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Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Let's GO BANANAS!


Normally bananas are not my fruit of choice, but my boys and husband love them so I thought while we have bananas in the house, I might as well try some fun smoothies using some of them!  
Here's a few on the list to try...what do ya think?

Banana Oatmeal Smoothie
  • 2   whole bananas
  • 2   cups Ice
  • 1/3   cup Yogurt - preferably Greek yogurt flavored with honey
  • 1/2   cup Cooked oatmeal
  • 1/3   cup Almonds

PB and Banana Smoothie
  • 2   whole bananas-peeled and sliced
  • 1   (6-oz.) carton non-fat Vanilla yogurt
  • 1/3   cup creamy Peanut butter
  • 1/2   cup non-fat Milk

Energy Boosting Banana Smoothie

  • 2   whole bananas
  • 3   cups Ice
  • 1   cup Milk OR Vanilla Yogurt
  • 1/2   whole Lemon to squeeze
  • 1   Tbsp. Honey


And while we're talking BANANAS, 
here's a cool program offered by Dole:

"Dole’s mission to increase America’s nutritional health through greater fruit and vegetable consumption and to reverse a number of negative health trends, among them poor diet and inadequate exercise as the leading causes of preventable death.


·        Dole is issuing a unique way to eat or use bananas every day in 2012.  Developed in partnership with Dole Nutrition Institute chefs and registered dieticians (RDs), the daily "tips" range from recipes to seasonal serving suggestions to fun trivia and non-food uses themed to specific holidays and dates.

·        Banana fans can receive the daily tips via Twitter or Facebook, or by visiting the DOLE Bananas website at www.dole.com/bananas.  To receive the 366 ways by Twitter or Facebook, go to @DOLEBananas (hashtag #366Bananas) or www.facebook.com/dolebananas, respectively. 

·        As the top-selling item in the supermarket, bananas are one of the most economical ways for Americans to increase their daily fruit intake.  Dole is the #1 banana brand in the world."
What's your favorite way to eat a banana?


Yesterday's Workout:  was a five-mile run in the neighborhood, jamming to my playlist that I had created for the Aramco Half...man, I did pretty good with it, because there's some great songs on there!  Today will be a short run combined with Jillian's 6 week 6 pack, because when my husband gets home from work, he's gotta get a long run in for his 
Mardi Gras Half in Galveston THIS weekend!

I need your help with some sign ideas!  I want to make some signs to for my husband this weekend and need your help...as you've run races, what's the coolest/cutest sign you've seen on the road?  I wanna get our boys involved too, I think they'll like making Daddy a sign to cheer him on :-)

 *Don't forget to sign-up and spread the word about the Spring Fever virtual 10K and 5K races, to be held March 1-15th!  If you'd like to participate, just send me an email to rissarose80@yahoo.com telling me you're ready to join in!  That's it!  Then you will race, get back to me with your finish time and you'll be entered to win some great prizes!  I've had some readers who have tweeted about the race and posted to Facebook...that is GREATLY appreciated, thank you!!

Sunday, January 29, 2012

do you have the fever?




Since the Independence 5K was such a big success last year(thanks to all of YOU) 
I'm thinking we all have Spring Fever, don't we? Well, maybe not me because here in Texas we've been bouncing back and forth with temps in the 70's...not very winter-like, I guess!
So why not celebrate that fever with a 5K or 10K run/walk?!

Are you ready to race? 
If you sign up (it's FREE but you must email me), you have March 1-15 to complete the race!
Remember, it's not about speed...you are doing this to have fun, be healthy 
and maybe win some great prizes too!  
*I encourage you to run or walk with family and friends, get them active and participating too!  
Even if you've never completed a 5K or maybe it's your first 10K, it doesn't matter
 just get out there, have FUN and ENJOY IT!
Distance: 5K (3.1miles) or 10K (6.2 miles) at your favorite location...
on the pavement, trails or the treadmill!
I will design a BIB for this race very soon, so stay tuned!
And like the Independence 5K last year, *Extra entry for taking a picture of yourself competing in the race Your picture just might be featured, so have FUN and be creative :)

Make sure you email me at rissarose80@yahoo.com to sign up!!
Participants will be able to sign up through the end of February, as long as they complete the race by the 15th of March, so please spread the word about this FUN and FREE virtual race!

And what about PRIZES?  Oh don't think I forgot about those!!
So far there's...

...and hopefully many more to come!  
Please spread the word, get excited 
and let's have some SPRING FEVER fun! and don't forget to grab the Spring Fever button (top right) to let others know!


Friday, January 27, 2012

I've recruited: I'm HAPPY!

The other day after signing up for this race, I decided to send out an email to all of my family and friends inviting them to conquer this 10K (or the 5K) with me on the 25th of February!  
I am VERY happy to report that I have recruited my mom, four friends and a cousin too! 
WOOHOO!!!  That makes me so happy!
I have assured them that it'll be a great time, so here's hoping I follow through with that promise! 
Do you enjoy running races with family and friends? 




and now for a sweet snack that I hope you'll enjoy!

