9 Important Statements and Questions For My Life Today

Hello! I miss you! How’s it going? I’ve been MIA over here and was going to wait until the New Year to come back with posts but I got sad and wanted to say ‘Hi!’! Hope all is well and you are having a great holiday. Let me know!

Here are my random thoughts I’d love to share today… this is what’s important to my brain movies right now. It helps to share and I feel like we need to catch up!

1. I am Santa Monica!! Or at least I was on Christmas…

I put my super cheap Santa Claus costume to good use by training my reindeer … I mean reindogs…

 

2. I don’t really love presents. I think this also means I don’t really give good gifts. It’s something I should be more mindful of because some of the people in my life might have gifts as one of their main love languages.

The point of The 5 Love Languages book is that you identify your love language AND identify the love language of your people. Then you can show them you love them in a way that really speaks to their heart.

It’s just something I’m thinking about right now.

 

3. Tamales. Even though I don’t love presents… I love unwrapping tamales!!

Sadly my family didn’t end up making them this year. I’m thinking about making them myself soon so I don’t lose the magic Mexican touch. As it is we only make them once a year – I don’t want to get too rusty!

 

4. I made cookies and treats for some of my people and didn’t get to deliver one of the boxes. That friend ended up going out of town so I did what any red-blooded redheaded Amonican would do –  ate them all last night while watching TV. All of them. Plus the night before I ate the Chex mix I made.

In contrast to my recent cookie rampage…

5. I’m getting a lot of questions on the 24 day challenge. I guess people are getting ready for hitting the new year running! Feel free to email if you have specific questions. And these posts have a lot of info too…

24 Day Challenge post

10 Day Clean Eating Challenge

Bonus: New from Advocare – the One / 80 System = It’s an 80 complete jumpstart cleanse and lifestyle change package.

 

6. Thank you for reading and listening to the podcast.

I’ve been really busy at the RER Headquarters… working on projects for the new year! / organizing / cleaning / researching moving (!!) / paperwork / podcast interviews and more.

So – the blog and podcast are taking some rest days to give me a chance to catch up and work on everything. Thank you for sticking with me. It’s definitely a very challenging time. I appreciate it.

I’m still updating Instagram everyday so follow @RunEatRepeat over there or on Facebook  if you want to hang out.

 

7. I’m super excited about the NEW YEAR and setting new goals. I am ready for a fresh start more than ever before in my life! I need some happy and hopeful goals and I have a few cooking up in my brain kitchen.

Are you setting goals or resolutions for the new year?

 

8.  I’m listening to Option B by Sheryl Sandburg… So far I love it.

The sub-title is Facing Adversity, Building Resilience and Finding Joy…. I think I am resilient and positive so based on that I wouldn’t have chosen this book. But I saw it on Instagram in the context of helping to deal with grief and decided to give it a shot.

I’m working through grief and life changes and it’s nice to hear about  processing grief and others ending up okay. And actually it makes me happy to hear things in the book that are good practices to help overcome sad times that I already do! It makes me feel like I do know how to take care of myself and face adversity and build resilience that much more because I already have been doing some of the healthy habits naturally! Go Monican. It’s kinda like Intuitive Living! 

 

9. I’m planning and prepping new running tips and plans, podcasts, recipes and more… I want to be helpful and informative to you so if you have a specific idea or question please let me know. Email me or leave it in the comments.

1. Do you want a couch to 5k training plan?
2. Do you want to run your first race and need more step by step advice?
3. Do you want a sub-2 hour half marathon plan?
4. Do you want meal plans for training for a half or full marathon?
5. Do you want motivation to run and daily check-ins with inspiration?
6. Do you want me to share what it’s like being a redheaded Mexican trying to find an eyebrow pencil that was NOT ultra black at the CVS in Pico Rivera?
7. Do you want easy meal prep ideas?
8. Do you want to know how to eat healthy on a budget?
9. Do you want me to talk to non-elite aka average runners about their training and tips?

