boredom too!
I love both but if I had to choose one I’d pick steady state, long distance for sure. Running in the Nike Women’s Marathon (but doing the 1/2) in San Francisco then 2 weeks later running the Jazz Half Marathon in New Orleans!
Great quinoa idea. I’m going to try that this week!
I want to start running too – I prefer the treadmill. I get soooo bored though.
Right now I’m more of a steady state girl, but I’d really like to incorporate more interval training into my workouts. I’m working right now to improve my endurance, which I’m hoping will help with interval training in the near future. I just started a 5K running plan to train for my first race this fall, and my goal this week is to run 2 miles straight with no walking in between.
I love your quinoa idea! I’m definitely going to do this. I keep meaning to try having SWEET quinoa. You’ve inspired me! 😉
how do you rinse that quinoa? i feel like half of it falls out when i’m trying to strain it. tip would be appreciated?!
I too have that problem.
Yay!! I’m hoping to run my first half marathon this fall (not really telling people yet, until I feel more confident I can do it). I’m so excited to follow along with your progress for motivation!
Those flowers are gorgeous! 🙂
I was just thinking this question to myself this morning, no lie. I used to prefer steady state, but anymore I much prefer intervals! I think back to when I was a kid and interval-type exercise was what we often did (ie: bike as fast as you can to the end of the block, chase my brother around the house then tackle him 😉 and repeat, etc etc) and we had a blast! I’ve been channeling my younger self when it comes to fitness and just doing what I feel like. My current fave would be to run for a bit, then do some push-ups, run some more, do crunches, run some more, squats… you get the idea. 🙂 Remember how much fun it was to go outside and run around the yard with friends? 🙂
Races! I love races! There is something about the atmosphere. I’m so back and forth with running. After doing the Chi Marathon 2011, I realized distance and I… needed a break. Then I got pregnant ran two 5ks (one right before I found out, one at 26 weeks talk about slllllllowwwww), but I MISS them terribly. So I’m a distance one year and a interval girl the next I guess. This fall I’m definatetly going to get some races in post baby, but as I have no clue how long it will take me to get ready for this… I am going to play it by ear.
My sister and I do a race together every year – the Hot Chocolate 5k (and they have a 15k maybe if I’m feeling brave). The race is super fun, in the city TONS of people and there is LOTS of chocolate to be had, my kind of race. But because of my (late) little man, not sure if I’ll go past 5ks this running season. <3
Can't wait to hear about your race!
I'm going to have to get on that prep a head of time bandwagon, it really is smart to put together larger batches!
Congrats on your race registration! That’s exciting that you’ve been bitten by the racing/running bug again!
My roommate and I hope to run our first race together this fall!! AND I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THESE RECIPES!! (:
Congrats on your race sign-up Gina! I’m doing one on August 11th (the Lululemon SeaWheeze) and I’m so excited. It’s a half marathon and even though I’ve been injured and have done minimal running over the past 2 months, I’m pretty sure I can hack it, given the way my ankle has been feeling lately. As for distance vs sprints, I love my steady state long cardio because it helps me to run through piles and piles of things in my head that have been clogging up mental energy. Having said that, I do also appreciate a good HIIT workout and make sure to incorporate them at least 2x/week. Have a great afternoon!
i saw the ad for the sea wheeze and was like “i want to do that!” but alas, canada is a little far for me 🙂
xoxo
Can’t wait to hear about the race deets! I did a half-marathon earlier this year, and a marathon the previous fall, so I’m taking a break from running for a bit. I do have a bike race coming up in a few weeks though! I’m super excited for that.
Love your breakfast quinoa – looks yummy! I had oats this AM with chia, flax, blueberries and my new fav – barney butter almond butter! It’s a nice break from my usual trader joes raw variety 🙂 Have a great day!
I just want to say that I’ve been lurking on your blog for the last couple of weeks, and I absolutely love reading your updates, workout tips/tricks/ideas, recipes, etc. Thank you!!! I tried your Tabata last week for the first time ever and I think I’m in LOVE! =) That, paired with the distance runs, will make me a happy girl! To answer your question, I prefer intervals, but my best friend and I signed up for the Tinkerbell Half Marathon in January (yes, in DISNEYLAND!!!), two days before my 30th birthday, so I need to get myself used to steady speed runs.
that makes me so excited- thank you!
Hi Gina,
Could tonight’s recipe finally be your macaroons? Do you think you’ll post that soon? I can’t tell you how excited I am to try those. I go back to teaching in two weeks so maybe I’ll be able to try them before then??!!
Also, what stretch mark creams and oils did you use when you were pregnant? If you have the link to that post I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks, have a great day!!
tonight’s recipe is something different, but also dessert-y. i’m thinking the roon recipe will be up thurs night
i used locciatane stretch oil and a homemade lotion bar. the bad news? even though i didn’t have a single stretch mark while preg, i have them now. whomp whomp
I am not a runner whatsoever so I much prefer intervals! I get bored with long runs and burnout quickly! Good for you for signing up for a race! I’m sure you will do awesome!