1 serving honey or vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt (I used Chobani)
1 serving Kashi Go Lean Crunch
Mix together and enjoy! 
 This is a great snack that has just enough sweetness to keep you satisfied!
Tastes just like a yogurt parfait, especially if you...
add a serving of your favorite fruit! 
 I'm thinking blueberries?! 

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

upcoming races and recipes:updated!

I'm very proud to announce that my husband is ready and signed up for the
  Galveston Mardi Gras Marathon! and it's only a few weeks away!

And I have just signed up for my FIRST 10K!  Ha, I guess I'm doing things a bit backwards!  The half marathon a few weeks ago and now I'll tackle the 10K!  Oh well, it's just another goal that I plan on reaching!  Any words of advice for this upcoming race?  I've actually done the Rodeo Run 5K a few years ago and it was SO much fun!  A huge crowd and a mixture of all different fitness levels! 
 Figured it would be a fun race to help me tackle 6.2!


I also wanted to let you know that I've updated my RECIPES page!
I've tried to make it very simple and user-friendly, so let me know what you think!
Now that we're moved and all settled into our new house, I hope to share MANY recipes with all of you in the very near future!  I have some great go-to recipes that have become favorites around here!

Have any upcoming races planned?
Have a healthy recipe you'd like to share?
  (Send to rissarose80@yahoo.com, I'd love to feature YOU!)

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

thoughtfulness from a friend...

A few days before our half marathon, one of the mother's in my son's preschool class handed me a letter. 
 I THOUGHT it was an invitation to her son's birthday party, so I didn't open it and simply placed it in my purse to read later.  
When I walked in the house, I opened the letter and to my surprise it was NOT an invitation, it was a card wishing my husband and I good luck! How sweet is that?  I only see her in passing and our boys are in class together, but she knew we were running our first half marathon that weekend!  
I was absolutely blown away by her thoughtfulness.  
She told us Happy Anniversary, and good luck on the race but the best part...
she shared a Protein Pancake recipe and told us that she would have made them for us, but her husband eats them up in their house!  

I haven't tried them yet, but I'm thinking these would be great to make in larger amounts and freeze for a quick and healthy, protein-packed breakfast!

Marisol's Protein Pancakes (makes 4)
1/2 c rolled oats
1 tbs ground flaxseed
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
2 egg whites
1/3 c lowfat cottage cheese
Mix together and cook!
Sometimes the smallest things make the biggest impact and she sure made my day, that day.

And now you've all convinced me, it's time to conquer a 10K!  
I'll be looking around this week for one in February and let ya know which one I sign up for! 
 I am setting a goal and going to reach it!  If you don't have a goal, sit down and make one RIGHT NOW!  Go for it.  Don't let ANYTHING hold you back.  You can do anything you set your mind to.  That's what we should all live by, each and every day!


Sunday, January 22, 2012

another goal?

Look at that hair flying everywhere! 
 Man, I sure look graceful headed to that finish line! Ha!


So, what do I do after completing 13.1 miles in the Aramco Houston Half Marathon?  
Set another goal, of course!

But what?  So, I'm thinking possibly a 10K!  Sadly, I have never done that.

I love 5K's, I think they are so much fun and the atmosphere is so great!  Especially with the local races and you're able to see such enthusiasm for exercise within your community! LOVE THAT!

Until now, I was always afraid of 10K's...not even sure why!  But I think it's time to tackle that goal and erase that fear?!  Why not, right?  My five year old is ready for another kids' K, so I'll be on the lookout for a great race that'll be coming soon.  What about you, upcoming February goals?
We have recently moved and I have been able to run 3 times in our new neighborhood and I LOVE IT.  There are SO many runners/walkers and active families out here.  It's great to watch the golfers on the course and I feel the positive energy as I run.  

Although I was pretty bummed (and still am) with my half marathon finish time, I am now able to reflect on where I went wrong and how I can improve for the next race.  I was VERY under prepared and I'm okay admitting that.  At the same time, I do NOT feel defeated.  I accomplished my goal of FINISHING and that should mean something, right?!

As for food, we have been ADDICTED to a new salad creation...  
Spring Mix
sprinkle of unsalted sunflower seeds
flaxseed meal
toasted almonds
mandarin oranges
...and your protein of choice!  I use my garlic chicken...Mmm SO GOOD!

This is a great go-to meal when you just don't feel like cooking!


Tuesday, January 17, 2012

her "battle scars"

Looking back on my first half marathon, I am the happiest to know that I shared something so special with my husband.  Although we did not race side by side, I am beyond proud of all that he has done.  He transformed his life and he says he felt amazing in that race and can't wait to race again!  As for me, I am planning on going for my first post-race run tomorrow and we'll see how it goes!  
I'm a little nervous, maybe that's normal?

Our anniversary this year was not chocolate covered strawberries and candles, it was sweat and tears...lots of tears!  Ha!  But it's an anniversary we'll NEVER forget, that's for sure!