Let me know! Do you like ALL of these ideas? Want one in particular? Other??

The post 9 Important Statements and Questions For My Life Today appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

source http://runeatrepeat.com/2017/12/27/9-important-statements-and-questions-for-my-life-today/

Run Wins of 2017 Podcast

Hello! Today we’re celebrating all the awesome running and fitness accomplishments of 2017!

Warm up: Need a last minute gift for a runner? Or yourself?

Check out this list of Last Minute Gifts for Runners that will get here in time for Christmas!

Run Wins for 2017!

My run win for the year is the Boston Marathon but for reasons beyond the race.

The Boston Marathon has been a dream for me for a long time. And I really want to share some personal stuff that made it challenging and emotional for me beyond running. Check out the links below for more info and background.

Boston Marathon video updates on YouTube <- these are the vlogs and videos on my training for the Boston Marathon and the fun Hyland’s Challenges.

In this video I talk about how I almost wanted to back out of running the Boston Marathon. I didn’t go into detail but talk about the struggle.

Podcast Awards:

More run wins!

If you want to see everyone’s Run Wins check out this Run Eat Repeat Instagram post!

And feel free to chime in with yours in the comments!

 

Resources Mentioned in this Podcast Episode:

Posts with Ben… letting Ben cook   // wedding  // Ben is better – 2011 when Ben was cleaning Vegas because he’s nice to animals like that.

Then in a sudden turn of events (okay 3 years later!) Vegas scratched his ear when he got scared.

Santa Rosa Marathon – this is where I tried to BQ and came up a little slow 3:37:23 when my goal was 3:34:55.

But it’s a good race and I learned a lot.

OC Marathon – surprise PR

Ventura Marathon – day before

On Running and Eating Alone…

That time I went to therapy 3 times in 1 week…

Question: Did you share your RUN WIN for 2017?

The post Run Wins of 2017 Podcast appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

source http://runeatrepeat.com/2017/12/22/run-wins-2017-podcast/

Spinach and Egg White Recipe Starbucks Copycat

I’m obsessed with the Starbucks Spinach, Feta and Egg White Wrap but it’s not super convenient to go there all the time.
So I made a homemade version that might actually be a little better! Plus I can save money and make it healthier or add tons of Sriracha – something seriously lacking at the Starbucks condiment bar…

(Posted on Run Eat Repeat’s Instagram – check it out for comments.)

Starbucks Egg White and Feta Wraps Recipe

Recreate one of Starbucks’ most popular foods with this easy diy wrap recipe! It’s a healthy version of one of my favorite menu items. A few Trader Joe’s favorites make this super easy to throw together in 5 minutes! Boom. Try it and let me know if you added Sriracha.

Spinach and Egg White Wrap Recipe

Ingredients:
Whole wheat tortilla or flat-out wrap
1 c egg whites
1/4 c bell peppers
4 Tb. TJ’s Spinach Greek yogurt dip
Optional: Green onion, Sriracha

Directions: Heat small skillet with non-stick spray or oil. Begin to cook egg whites, season with salt & pepper. When eggs are half done add bell pepper & green onion. Cook through.
Heat tortilla & spread w spinach dip. Top with eggs & roll into wrap. Place back on hot pan to toast on each side.
One of the best parts of the Starbucks version is the wrap is perfectly toasted.

I made this in part because it’s not convenient and too expensive to go to Starbucks all the time. So, I recreated my favorite treat at home. But my friend Katie chimed in that it’s always convenient to go to Starbucks… she loves that place and goes a la la lot.

There’s not a drive-through ‘bucks near me so I don’t go very often. And I prefer iced coffee from other places. But I really do love this wrap. Anyway… it made me curious – how often do you go out for coffee?

Bonus: This summer I discovered the Starbucks Sous Vide Egg Bites – it was when I went to Palm Springs with Skinny Runner and Katie.

