hiking fool

Sentinel Dome Yosemite National Park

~♥~

strong legs

Had a great first-ride-of-the-month today. Rode 25 miles but really felt like I could go for a half century. But, alas, my husband was not feelin' it today. Oh well...on our last ride together I actually bonked and was lucky to finish 20 miles. Someday, we'll achieve synchronicity on the bike trail.

 Happy Friday!

~♥~

yes!

I reached my monthly walking/hiking and cycling goals today!

~♥~

soul asylum

The cover for Soul Asylum's new album. Beautiful...

~♥~

it could happen

Ever since I set monthly exercise goals of walking/hiking my age in miles and cycling my weight, I haven't quite succeeded. I didn't stress about it but at the start of every month I think to myself: "Self, is this going to be the month?" Well, I don't wanna jinx it, but July might be the month to reach both walking and cycling goals.

~♥~

it's Friday (really)

I was confused about something yesterday. I thought it was Friday, the 13th. All day. I used random.org's random number generator to select the winner of the Sweaty Band giveaway a whole day earlier than I should have. I don't think it changed the outcome but I feel kinda bad about it. Sorry.

 Have a great summer weekend -- stay cool best you can! And TGIF, for real.

~♥~

and the Sweaty Band winner is

The Sweaty Band is light enough to send via balloon but I'll stick to the USPS.

Looks like Friday the 13th is a lucky day for Cherry of Cherry's Ladder. Congratulations!

~♥~

top secret stuff

I've been listening to the audio version of Wheat Belly by William Davis while out on walks. I could be susceptible to medical student syndrome but the doc seems to have compiled a pretty convincing case against wheat gluten in the human diet. During the last chapter I listened to, he suggested conducting a little experiment by going gluten free for a week. That's supposedly enough time to notice a difference.

So what the heck! This is a great time of year to focus on veggies and fruit and not to be baking. BTW - have any GF tips or recipes to share?

Today's disappointing discovery of gluten in an unexpected source: a light Starbuck's frappucinno. Apparently the regular sugary coffee frappucinno's are gluten free but not the light version. I'm going to have to be on my toes!

~♥~

Review and Giveaway - I don't glisten

I flat out sweat. As much as I love to be active whether it's riding one of my bikes, hiking or even doing yard work, I really hate it when sweat rolls into my eyes. No one likes this but maybe it's worse for those of us who wear contacts.

I was recently given the opportunity to try a hair band designed especially for the Sweaty Betty crowd -- the Sweaty Band. I tried wearing the Sweaty Band under my biking helmet on two rides now and just wore it while using the treadmill. It worked well each time, especially on the treadmill. It's comfortable and stayed in my hair no problem. I really like this product!

Thanks to the generosity of the folks at Sweaty Bands, I have one to give away for you to try.

You or someone you know would look awfully cute wearing this.

Just leave a comment below that includes your email address so I can contact you if the random number generator picks your number on Friday, July 13th. For another entry, leave a second comment if you have "liked" Fitville on facebook. Good luck!

~♥~

you look mahvelous

So true... But here's a quick overview of some cosmetics I've been using to add a little something to the glow of feeling good: 

• Best mascara: Bare Minerals Flawless Definition. Looks great, stays put, is easy to apply. 

• Foundation for us active types: Physician Formula Healthy Wear. Don't know about you, but mineral power is my first choice for the warm/hot days of summer. I use this over  Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer. PF Healthy Wear has an SPF of 50 and it feels like you're wearing nothing while making your skin look pretty good. 

• For the lips: really like the feel, look and staying power of Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain. The color that works for me is Honey.

What's working for you these days?

~♥~

something new

The inaugural use of my new fruit infusion water pitcher. I'm trying raspberries because that's what I have on hand at the moment. Already I'm eager to drink some of this water because it looks so great.

Do you add fruit to your water? Any tried and true combinations to recommend?

~♥~

starry eyed

 I picked up a star-shaped ice tray the other day with plans to freeze coconut water for use in smoothies. Oh, my. This is a winner!