Aimee's Story:
and now for a story I'd like to share!  My friend, Aimee has been in my life for years.  We went to school together and hung out a lot in jr. high and high school.  A very sweet girl.  Always knew how to make you smile, but like myself, we struggled with our weight as teenagers.  
She is a wonderful mother and a successful business owner these days, 
and has recently found a new way of life...
I am going to ask her for some pictures so you can actually "meet" her, 
but for now I'd like you to read her post below...


"As , most of you, my friends, know I try to keep my facebook post short, sweet and humorous. This time I have a message and if you happen to care or just have a few minutes of your life you want to use up please continue reading. I began a major lifestyle change.on December 1st, 2011. After crying in yet another dressing room, looking at pictures from my daughters birthday party and being the fatt...est mom there, and living the past 18 months praying and worrying my moms medicine would fix her heart disease I had an epiphany. I made the choice to get off the couch and stop abusing my body. My drug of choice being food. For those of you that think food and sweets are not legitimate addictions, I'm here to tell you that you are dead wrong. Since December 1st I have begun a regimine of eating right and exercising. I have lost almost 40 lbs and feel amazing. Of course fitting into smaller clothes is nice but being able to play football and soccer with my kids in the yard without having to sit down is worth more than any pair of jeans I can slip into. For years I was the fat kid. I was so lucky to have amazing friends in school and was never teased or made to feel different. I realize alot of kids and adults now a days are not so lucky. I spent the first 30 years of my life being the girl who was always told "you would be so pretty if you lost weight". but you know what I'm just as pretty, just as friendly and funny and care about people just as much being 40 lbs lighter and taking up a bit less square footage. You all know I am an open book. I will tell you anything you want to know about myself. Im not a trainer or nutrition specialists but I am here to listen to anyone who needs it. My movement is to put an end to heart disease and to encourage people to exercise to keep their hearts healthy. I'm just me, a fat girl who decided to do something about it. I'll never forget the past 30 years. They are my battle scars. They made me strong and made me who I am today. It will be a constant struggle but the fat girl has left the building, as long as I keep her away from the oreos, lol."


If you know someone who shares these same struggles, help them remember that it's NEVER too late.  As I was running that race on Sunday, I kept going back to the dark place I lived for so long.  Happiness covered by fear and embarrassment.  That shame I felt each time I had failed at a "diet".  So many of us share these struggles and it's SO hard to have someone understand.  If we have people to lean on, it helps but we MUST RELY ON OURSELVES.  Nobody can change for us, we must change OURSELVES!  I ran that race for ME.  I wanted to break free from that "fat girl" that I used to be.  And let me tell you, it felt great...that finish line held so much more than the end for me, it was more like a new beginning!  13.1 baby!

I'd like to say good luck to Aimee with her weight loss journey, sounds like she's on the right track!  
SO proud of you, girl!

Monday, January 16, 2012

the day after...



I'm IMPATIENTLY waiting for the marathon to post the link to the race day photos, but I guess I'll share a few not-so-official pictures from race day!  

First of all, I woke up at 2:19am, thought I'd fall back asleep and then suddenly the nerves set in!  I was having anxiety and totally couldn't calm myself down.  So I woke up, had my coffee and oatmeal, and then got dressed and waited for our family to arrive! 

 Our wonderful Aunt watched the boys for us, and although we really wanted them there at the finish line, 5:00am with two little ones was a little too much for the grandparents to handle all day, but they watched for  Mommy and Daddy on T.V. :-)

Remember this happy face from EXPO day?  


...and these two goofy fans would be Christine's hubby, Brent and my mom, better known as MeMe!


Come on Christine, let's get our game faces ON!  Is that determination or what??!  


Don't worry I'll give you the full recap soon, but for now I'll leave you with me 
as I'm approaching the finish line! 
 I may have been crying, which explains that HORRIBLE face that I am making!  
I look as if I'm about to die, did ya find me?  Ha!


Now that half marathon #1 for me is over, I know that I did NOT train hard enough.  I did NOT put in the long runs and I know I definitely have MUCH room for improvement!
Isn't that what running is all about?!  
Always improving and pushing yourself further than you thought possible?  
I think so.  
Although I was in pain and very emotional, I have NO REGRETS!  I am happy that I did it.  I proved to myself that I can do anything that I set my mind to.  Nothing is Impossible!  A few years ago, I would have never DREAMED of something like that, but I did it!  



Sunday, January 15, 2012

13.1 baby!