I wanted to recreate them but heard it was super hard to do since you’d need a Sous Vide thinger (the technical term for it). Well, the Fitnessista has a recipe for Homemade Sous Vide Egg Bites without needing any fancy equipment! Check it out if that’s your fave.

You might also like…

– What to do in Palm Springs (post from trip mentioned above)

– Fitnessista’s Homemade Sous Vide Egg Bites

– Run Eat Repeat Instagram for more recipes, meal ideas and running updates

Question: How often do you buy coffee (like a cup of coffee not coffee to make at home)?

The post Spinach and Egg White Recipe Starbucks Copycat appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

source http://runeatrepeat.com/2017/12/19/spinach-and-egg-white-recipe-starbucks-copycat/

Last Minute Gifts for Runners

Hello! Anyone else super last minute with their holiday shopping? Well, I am. And I blame it on the fact that I get distracted every time I go to buy gifts for the people on my list… and end up browsing for things I’d like.

But that means I have a very thorough list of Last Minute Gifts for Runners. These are all things you can get in time for Christmas if you have Amazon Prime – they have free 2 day shipping. Everyone has Amazon Prime, right? (I’m serious, it makes my life 1000% easier and is super convenient and I feel like everyone I know has it.)

Anyway.

I made a list (of gifts for runners). You can check it twice. And get on buying presents for you favorite (or 2nd favorite) runner!

Last Minute Gifts for Runners in time for Christmas:

1. Tom Tom Spark Running Watch – comes with wireless headphones! I’m a new convert to wireless headphones and I LOVE them! This running watch is a heart rate monitor and plays your music. Boom. (Order now to get in time for Christmas)

2. Beanie with blue tooth headphones – I’m always cold and I love listening to podcasts. Two birds, one stone plus a beanie.

3. SPF lip balm – a friend bought this for me last year and I LOVE them. They lasted all year too! I’m on my last one and plan on ordering more.

 

4. Runner Safety Gear – find something that works for their safety concerns whether it’s visibility, personal safety, checking in or something else.

Does your favorite runner run in the dark? Get them lights so they’re visible to cars, cyclists and others.

Do you worry they need a personal protection device of some sort? Here is a list of options…

LED Light Up Running Belt

LED Light Shoe Clips

Pepper Spray (says for runners or walkers but obvi works for everyone – I don’t think it only goes off if you are maintaining a certain pace)

Taser Pulse – this is a little big to have on a run but I wanted to give it a shout because I got one recently and it is legit.

5. Amazon Music Subscription – Did you know this was a thing?! I just heard about Amazon Music UNLIMITED!

Amazon Music Unlimited

 

6. Running Touch Screen Gloves – these get a lot of use so even if they have some, a new less dirty pair or something in a fun color – is a great gift idea.

7. Yoga mat – If your favorite runner is anything like me they are lazy about stretching. Or maybe they’re lazy about taking their clothes out of the dryer and leave them there for days basically using it like a messy drawer…. oh, just me?

Anyway. This Sloth Yoga Mat1 is a fun lil reminder to stop being a Slothy and start stretching!

 

8. Food. Some runners like to eat. This runner is one of those. Feel free to bring over your best dish or baked good. Shipping is free if you walk it over.

9. Audible subscription – I’m a big fan of audio books. I’ve told several people (including strangers on the street who now think I’m a complete weirdo) that “Audio-books will change your life…”. Yes. I drank the Audiobook Kool-laid and it changed my life.

> Before Audible I read 2 books a year.

> After discovering Audible I listen to about 10 books a year. Hello that is awesome.

10. Gift Certificates… either get them a gift card to their favorite running store or an Amazon e-card.

OR print out one of these fun Runner Gift Certificates!

There’s a gift certificate for your favorite dessert … race spectating … social media photographer and I made one for meal prep. I’m going to give the meal prep gift certificate to a few people in my life that I know would really appreciate it. It’s not really runner-y

 

 

 

Link to PDF Runner Gift Certificates

Question: What is the BEST thing someone could get you a gift certificate for?