Chocolate Protein Smoothie 

• One cup unsweetened chocolate flavored almond milk 
• One scoop chocolate whey protein powder 
• One tablespoon chocolate PB2 
• One teaspoon L-Glutamine powder 
• One tablespoon chia seeds 
• Five frozen coconut water stars 

As my niece's little guy likes to declare: Dewicious!

~♥~

squirrelly on the bike trail

Sitting here with my delicious recovery beverage -- Vita Coco Coconut Water with Pineapple. Didn't have the strong legs today but glad to get a ride in anyway. What a difference warmer weather makes. A little too warm at the end I think. The sad thing today was hitting a squirrel. I really hate that. Why do they spazz out at the last second as you're riding by and jump into your front tire?

~♥~

A burning question answered

Have you been watching The Weight of the Nation on HBO? I have. It's excellent. The short film posted above (The Quest to Understand the Biology of Weight Loss), parts of which were in the main feature of the documentary, is absolutely mind blowing. It answers the question: Why do so many of us find it difficult, if not impossible to maintain weight loss. 

Thanks to the filmmakers of this extraordinary documentary series, the researchers and practitioners, and especially to all the overweight and obese adults and children who participated. You can watch the entire four part series free online as well as many more in-depth bonus short pieces like the one I've posted. Bravo HBO!

~♥~

bend in the road

 Never did go to the Asparagus Festival. My husband has had a lot of time off lately and that has caused some tweaks to my fitness habits. Roads trips, house improvement projects, a trip to visit my parents...lots of bends in the road. It's been grand but the unfortunate result has been a lack of blogging. And with a lack of blogging, there has been a lightening of accountability. I gained two pounds! Considering it takes a month of effort to lose a half pound, I've got some work to do!

What have you been up to lately? Staying on the straight and narrow?

~♥~

could be a little weird

We may go to the Asparagus Festival in Stockton tomorrow. I've wanted to go for the past couple of years but it hasn't worked out. Doesn't fried asparagus sound tasty? How about asparagus ice cream?

Do you attend food-focused festivals?

~♥~

morning mug muffin

One Minute Cocoa Flax Muffin

Ingredients

1/4 cup ground flax seed
1 egg
1 tsp butter
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cocoa powder
1 tsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a large mug and microwave for 50 seconds.  Pops right out – you don’t even need to grease the mug.

[Recipe source: here.]

Saw this recipe and thought, "Hey, I have all these ingredients, a microwave & a few coffee mugs." So, I tried it.  

Something different in the morning besides oatmeal or eggs. And, honestly, does it get any quicker & easier than this? Only if a big bird flew through your kitchen and dropped a muffin into your outstretched hands.

What I'd do differently next time:

• more cocoa or maybe use a darker cocoa
• salted butter (only had unsalted to use this morning)
• top with a smear of natural peanut butter

~♥~

Adidas giveaway winners

Congrats to Amy, Leslie, Kim, Brian & Amy. Stay tuned, more product reviews and giveaways to come...!

~♥~

current biking playlist

I seem to be going through a U2 remix phase.


Current Biking Playlist 

Beautiful Day - U2

Keep the Car Running - Arcade Fire

Calamity Song - The Decemberists

Heavy Cross - Gossip

Heavy Metal Drummer - Wilco

Float On - Modest Mouse

Jump - Madonna

All the Sand in the Sea - DeVotchka

Lazy Eye - Silversun Pickups

Giving Up the Gun - Vampire Weekend

Even Better Than the Real Thing (remix) - U2

American Girl - Tom Petty

Where Not to Look for Freedom - The Belle Brigade

Helena Beat - Foster the People

Ritual Union - Little Dragon

Pump It Up - Elvis Costello

Run Right Back - The Black Keys

See the World - Gomez

Lucky Guy - The Belle Brigade

Ray of Light (remix) - Madonna

Satellite - Guster

Don't Stop - Foster the People

New Year's Day (remix) - U2

She's Got You High - Mumm-Ra

Country Lane - Telekinesis

I Melt With You - Modern English

Vagabond - Wolfmother

Airstream Driver - Gomez

Soul Meets Body - Death Cab for Cutie

Before the Light Takes Us - Darkness Falls

Bang a Gong (Get It On) - T Rex

We Are All Made Of Stars (remix) - Moby

Naive Melody - Arcade Fire

Down By the Water - The Decemberists

Underneath the Sycamore - Death Cab for Cutie

Back to Me - Kathleen Edwards

15 to 20 - The Phenomenal Handclap Band

What's your favorite song on your workout playlist?