WE DID IT!!!  
So, my husband kicked major butt with a time of 1:49:52  Wow.  He rocked it, right? 
And drum roll please...
my Aramco Half Marathon time:  2:46:35

I'll be honest.  I was VERY bummed with my time and I'm not even sure why.  I guess because 2:30 was my goal and I obviously didn't reach it.  Maybe because at mile 11, I was really doubting myself.
Don't worry, crossing that finish line was something I'll never forget.  Running 13.1 miles was a HUGE accomplishment and probably THE hardest thing I've ever done.  
My husband is totally pumped up and ready to race again tomorrow!  Ha!  Guess he's addicted!
As the day has passed and I am able to reflect where I started from, I am completely proud.  A few times, my head got the best of me today and I'm okay with admitting that.  I had to BELIEVE in myself 100% and when I did that, I pushed myself to that FINISH LINE!  I burst into tears at mile 7 (not even sure why) and then again at mile 12-13...I was hurting and telling myself to finish strong.  I felt pain in my right shoulder ( odd, right?) and then my heels.  ?  Not sure why.  Then after I crossed the finish line and met up with my family, I really lost it.  Crying like a baby. 

What did this race mean to me?  

ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.  ANYTHING!  Go for your dreams, your goals...even if they are hard, GO FOR IT!  PUSH YOURSELF.  Even when it hurts, because my body is sure hurting now.  

Thanks to all of you for your sweet words of encouragement.  It helped push me to my goal.  Thank you for that.  Thanks for the anniversary wishes.  We didn't feel like going out to dinner to celebrate, so my husband is grilling steak and green beans!  Mmmm!  I think my iPod said I burned over 2,200 calories today!  HOLY COW!  Is that accurate?

We have plenty of pictures to post VERY soon, so stay tuned!  
For those of you that raced this weekend, hope you finished strong!

THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT!

Saturday, January 14, 2012

AWESOME.

After visiting the Chevron Houston Marathon EXPO today, we are completely PUMPED UP and ready for tomorrow morning.  What an amazing feeling, being around all of those Olympic Athletes!  My only regret is not finding a love for running earlier in my life!  Wow.  Those are incredible athletes, and as I watched one woman cross the finish line today, she grabbed her kids and husband and started to cry...oh my gosh, my tears were flowing!  I think I had goosebumps the ENTIRE time we watched.  Amazing.  It was certainly something to witness up close and personal.  Very cool.  And it all happened in our hometown area...awesome!


My hubby and I at the EXPO!

Olympic Trials Start Line...pretty cool, huh?

...some of the incredible athletes!

...near the finish line!

and I may not be an Olympic Runner, but I am SUPER excited about tomorrow's race!  Look at my new shirt!
If I could say anything about our experience at the EXPO today, it's that I love the feeling of being around SO many people that have a passion for being healthy.  
For running.  
For pushing themselves each and every day.  
For balancing family AND fitness and making being healthy a priority in their lives.  
It was an AWESOME feeling because around so many tremendous athletes and feeling their enthusiasm.  I have a feeling that tomorrow will be my FIRST of MANY half marathons and future races!  What a feeling.  

Friday, January 13, 2012

1.5 miles with my boys!

This morning, I decided to take these boys on a short run since it'll be my last run before the big race on Sunday!  Can you believe it's already here?  The city of Houston is super hyped up right now because of the Olympic Trials taking place tomorrow!  

This is what my son looked like afterward...I'm pretty darn proud of him, he made it 1.5 miles before calling it quits!  We walked a little in there to give him a break, but he kept up pretty good!

 Don't let this fool ya, the little one rode in the stroller, but he had to be just like his brother and lay in the grass, pretending to be exhausted!  LOL!  Boys will be BOYS!



And as I look toward Sunday and what that day and race will mean to me, 
I can't help but thank all of the people who have encouraged me on this journey...  
All of YOU, who have left such sweet comments and have inspired me on this journey-THANK YOU.  
Thank you to all of my family and friends that have supported my husband and myself on our weight-loss journey's and our road to our first(of hopefully, many more to come) half marathon!
And Thank you to my boys!!  They have been the inspiration behind a lot of this too.  I will think of them as I cross that finish line!  I want them to know that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!  The sky is the limit and that whatever they dream of, they can accomplish it with hard work and dedication!  


Thursday, January 12, 2012

Starkist, HungryGirl and a "gym in the clouds"


Many of you ask for healthy recipes, which is my favorite thing to share with all of you.  But since we've been packing and preparing to move, I've slacked in the kitchen and will be sharing my own new recipes with you VERY soon!  But the good news is that I have some great recipes to share with you from StarKist Flavor Fresh Pouch and HungryGirl!  If you're not a fan of tuna, you can substitute with any other source of protein!  What I like about these recipes is that they're quick and easy!  Who doesn't love quick, easy and HEALTHY?!  


StarKist is here with two tuna-packed recipes from the go-to-expert for guilt-free food, Hungry Girl! As the temperatures have been dropping, things have been heating up in her test kitchen, and she created these two delectable dishes—
of course featuring the StarKist Flavor Fresh Pouch!