The post Last Minute Gifts for Runners appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

source http://runeatrepeat.com/2017/12/17/last-minute-gifts-runners/

Why I Don’t Care That My Favorite Holiday Foods Might Pack on Pounds Podcast

On today’s podcast I’m talking about my FAVORITE Holiday Foods and why I don’t care that they’re 1 million calories.

But first – what’s your biggest Run Win for 2017?? Let me know!

Leave a voicemail with your name and tell me… What is your best running accomplishment of the year?

The # is 562 – 888 –1644

or email me RunEatRepeat@gmail.com with RUN WIN in the subject line

My favorite holiday foods:

• Eggnog
• Tamales
• See’s Candy
• Cookies!
• Any other special baked good

These foods are indulgent and high in calories and probably don’t pack a ton of vitamins or protein or fiber… but they are ‘sometimes foods’. And that some time is the holidays.

Today I’m talking about why I don’t feel guilty about eating all the Christmas cookies and other treats. Nope.

“Most people are worried about what they eat from Christmas to New Year’s when they should be more concerned with what they eat between New Year’s and Christmas…” > > > Remember it’s what you do most of the time that counts more than once in a while.

Remember to share your Run Win! Or ask me a question:

Links in this podcast:

Making Tamales 101 with RER

Makes Tamales with my Family

That time I made Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Rolls

Why you should NOT feel guilty about holiday treats

Instagram Daily Run Report – new update everyday where you can chime in with your workout

Question: What’s your RUN WIN for 2017?

Let me know on the vm line, email or in the comments!

The post Why I Don’t Care That My Favorite Holiday Foods Might Pack on Pounds Podcast appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

source http://runeatrepeat.com/2017/12/15/dont-care-favorite-holiday-foods-might-pack-pounds-podcast/

Transitioning an Outside Cat to Inside

Vegas is an inside/outside cat. I’d say he spent an hour or two outside everyday. But after getting into a bad cat fight recently I need to keep him inside all the time now. It sucks because he doesn’t understand why he is being forced to stay inside.

It also sucks because he thinks I’m a tonta and just forgot how to let him out so he tries to remind me over and over and over and over in the morning and at night (his usual go outside times)… He meows at me > then at the door > then back at me > trying to get me to follow him to the door because I obviously didn’t understand…

A few people left me Instagram messages suggesting I get him a cat condo or different cat toys. And someone mentioned a cat game where they have to do something to get their food. Basically I need to entertain him and stimulate his lil cat brain.

Fantastic.

So the first thing I thought to do was… give him away.

Kidding!

I’m looking into all the suggestions on how to transition a cat that was used to going outdoors to being inside all the time. I found a few different things I’m going to try and I wanted to share a few of the suggestions too. I’ll let you know how it goes…

Gifts for Cats that are Retiring to Inside Living

1. Cat condo or Cat Tree

There are so many options for cat condos or cat playhouses! Some are super high end and expensive and others are small boxes for them to play and hide.

Initial thoughts: Given that Vegas did spend most of his day inside and just went outside to go to the bathroom and sit on the fence to watch people walk by with judge-y eyes… I don’t think he’d use it to climb/play. I might consider a lil cube box for cats though.

2. Cat grass

Is this some slang term for drugs I’m not familiar with?

Ha! Okay – I think this one is a good idea.

Initial thoughts – I think he’ll dig it.

Get it?

3. Cat Scratcher

Scratch boards often come with cat nip too! He already has one of these and uses it.

Initial thoughts – Yes, have one and will keep buying them. (You have to get a new one when the part where they scratch is worn down.)

 

4. Cat games

Is this like reindeer games? Monopoly for cats??  Twister?

This is an Activity Center for Cats … yep. My first reaction is to think that’s a little unnecessary but he hasn’t been playing with the ipad I got him so maybe he wants something a little less techie?

Other cat toys I’m considering:

Cheese Chase – Round tube where a cat can ‘chase’ a lil mouse that moves around.