~♥~

shake it up!

Introducing my sort of new iPod:

Click on image to enlarge.

Are you thinking you might be seeing something engraved? You are correct. It is the free engraving offered by Apple. So what if it's invisible to the naked eye. It was free and I know it's there. It's from a favorite Joni Mitchell song: No regrets, Coyote.

Here's what I discovered the other day -- I can 'shuffle' my biking playlist. About 99.8 percent of the time, I ride my road bike on the bike trail that goes along the American River toward Sacramento. It is a fantastic bike trail. Really. But, I've ridden it many, many times. You'd be surprised how much of a difference it makes to let the iPod spirits do their shuffle magic on an oft played playlist. Well, it's like falling in love all over again. :)

Dear Red World AIDS Day iPod Nano, I love you.

~♥~

Ah, spring is here

"Notice the color purple" (The Happiness Project)

What a gorgeous time of year! Birds are signing and so much is in bloom. The downside is allergies. I used Simply Saline nasal spray and downed a Claritin D before setting off for a 20 mile ride yesterday. I have to do this year round now as my allergies have been wicked this year. I've also had asthma for the first time in my adult life. Yesterday's ride was the best I've had in a long time with regard to allergies. Usually, my eyes start weeping and my nose runs the entire ride. Attractive! Exercising is so much more enjoyable when you can see & breathe.

Do you have allergies? Have you found ways to effectively manage them?

~♥~

for the weekend

 Getting outside this weekend? Or heading off to some place special?

~♥~

a weak spot

Mesquite Dunes Death Valley

You know what's a good workout? Walking up and down big sand dunes. Unfortunately, it was too good of a workout for my right calf. This is where I had a muscle tear a couple years ago and something about walking a mile or so on these dunes in Death Valley National Park made that exact spot become very sore. Still, it was worth it to hang out there to watch the sun go down.

Do you use arnica for muscle soreness? I tried both oral and gel types for my sore calf. Seems to have helped but not sure if I would have healed the same without using it.

It's the first truly warm day of the year today. Time to break out the biking shorts.

BTW - There's still time to enter the giveaway for the fresh scented, designed-by-athletes Adidas shower gels.

~♥~

Giveaway - get fresh with adidas

One of the things I like best about being athletic, is taking a nice, long shower after a bike ride. I recently had the opportunity to try a special product from Adidas designed just for that post workout shower. Now, Adidas 3 Hair & Body Wash was developed for men so the main trying out duties fell to my husband who is a runner and cyclist. I tried it too because I wanted to see how it lathered and how it felt on my skin.

My husband's observations:

He liked all three scents but favored "Extra Fresh" (the light blue with mint extract). He liked how it lathered and how the bottle was easy to grip and to open. It was "OK" as a shampoo but better as a body wash. I thought he smelled great after using each of the Adidas 3 Hair & Body products. Giving him the sniff test after his shower was my favorite part!

I, too, thought the product lathered nicely and the scent lasted a long time. My skin didn't feel particularly hydrated but it didn't feel dry either. My skin felt clean & normal. I didn't try it as a shampoo.

I recommend this product for all the male athletes in your life and for YOU, if you happen to be a male athletic type person.

Giveaway -

Adidas is generously providing five sample sets. If you'd like to win a full-size sample of all three scents, leave a comment below. Be sure to include your email address so I can contact you. For another chance to win, go to the Fitville page on Facebook and "like" it. The five winners will be selected randomly on April 23rd.

Good luck!

Note: Giveaway is open to residents of USA & Canada.

NOTE: This giveaway is now closed. The winners have been selected using the number generator at random.org. and contacted. Thanks to everyone who entered. More exciting giveaways coming soon!