HG's Tex-Mex Tuna Chopped Salad
PER SERVING (entire recipe): 348 calories, 11g fat, 705mg sodium, 28g carbs, 13g fiber, 6g sugars, 39g protein



 Ingredients:
4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1/2 cup halved grape tomatoes
1 pouch Starkist Hickory Smoked Tuna Creations®
1/2 cup chopped jicama
1/4 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1 oz. chopped avocado (about 1/4 avocado)
Optional: fat-free ranch dressing

Directions:
Place lettuce in a large bowl. Top with tomatoes, tuna, jicama, black beans, and avocado. If you like, drizzle with dressing and toss to coat. Enjoy!
MAKES 1 SERVING





HG's Too-Good Tuna 'n Apple Slaw
PER SERVING (entire recipe): 195 calories, 3.5g fat, 750mg sodium, 21g carbs, 7g fiber, 12g sugars, 22g protein



Ingredients:
2 cups dry broccoli cole slaw
1/3 cup chopped apple (about 1/2 apple)
One 2.6-oz. pouch Starkist Albacore White Tuna in Water
2 tbsp. low-fat sesame ginger dressing

Directions:
In a medium bowl, mix cole slaw, apple, and tuna. Top with dressing and toss to coat. Enjoy!
MAKES 1 SERVING



In addition to healthy recipes, I love sharing the latest and greatest when it comes to fitness!  I want to encourage ALL OF YOU to choose a workout that works for you.  A workout that you LOVE!  Something that makes you happy, and you actually look forward to it!  If you haven't found that perfect fit when it comes to exercise, then Yufit might be for you?!

A membership to Yufit provides unlimited access to multiple gym-quality fitness classes, led by five fun and engaging instructors, with more instructors and classes to be added in the first quarter of 2012. Yufit’s classes are 30 or 60 minutes in length, and include Yoga Flow, Buns & Thighs (a lower body toning class), Cardio Kickboxing, Balletonetm, Power Body (a total body workout), and more. Classes cater to every fitness level and interest. Each class is updated twice a week so workouts are always fresh, similar to working out at a traditional gym, but without the commute or the crowds.  

Once a member has signed up, she receives her own personal dashboard, which enables her to easily enter her favorite classes, manage her workouts, and interact directly with instructors and other Yufit members.  Members can also integrate their account with their Facebook page, enabling their social graph to appear on their dashboard.   The site is rich with blogs and videos from the instructors, with a variety of tips and advice on living a healthier life. Members can direct questions back to the instructors via the site’s newsfeed.

Visitors to Yufit can sign up for a free 14-day trial with no credit card required to sign up for the trial. After the trial period, and for a limited time, Yufit is only $9.99/month for one year (regularly $14.99/month).

About Yufit
Yufit is your gym, in the cloud. Yufit offers a variety of fitness classes streamed on-demand in high definition, to your home, while you're traveling, or wherever you have an Internet connection. With Yufit, you will waste less time, save money, stay motivated and have fun getting lean, toned, and fit. All of the classes are new twice a week, each taught by the same engaging, high-quality instructor. Also, you can interact with their favorite instructors and other members, and even your Facebook friends. For more information or to try Yufit free for 14 days, please visit www.yufit.com

Yufit would like to offer two of my readers a 60 Day trial membership and if you win, I'd love to hear about your experience!  I usually enjoy a good workout video, but over time it feels really repetitive and boring, so I'm thinking Yufit takes that away by changing up the workouts twice a week?  I can't wait to hear your thoughts...
If you'd like to win, simply leave a comment on this post - IT'S THAT EASY!!

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

January 15th...

On January 15th, my husband and I will be celebrating our 7 year anniversary!

On January 15th, my husband and I will be running the Aramco Houston Half Marathon!

and also on January 15th, we will get the keys to our new house!  We have lived in our home for over four years and it's time to move on to our grown up home!  The home where we'll raise the boys, the home where we'll celebrate holidays and birthdays, the home where we'll spend time with our family and friends,
the HOME where we'll share the little moments that count the MOST.  
Happy Anniversary, Brandon!
I couldn't be more proud to call myself your wife, best friend, companion, and Mother of your children.  You have blessed me with a beautiful life, filled with moments that I will carry with me for a lifetime.  We've had our struggles and definitely overcome our battles with weight, together.  We have found a love for running and I believe that is a very powerful part of our relationship!  We are able to share a very passionate thing in both of our lives, together.  Together, we are raising a healthy family and sharing our passion with the boys.  I see them with their Daddy and it makes me so happy.  They look up to you SO much... you are their HERO and their best friend!





Tuesday, January 10, 2012

a quick breakfast and my playlist!

This morning's breakfast was quick and easy...and pretty delicious too!
I used the whole wheat bagel thins, topped with Neufchatel cheese(cream cheese)
 and sprinkled with flaxseed meal!  A yummy and filling way to start the day!
Did you have a nutritious breakfast to start your day off right?

 Breakfast was followed by taking my older son to school and then I headed out for a quick run!  
4.2 miles in 40 minutes!  Avg pace 10min/mile.  And guess what is only 
FOUR DAYS AWAY?

I am completely excited, terrified, anxious, nervous...and every other emotion that there is!  My back is finally feeling good again, but I'm afraid that with that injury, I am totally less prepared than I thought I would be at this time.  But there's no sense in dwelling on it, I'm just gonna get out there and DO MY BEST!  That's all that I can ask for and I will give 110%, if not more!  