I like to do both steady state and intervals, there is a time and a place for both. What inspired you to run again? I’m sure you’ll have a blast. 🙂
Congrats! I’m running my first half this fall so have just started the training process! My goal for this week is to clean my bedroom! I’m really inspired by your “make it happen” goal-setting because it actually makes me feel like I can set ONE goal & attain it. I used to have a massive to-do list and never actually got around to checking anything off. By setting one, attainable goal for the week I can actually manage it & accomplish something! Thank you <3
I definitely prefer interval training! I love the challenge of running my heart out and knowing it is only for 60 seconds. It makes it much less daunting and enjoyable 🙂 I have my eye on a half marathon in the fall but I am terrified! I hope that I can muster up the courage to start training 😉
I really love my hour runs (outside, NOT treadmill). It gives me time to think. I am thinking about a run in Sept. My schedule was supposed to start on Saturday, but my hubby was sick all weekend with fever. I was up every couple hours, checking on him, getting meds, changing sheets, etc. So, I will try to get my workout in today. I think I am going to run 2-3 days a week, but if I only get one, I am not going to sweat it as long as I do my cross training.
I can’t say Im a huge fan of running but I have run in several races: a 10k a 200 mile relay, and most recently a 5k, and it went really well! I attribute my success to SSU 🙂 I like long distances best because it takes me a while to relax and get into my groove with running. I bet you’ll rock the race this fall! My goal for this week: not to stress over the little things. I have been so high strung lately and with all of the summer visitors we have been having its been hard for me to just relax and go with the flow. Im a huge planner! Its so much better to just let things be
You go lady lovely! Get on the running train. Destination half marathon? Italy wanna do it with me??
omggggggg… when??
Quinoa breakfast is definitely something I now want to try after seeing your breakfast. how long does it have to cook for in the rice cooker? Also, aside from Zumba… I am a huge advocate on HIIT training. It’s all I did before I started teaching. I love the treadmill because you can really get creative with incline height and speed. I loved doing one minute on, 2 minute recover. Before you knew it, the work out was OVER! NICE! I actually didn’t know you were not supposed do to that everyday. I am guilty of daily HIIT work outs pre-Zumba. oops! Glad you pointed that out!
it takes about 40 minutes or so- i set it and forget it 🙂
and yes, definitely try to only do hiit 2-3 times a week
xoxo
I actually like both! I love a good, hard, interval run and HIIT work, but I also enjoy longer runs that are at a slower speed. I need both as I am training for a Half IronMan in August!
Pretty flowers!
My hubby & I (along with our almost 2 yr old son) are doing a 1/2 marathon this Sept. We want to set a good example for him. We did it last year as well. Gonna have to try the quinoa for breakfast. Such a great idea.
For me, it depends on where I am. I prefer steady state when I workout on my own and interval type stuff when I’m taking a class!
I like intervals. It keeps me more interested in the workout, and seems to take less time because you are working so hard. 🙂
i agree- they go by so much faster!
Running my first 1/2 marathon (Rock N Roll San Jose, CA) this October. Terrfied but excited all the same, Building up my long runs on the weekends. Next week will be 7 miles. 🙂
I love HIIT and tabatas, the really intense stuff and have a hard time remembering its only meant to be done 2-3 times a week. I think I should take a week off to give my body some resting benefits after possibly pushing it a little too hard lately. Great job on the run! I am for sure not a runner, but always wish it was something I enjoyed.
Assuming I am properly conditioned, I really do prefer steady state/ longer runs. I can think more, get in the zone, and I usually feel more refreshed after those. But intervals can be fun, too. 😉 I will be doing the Nike Women’s half in October, and it helps to have a goal to aim for. Re: quinoa, I always mess it up! I am hoping to get a rice cooker soon, and then will definiitely use your method!
I’m signed up for my first ever triathlon at the end of August!! It’s coming up fast. I am much more a weight training & dance class type of girl, so all of this cardio is definitely a challenge – one that I think is much needed to keep things interesting.
I do crossfit so that’s more intervals and I am addicted…I should probably schedule rest days better because I will go 5 days in a row without one since I am obsessed! But I guess there are worse things to be addicted to ; )
I prefer steady cardio because I never feel like a shorter interval session is a good enough workout. Since I started reading your blog though I have included more of these into my routine to mix things up as you say, change creates change. I am running 10k for the Lung Association in August.
I prefer interval training because no matter how long I have been doing it, it never gets easier. I wish I could jump on the running train, but I get bored when running is the only thing I am doing. Did you experience this before you became a runner?
i signed up for my first half marathon this fall – the philly rock & roll, im nervous & excited all at the same time!
A few years ago I hated just the THOUGHT of running, now it has become part of who I am! I’m out injured right now but really really hoping I can race some half marathons in the fall!!!
Today is my 25th birthday and Friday was my big sisters 32nd. To celebrate, we decided to do our very first 5k! It was amazing!! It was called Color Me Rad and we were completely covered in color, from head to toe. I had to walk for at least a quarter of a mile, but I was proud of myself for doing as much as I did in the hot heat, with little training. It was so much fun, man!
I have never tried quinoa as an oatmeal, definitely need to try since I make so much of it!
I love my long distance runs (just me, the trail, and my Saturday mornings). Nothing clears my head or makes a bad day better quite like running. But I do find HIIT, the elliptical, and yoga are essential to keep things interesting, fit into my busy work schedule and keep me injury free.
I’m running the Chicago Marathon in the fall and hopefully will do some 5 k’s or 10 k’s after that. I’m a running coach this season for the STL Rock’n’Roll marathon for charity runners so even though I’m not running in the race, I still get to enjoy all the benefits!