~♥~

what's your fitness passion?

[Source: Experience Life]

"...the mistake many people make when it comes to fitness: People assume they dislike all exercise because they haven’t found that one thing that really inspires them. And that’s a shame, says Andersen, because “life is too short to hate what you’re doing.”

When I was first figuring out what I needed to do to shed the 30 pounds that had crept on in my mid forties, I turned to weight loss blogs and started this one. I read with avid interest about the exercise routines people raved about on their blogs. I bought DVDs thinking that I'd found just the right thing for me. Turns out, I can't stand trying to follow a fitness workout on a DVD. Hate it in fact. Doesn't mean they are a bad idea in general or that I was misled. I just didn't take into account that I don't like to watch TV that much, especially during the day. I like to be outside.

Find Your Fitness Passion
Not wild about working out? Maybe you just haven’t found the right activities for you. Here’s how to start falling in love with physical activity.

This is a terrific article about how important it is to find your fitness passion with step by step suggestions for figuring it out.

So, here's a suggestion from me if you're just starting out on your quest to lose weight and gain fitness: if you are curious about the DVD workouts people talk about, see if you can borrow them from friends, family or your local library first.

Turns out my fitness passions right now are biking (both road and mountain) and walking the local trail. I plan to try hiking in the nearby mountains more this summer.

Have you found your fitness passion?

~♥~

Best Weight Loss Blogs 2012

Recently, this blog made it onto two lists of notable weight loss blogs. I'm amazed by this and also feel incredibly honored. I'm very grateful to the persons who thought of Fitville when thinking about blogs that may be helpful to people seeking support during their weight loss/fitness journeys.

Be sure to check out both of these lists for links to some extremely good blogs. There are some you won't be surprised to see because their awesomeness is pretty widely known but there will be some wonderful new discoveries guaranteed.

Greatist 60 Must-Read Health & Fitness Blogs for 2012

Cranky Fitness Best Weight Loss Blogs 2012

~♥~

March was...

The weather sent mixed messages.

March was a lot like February in terms of my exercise goals. I walked my age in miles (yay!) and fell far short of cycling my weight in miles. Cycling was impacted by weather (yes, winter finally arrived here in nor cal) and by what was hopefully my last oral surgery. Adios frankenmouth!

Getting to my goal weight range has taken some time -- months actually. I'm happy to be right in the middle at 133. I don't keep a food journal but I think my eating has been a bit cleaner this month too.

When I first started  this blog, I had a steep learning curve. I was eager to learn what was needed to lose weight while pushing fifty and if it was possible to stay at a healthy weight. I learned about replacing unhealthy eating habits with healthier ones. I discovered "clean eating." Figured out that finding a form of cardio exercise that you like, maybe even grow to love, is essential. But the lesson of this past year, hands down, is that patience is an absolute requirement in maintaining weight loss and fitness levels.

BTW - You're invited to visit Fitville on facebook for daily recipes, wellness research and stuff.

~♥~

happy

Looks like a bike ride is a possibility today. (:

~♥~

quick before it rains

Got in a walk today on the trail. Didn't feel like going but as usual once I was walking and listening to an episode of This American Life, it felt good to be moving. The weather forecast says the weather is going to change and rain is coming this way.

~♥~

let's talk sports bras

It is a glorious day when you find the sports bra that fits and functions exactly how you want. For me, the best is Champion's Vented Shaper Bra #9016. I buy them at Target for $18.99.

Here's what I like:

• the medium size fits perfectly and looks good under T-shirts and cycling jerseys 
• not interested in the "shaping" of the soft cups as much as the headlight prevention  factor, if you know what I mean
• this bra can withstand a lot of machine washing and drying while keeping its great fit
• the inexpensive price
• the ventilated T-strap is very comfortable especially when riding on hot days

I've only been able to find it in black or white. Would be nice if gray was also available.

 Have you found a favorite sports bra?