And now, as promised, is my half marathon playlist!  It's had a lot of tweaking, until it was exactly like I wanted.  And please don't judge, because there's a lot of hip hop/pop/old school/etc! Some of the songs have explicit lyrics, so you may wanna use the "nice" versions.  I promise I'm not an angry person, but sometimes those crazy, angry songs get me totally pumped up!  Ha! 
A strange mix, but it pumps me up out there on the road, so hopefully it'll do the trick on race day!
Move It Mommas Aramco Half Marathon Playlist:
1. Drive-Incubus
2. Down On Me-Jeremih and 50 Cent
3. E.T-Katy Perry and Kanye West
4. S&M-Rihanna
5. I Am Woman-Jordin Sparks
6. More-Usher
7. Bottoms Up-Trey Songz
8. Born This Way-Lady GaGa
9. Make Me Sick-Pink
10. Do It-Ice Cube
11. Live Your Dream-Save the Last Dance Soundtrack
12. Ride Or Die-DMX
13. In The Zone- Britney Spears
14. Mmm Bop-Hanson, (don't you judge, I sing this one out loud!!)
15. Play-J.Lo
16. Independent-Destiny's Child
17. Faded-Soul Decision
18. Jeremy-Pearl Jam
19. Sell Out-Kid Rock
20. Cowboy-Kid Rock
21. Until It Sleeps-Metallica
22.  Last Resort-Papa Roach
23. Marry the Night-Lady GaGa
24. When We Stand Together-Nickelback
25. Good Feeling-Flo Rida
26. Stereo Love-Edward Maya
27. Don't Hold Your Breath-Nicole
28. Dance-Big Sean
29. O.M.G-Usher
30. This Boy's Fire-Santana and Jennifer Lopez

Monday, January 9, 2012

are you "pinning" yet?

If you have some great things planned for yourself in 2012, Pinterest can actually help you stay on the right track!  It sounds silly because Pinterest is a place to "pin" crafts, birthday ideas, home decor, words of wisdom, and other great things...but it IS also a place to find all things healthy too!  If you haven't checked out Pinterest ( which I'm sure most of you have!), 
then whatcha waiting for??!

You can find MOTIVATION like this...



along with FABULOUS, healthy recipes like this...
southwest stuffed spaghetti squash
bevcooks.com
 and once you have the MOTIVATION and the HEALTHY EATING, you'll be losing weight and feeling great, 
then you can use this...
a "pin" for how to create your own fashion from an oversized shirt!  
**After all, you'll have to find a use for those shirts that are now too big for you!  Right?!  RIGHT!!
sugarbeecrafts.com

If you are using Pinterest, make sure you find me so that you can follow my Boards...I'll make sure and follow you back!!  I have some great MOTIVATION, Healthy Recipes and snacks!

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Your Houston News: featuring me!

I am so excited to share our newspaper feature with all of you! Just click the link to read...

League City couple hope to inspire others to be more active - Your Houston News: News:: Some couples play bridge. Others enjoy gardening together. But
for exercise-enthusiast Marissa McClellen, running is the tie that
binds in her…

This was our favorite picture, but as you'll see, it was not the chosen picture for the feature
...although our older son was at school when the photographer came out,
 our little man is in that stroller, cruising with his shades on!!  
Hope you're doing things in your community to help people stay active!

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Inspiration from a friend!


A few weeks ago, I was featured on the Houston Marathon Committee page on my weight loss, healthy lifestyle commitment and my goals for the upcoming race.  As you all know, I will be racing with my husband on our 7 year wedding anniversary!  Yay!  BUT, he is much faster than me with a pace of about 8:10/mile and I'm about 10:30/mile, therefore we will not be racing side by side but we WILL cross that same finish line that day!  Good news is that I have a great friend of mine, running with ME on race day!  We have decided to race TOGETHER and cross that finish line TOGETHER!  She is an aerobic instructor and from the moment I met her, we clicked and I knew we'd be friends for life!  Christine, like myself, has struggled with weight for most of her life.  We share the same fears, hopes, struggles, and self-esteem issues but something else that we share is our passion for exercise!  Working out to feel good!  She is SO inspiring and such a great person to be around!  She's goofy and loves to have FUN..and of course, I do too!  Her battle with Cancer, going on two years now, shows her STRENGTH and DETERMINATION and I'd like to share her story with all of you, compliments of her feature on the committee page!
Her Story, (From the Houston Marathon Committee):
Occupation: Aerobics Instruction and Registered Nurse
"Christine will be running the Aramco Houston Half Marathon to prove to herself that she can do anything she sets her mind to. Christine was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago. To combat this, she underwent a bilateral mastectomy and eight rounds of chemotherapy.
Christine has been able to stay in shape; keeping active throughout the day as an aerobics instructor. However, she wanted to challenge her body in a different way and running is something she has always wanted to try. She says the training has allowed her to focus on something other than the breast cancer treatments.  During her runs she loves to listen to music and move with the rhythms. One of her favorite pump up songs is, I will survive.
Running has also impacted her overall health. Prior to the start of her training, Christine weighed 240 pounds. Running has helped her lose 100 pounds, bringing her down to a steady 140 pounds.
Christine has one goal for the race–to finish. She will have a huge support system present to cheer her on, including family, friends and many of her past and present aerobic students. Not only running for self-accomplishment, Christine is running the Aramco Houston Half Marathon in memory of her aunt. Her aunt, who recently passed away from cancer, had planned on being at the finish line to cheer her on!"
Christine and I are determined to set future race goals together as well!  We are already talking about doing a triathlon!  My husband and I, Christine and her hubby will be attending the EXPO, the day before the race, together!  We are excited to be in a room with so much energy and motivation, the day before the big race!  I can't believe it is finally here, only 7 days to go!  I have asked family and friends to attend the race for support, so hopefully we have some love on the course, the 15th!  
Today's Workout:  5.52 miles in 59:50.  Avg. pace 10:50/mile.  Burned 812 calories, so let's hope I meet or exceed the goal of 2hrs. 30min on race day!
Do you have a family member or friend that inspires you?  
I'd love to hear their story!  As always, I am inspired by all of you :-)