Laser pointer – Laser light he can chase when I play with him. We’ve had one before and he’ll play for a little while.

Treat puzzle – Small puzzle cats have to figure out to get treats out.

Initial thoughts: I like these but I’m not sure which one to get him…

 

You can check out all the Cat Games and Toys list here. Let me know if you and your pets use any of these and if you have ideas that work well.

Question: Do you have any suggestions on what I can do for Vegas?

The post Transitioning an Outside Cat to Inside appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

source http://runeatrepeat.com/2017/12/13/transitioning-an-outside-cat-to-inside/

Running during the California Wild Fires Podcast

Today on the podcast I’m taking with someone affected by the massive wildfires in California. I’m hoping Oprah shuts the fire down asap. And a local half marathon was cancelled due to the fire.

Warm up:

Vegas is begging to go outside. Too bad. And he has a faux-hawk. Maybe he wants to show off his fancy new haircut.

Why I said I was a hypochondriac in the intro…

Do I have pink eye or am I just the worst? (Or both??)

And why am I still eating dirty grapes considering I…

Got super sick after going to Panama and think it was because of grapes…

Found a black widow spider in my grapes!!?

 

The main thing…

Fires in Southern California Fundraiser AND Virtual 5K Fundraiser

The fires in southern California are still raging. The Santa to the Sea Half Marathon was cancelled. The fire in the Ventura area is called the Thomas Fire and is only 10% contained right now. Firefighters are estimating it will be weeks before they have it completely out.

Sam is a runner in the Ventura area who had to evacuate. We’re touching base with her to see how it’s going

You can follow Sam on Instagram she is @girlw1dimple

 

Reminders for Runners in an area with Fires:

Check the air quality in the area before going for a run.

How Smoke from Fires Can Affect Your Health – via Air Now.gov

Pay attention to local air quality reports. As smoke gets worse, the concentration of particles in the air increases – and so should the steps you take to protect yourself. Air quality reports are available through local news media, your local air agency or on airnow.gov.

Use common sense to guide your activities. Even if you don’t have a monitor in your area, if it looks or smells smoky outside, it’s probably not a good time to mow the lawn or go for a run. And it’s probably not a good time for children – especially children with asthma – to be vigorously active outdoors, or active outdoors for prolonged periods of time. If you are active outdoors, pay attention to symptoms. Symptoms are an indication that you need to reduce exposure.

Air Quality near me:

 

The Lace Up Running Team has organized a 5K fundraiser and the proceeds will go to The Thomas Fire Fund. It is a Virtual 5K – so you can participate from anywhere in the world.

How to Sign Up for the 5K Fundraiser:

1. Make a donation to the Run for Ventura cause HERE (their Go Fun Me
2. Run a 5K (3.1 miles) anywhere in the world: indoors, outdoors, on a trail, road, treadmill, etc. Participants need to track themselves on a GPS watch, phone app or another tracking device (Garmin watch, Strava, MapMyRun, etc.).
3. Take a photo or screenshot of your distance and time from your tracking device.
4. Fill out this form by 11:59 p.m. PST on Dec. 21.
5. Share to social media using #RunForVentura and #ThomasFireFund

Prize winners will be announced and results posted on Dec. 22.

All the rules and how to donate are on the Run for Ventura Go Fund Me Page.

Awards:

1. Firefighters and volunteers.

2. Everyone donating to those affected.

 

Got a Question for the Run Eat Repeat Podcast?

Email me at RunEatRepeat@gmail.com OR call the RER voicemail 562-888-1644

Links mentioned on the podcast today:

Santa to the Sea Half Marathon

Panama

Blog event with Dole where I projectile vomited and for some reason feel the need to share again on the internet.

Black Widow in my grapes

Check the Air Quality before running here

Virtual 5K Fundraiser for the Thomas Fire

 

Question: Do you ever check the air quality where you run?

The post Running during the California Wild Fires Podcast appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

source http://runeatrepeat.com/2017/12/12/running-california-wild-fires-podcast/