~ Fitville on Facebook ~

~♥~

what to do

Woke up early and as the day goes on I feel like I have a cold. You know that feeling. Had plans to ride today but now I'm wondering if that's a good idea after all. Maybe a compromise -- still do the ride but go shorter and not push in terms of speed and avoid the sections with more challenging hills. Can never remember if one is supposed to workout when sick or drink lots of tea and take it easy.

Note: Fitville is on Facebook now. Come on over.

~♥~

beauty full

~♥~

rave on

Nike Free Run + 2

For exercise, I basically ride my road bike 20 to 30 miles or walk five miles on the local trail. These shoes have made walking something I love to do. They make me feel like I can walk any distance comfortably. The only downside is that they are so light and well-ventilated that when it was chilly back in December, my feet got cold. Otherwise, it's love.

Walking the right way?

Why It's So Important to Keep Moving

~♥~

sassy boots

Well, howdy. Back from a week long trip to Texas. Mucho (muchas?) fun ensued. And, despite having to focus on tracking down and consuming at least one vegetable on day 4 (and it was in a cheesy casserole for Sunday brunch), I'm down into to my goal weight range. Can I get a yee-haw!?

Didn't reach my exercise goal of cycling my weight in miles during the short month of February. Not only didn't make the goal but only made it halfway. Let's see what happens in March. In other news, I sashayed right past my walking goal. I wanted to walk my age [52] in miles and went 8 miles beyond goal to a bit more than 60.

So, yeah, feeling a little bit sassy boots today.

BTW - Check out Fitville on facebook.

~♥~

got a BIG rock for Valentine's

At the last minute, we found ourselves spending Valentine's Day in Yosemite National Park. It was the most beautiful I've ever seen it. This photo was taken on the iPhone. Amazing. We're getting ready to go on another trip to Texas so I don't think I'm going to reach my exercise goals this month. Still going to try.

You have to try. That's the beauty of setting goals in the first place.

~♥~

that's a thought

View from the walking trail today.

Think I'll set a goal to walk my age in miles (52!) and
ride my weight in miles (135) this month.

~♥~

the people have spoken

First, thanks to everyone who voted in the nosey parker poll about your favorite roasted veggie. So, here's what I'm going to do with this awesomely powerful information: post recipes so you can make the most fantastico version of your favorite.

Time's a-wasting as roasting season only lasts so long. Let's get started with cauliflower. There are some good deals on cauliflower to be found right now as it is at the peak of its season.

Here's my favorite method to roast cauliflower (from Summer Tomato):

Roasted Curried Cauliflower
Serves 2-4
Ingredients:
1 large cauliflower (or several small ones), ~2 lbs
Curry powder
Olive oil
Kosher or sea salt

Preheat oven to 500 degrees.
Break cauliflower into medium-small florets and place into large bowl or baking pan. Be sure the pieces are as evenly sized as possible, or they will cook unevenly. Drizzle cauliflower pieces generously with olive oil and season well with salt and curry powder. Distribute evenly in a single layer at the bottom of a baking pan. If necessary, use a second baking pan to be sure the pieces aren’t too crowded.

Cover the pans with foil and place into the oven. Roast, covered for 10-15 minutes. The cauliflower should be slightly soft and start looking translucent. If not replace foil and cook another 5 minutes. When the cauliflower has finished steaming, remove the foil and toss with tongs. Continue to roast, stirring every 8-10 minutes until the tips of the cauliflower begin to brown and become crisp as pictured. Approximately 30-35 minutes.

Image source: Pink of Perfection

I go back and forth seasoning with curry powder or with garlic and red pepper flakes. Any leftover from dinner is chopped up finely and added to scrambled eggs for breakfast. Very tasty.

Note: Fitville's on Facebook. Check it out.

~♥~

I have an idea

The bike trail was pretty deserted this afternoon. Maybe there should be a super bowl every other Sunday or at least once a month.

~♥~

works for me

Bikes & Coffee -- a love match.

~♥~

oak & moon

Moon's out early today.

~♥~

daily dose

"You have to stay in shape. My grandmother, she started walking five miles a day when she was 60. She's 97 today and we don't know where the hell she is."