Friday, January 6, 2012

how do you like your PB?

In addition to helping you feel fuller for a longer period of time, peanut butter has an average of 2 grams of dietary fiber, 7 grams of protein and with the same amount of unsaturated and saturated fats per serving, this might make a great addition to some of your favorite dishes!  

Add 2 tbs. to some of these great recipes...
1. oatmeal or steel cut oats-stir and enjoy!
2. Make peanut butter granola: 
    2 tbs. peanut butter
    2 tbs honey 
    1/4 tsp cinnamon 
    1/4 tsp vanilla extract
    1 cup oats
    Heat oven to 350.  Combine PB and honey, microwave for about 30seconds.  Add other      ingredients. 
    Spread out mixture and bake for 8-10 minutes or until browned.  Serve with Greek Yogurt and enjoy for 
    a great, healthy snack!
3. toasted, whole wheat sandwich thin with banana and chia seed to really make this one a great breakfast!
4. between two squares of honey graham crackers -my boys LOVE this snack!
5. banana, an apple or any other fruit!  To make this one fun for the kids, put PB in small bowl for dipping!
6. PB Bowl- Mix 2 tbs with 1 tbs honey(local is best!), sprinkle flaxseed and stir until mixed.  Use a spoon and DIG IN!  
    *My boys love this one too!
7.  "Ants on a log"-a family favorite!  
    Slice celery as your "log"
    Spread PB 
    Line 4-5 cranberries, raisins, tart cherries or any other "ants" and SERVE!!


Do you have a favorite PB recipe?  What is your go-to snack of choice?

Today's Workout:  After our photo shoot, it was a nice 4 miler!  Yes, my husband and I are going to be featured in our local newspaper regarding our road to the half marathon, weight-loss and helping raise healthy kids!  Pretty cool and we're VERY excited!  I'll share the story with pictures very soon.  As for the half, it is only 8 days away...YES, 8 DAYS!  My goodness, I wish I would be better prepared, but I'm afraid that my first half will certainly NOT be my best.  But what matters is I've set a goal and I will achieve it!  
I can't wait to post pictures of me crossing that finish line :)





Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Great Tips for 2012!

This time of year is full of incredible ways to "get healthy", but you must know that being healthy is a lifestyle!  It must be something that is part of your life, forever!  
To help you achieve your 2012 goals, I'd like to share some cool resources/places that are out there for ya!




*Women's Health January/February 2012 issue features great fitness tips, including a 3 month workout plan from Chris Powell, the trainer of Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition, to start your New Year off right and ways to combine yoga and weight lifting to pack more in your workout with less time.



NEW YEAR, NEW YOU, page 130: Jump-start your fittest and healthiest year yet by following this 3-month get-fit routine from Chris Powell, the trainer of Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition.

*Passport to Prana provides residents with a “passport” to try dozens of yoga classes in their respective cities.  Passports are currently available throughout Canada, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, Tampa Bay, Los Angeles and San Diego, with more cities to come.

Membership has its privileges.  Card holders not only get to “tour” the best yoga studios throughout town, but choose when, where, and what type of yoga they’ll take.  These days, the price of admission to the latest yoga hotspot featuring the newest yoga discipline runs $15-$25 a session.   A single Passport costs $30, making the price of each yoga session in some areas less than a dollar. Passport to Prana is a fun and inexpensive way to stick to those workout resolutions while ensuring a brand new workout experience every time (boredom and plateauing being among the most common reasons people stop exercising.)  