-- Ellen Degeneres

~♥~

kindsight

How differently things look and feel a year later. A year ago, my mother in law had just passed away. I had a horrible infected tooth due to a failure of a root canal redo and bursitis in my right hip. And, boy howdy, you can bet I had some "life lessons" to deal with. Anyhoo, I'm grateful for the things I learned but glad to be in a happier period in my life now.

Sugar free in January is over! Didn't really lead to any dramatic weight loss but it did reset my cravings and the creep of refined sugar into my diet, which was the rationale for doing the challenge in the first place. Plus, I have a little boost of confidence for being able to set this goal and achieve it.

February is here...hellooo dark chocolate!

Note: Check out Fitville on facebook.

~♥~

ride on

American River, Folsom California

Almost made it to the 1,000 mile mark on Bella yesterday. Ride started off with some breathing allergy-asthma issues but after a brief stop at a coffeehouse and a quick skinny latte, those problems went away and I felt like I could ride forever. Alas,  ran out of both time and daylight.

Plan is for a long walk today while this good weather lasts. I'm going to listen to Kathleen Edwards' new album.



Hope you're doing well with your new year goals & intentions, whatever they may be.

~♥~

nest feathering

New this year -  an entry table.

The amaryllis opened today!

Monday weigh in: 136.4

~♥~

look up and see

Tonight's sunset from the walking trail. Enjoying this incredible weather while it lasts.

~♥~

where not to look for freedom

 I love riding my bike to this song.

~♥~

it's never too late

~♥~

something's a little fishy

One thing about the sugar free challenge, I'm exploring savory snacks. Tried two recently, kale chips and seaweed strips. The seaweed snacks are from Trader Joe's. The texture and flavor took some getting used to. The plain roasted variety was a bit too fishy tasting for me and the wasabi favored snacks were a bit too hot. I could probably develop a taste for either but think I'm going to learn to make my own tasty kale chips instead.

I tried a kale krunch product from Whole Foods - (does anyone know if TJ's has a kale chip snack?). I asked the helpful Whole Foods guy stocking the shelves nearby on the type a rookie should try. He directed me to their most popular seller. Something cheesy. That's cheesy in a good way, mind you. Yum! The only drawback is the price.

 Do you make your own kale chips? Got any tips?

~♥~

Dude, I'll keep this in mind

This is exactly the pep talk I need to get back to pilates.

~♥~

real food isn't bad

"Real food isn’t bad. If it came from the earth and hasn’t been tampered with by hormones and tons of chemicals and artificial everything, it’s likely pretty good nourishment. Eat it in moderation. Eat a variety of it. Prepare it with care. Make your plate pretty. Share it with people you love. Put down your fork between bites and make conversation as you break bread. Wash it down with a glass of wine and maybe a little something sweet. Push away from the table satisfied, but not stuffed."

~ Selene Yeager (Fit Chick)

~♥~

back to the garden

Each Monday, I receive an email from the Meatout Monday folks. Honestly, I don't always open them but I did this morning because the word "kale" caught my eye. Just happens I have some kale that needs to be used today. This email offered a recipe for White Bean & Kale Stew. Sounded good except for the fennel bulb. Did a quick search of the internets for other recipes with kale and white beans as main ingredients. What I found is they are mostly a variation on a basic theme. Going to try my own variation tonight and see what happens. May even make some kale chips.

Guess what?! I have a renewed interest in trying new clean eating recipes. Do you have a current favorite? I'm also putting together a list of blogs focused on clean eating. Do you have one or know of one to suggest?

For those of you catching the "back to the garden" reference: click here.

Monday weigh in: 137

~♥~

what's up, indeed

One intention I have for the year ahead is to read more health related books. I'm starting out the year with this one -- it's looking to be a tough act to follow! While I have a Master's degree in health communication, my reading in this area has really fallen off. That's about to change.

~♥~

you've earned it

"Relax or revive sore tight muscles for the next event. You've earned it!
Our natural aromatic herbs will work their magic while you soak or shower."

I've been using this Active Athletic Shower/Bath gel from Kiss My Face in my bath at bedtime and yes, it is just the thing for legs that have been cycling and walking/hiking. Good stuff.

~♥~