*Cycle House, a boutique indoor cycling studio that offers a workout experience unlike anything else out there. The signature routine developed for their indoor cycling classes provides a full body workout that can burn up to 600 calories. Additionally, they provide complimentary alkaline water, fresh fruit, and cold eucalyptus towels after each class. Best of all, they're a company with a social purpose - Their "Take 1/Give 2" program means that for each class you take at Cycle House, two meals get donated to a hungry American in need (the number of meals you donate is also tracked on your profile page!).


It makes me sad because Cycle House AND Passport to Prana are not available in the Houston area, but hopefully some of you will be able to benefit from these exciting opportunities!
Today's Workout:  4 miles with my husband and man, he's FAST!  He was able to take off, and would keep coming back to check on me...sad but true!  But hey, we did it and felt great afterward!    My back seems to be improving, so hopefully the half marathon is a success!  We are looking forward to the EXPO on the 14th!  Some very exciting vendors and we'll be getting our race packets...woohoo, it's ALMOST here!  Only 10 days :-)

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Wraps Galore

When I am working with people that are looking to make healthier changes in their life, I suggest the simple phrase, "If you bite it, write it" and it seems to work!  They will visualize how much they are eating and it's usually more than they assumed.  With this simple task, I also see that they are consuming very little fruits and vegetables.  My solution:  Wraps!  Sounds so silly but it works.  I ask them to find the "tortilla" that works for them, such as Joseph'sLa Tortilla  or Mission Carb Balance.  All of these products come in whole wheat, gluten-wheat free, and other specific diet requirements.  


I then tell them that they must fill ONE of these tortillas with their favorite green veggies, THEN they can add some protein!  Scrambled Eggs, Chicken-I suggest my Garlic Chicken recipe, Salmon or Tuna...basically the possibilities are endless of where you can take these delicious wraps!  They are great for breakfast, on the go lunch and even dinner!  As I've said before, I've popped the Joseph's Flax bread in the oven until crispy and served as tostadas, layered with black beans, chicken, peppers, lettuce and in place of sour cream-plain Greek yogurt!  Mmm, sounds good right?


And now for the Garlic Chicken!  I use this as my weekly go-to chicken!  We make it almost every week, and we create different meals with it throughout the week!


6-8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
extra virgin olive oil
LOTS of chopped garlic, I use 3-4 cloves


Place chicken in freezer bag, splash with olive oil(about enough to cover chicken), and throw in the garlic.  Seal the bag and roll around the garlic and olive oil onto the chicken.  Let set for a few hours, bake at 350 for about 40minutes or until cooked through.  
We add this chicken to wraps, salads, dice it up and turn into meat for quesadilla for the kids, add to omelets, or just eat the chicken with a side of fresh string beans or Brussels sprouts!  


What's your favorite go-to recipe that's quick, easy and can be used for several meals?  
I'd love to know!!

Sunday, January 1, 2012

2012 is here...let's get moving!

New Year's Eve started out with a great 5K with my boys!  Temps were in the 70's yesterday, so please excuse all of the sweat...eww!  
This morning was a 5 mile run, but I am upset with myself because I don't think I am ready for this half marathon in 14 days!  Scares me, but I will do it.  If I'm crawling to the finish line, so be it!  I have set a goal for myself and I will NOT back down. 

 It will be an emotional race for me.  Thinking of all of the times I felt like I wasn't worth anything.  Feeling like I couldn't do something like this.  I never felt good enough for my father, which I think had an impact on my life and my weight gain.  I guess I always wanted to be worth his time and I never was. I wanted things to be like in the movies, where the father has a child and loves that child SO much that he changes his entire life for them.  That father lives his life for his children and they all live happily ever after.  But that isn't like it is at all, right?  Right.  But I've always said, I will NOT make excuses for what I had done to myself and how far I had let my weight get out of control. 
 I now know how to take those feelings and put them into my workouts!  
And that is a great feeling, a feeling like no other!
Is working out a stress relief for YOU?



These two boys are what keep me going with my runs.  I push for myself and for them.  I want them to see what healthy living looks like, so hopefully one day they'll wanna model those positive behaviors!  
Eat Better America has just posted a "Portion Size Pocket Guide" printable to help you keep your portions in control!  It's a great visual to have on hand while trying to make some healthy food choices!  Portion sizes are a huge issue in terms of healthy eating, because all foods are served in MUCH larger portions than they should be.  Once you take a look at an actual portion, you'll be amazed!  There is also a link to share with friends via email, so take advantage and send this visual to your family and friends!  
Healthy Recipes can be found on some of my favorite websites- Eat Better America, Kraft Diabetes website, Cooking Light and Eating Well.  I have plans to share MANY healthy recipes in the very near future.  We are in the process of moving into our new house, so after the half marathon, expect Move It Momma to really step it up!  Hang in there!  
Are you on the wagon to healthy living for 2012?  I hate to depend on the New Year to help a lot of people reach their health and fitness goals, but the truth is that it's out there loud and clear this time of year.  It's in our face everywhere we go right now...the gym, television, internet, advertisements!  Take advantage of those great deals and make 2012 your HEALTHIEST year!