On the Run: fitness made simple

Whenever I start feeling signs of exhaustion or frustration, I perform these techniques. Actually, on today’s 20 mile run, I did all of these, multiple times. These little tricks carried me all the way without any injuries! Even on short runs, I’m always asking myself: 

• Is my jaw relaxed?
• Are my shoulders riding up towards my ears? 
• How do my feet and arches feel? (I have a bunion and am prone to flares of plantar fascia pain =/) 

Why these simple things work wonders:

• Try it people! Shaking out your fingers and arms feels awesome when you’re tired. You feel all rejuvenated and flexible again! 
• Do you tend to tighten your jaw under stress? Give it a good wiggle and relax those muscles (even when you’re weight training). Always, always relax your jaw. 
• I carry water everywhere (out running, to the mall, in the car, etc.). Water allows a good workout. Staying hydrating keeps you energized, refreshed, and happy until the end of your workout. Carrying a water bottle isn’t that bad either (you get used to it and it’s way better to have water than not). 
• Plies and quad stretches feel great because it relieves the pressure on your knees. 
• And when don’t we need a good neck roll?! Do that and relax your shoulders and you’ll be golden for miles to come! 

Don’t stress, just stretch =) 

P.S. Oh and this was at the Ritz-Carlton in Cancun! Aren’t the cabanas just dreamy <3 I was just walking by on the beach. I actually stayed at the the JW Marriot (same owner, just not as luxurious as the Ritz) which had an incredible infinity pool.

Blown out of Death Valley by 60 mph winds, tent flattened…heading home early and driving through the night. Tonight was supposed to be our relaxing, star gazing night too =\

Breakfast Menu at Affinia Dumont Manhattan

I stayed at this hotel during my NYC trip and it was super fitness friendly! Some of the great things they had were: 

• Personal Fitness Kit (if you want to workout in your room) 
• 24 hr gym with  bikes, treadmills, elliptical trainers, free weights & machines 
• Helpful Breakfast menu  
• Walking distance to downtown attractions 
• Amazing city-view of Empire State building 

Maybe this menu will give you some breakfast & exercise ideas! I especially like the 3-egg white omelet meal. 

Back in California,

Geraldine 

Each day deserves a moment of reflection. For me, that’s during my morning prayer, daily runs, and as I drift to sleep. I think of what I want to accomplish today, tomorrow, this week, and in life. I think of the people I need to treat better. It’s a time to be completely honest with myself and to learn from your experiences. 

Do you take the time to reflect? 

Setting: on the edge of the University of Madison-Wisconsin

I’ve been jetsetting all over the country lately, and it can be hard/annoying to find foods similar to what I eat at home. But this is the most exciting part of my life so far!! This is what I normally try and get:  

1) Breakfast: keeping it simple with oatmeal, fruit, milk, coffee (isn’t the dishware cute?!) No-fail places would be commercial coffee shops (Caribou, Pete’s, Starbucks) or Jamba Juice. I normally ate at my hotel, where I would avoid the pastries like the plague. 

2) Lunch: It’s actually hard to find something without many simple carbohydrates. I found the best healthy restaurant in Madison, Wisconsin (Fit 2 Eat) where I got chicken, roasted vegetables, and a quinoa salad. Check their menu http://www.fit2eatmadison.com/ for ideas! 

3) Dinner: Grilled salmon and some savory vegetables. 

4) Chocolate Chip cookie I walked 2 miles round trip for. You know you want a cookie when you’re willing to walk 20 minutes to Whole Foods to get and 20 minutes home. Note to self: too crunchy, blehhh. 

Travel  Tips 

• search “healthy food” or “healthy restaurant” on yelp 
• be willing to walk to your destinations 
• head to a nearby grocery store to get meals from the deli or hot foods bar
• Really try to stay away from breakfast pastries and muffins which are EVERYWHERE I’ve discovered. If you really want that chocolate marble muffin, then just tell yourself to wait until the last day of your trip to get it. At least that way, you practice going without unhealthy, sugary foods for sometime and exercising a little will power. 
• Don’t be too picky, it will just stress you out more. 
• Enjoy and explore! 
• Try decadent desserts or dishes only if you absolutely cannot get them in your hometown. 

Honestly…there have been dinners comprised of almonds, carrots, and hummus but for the most part, I put in the effort to get something healthy. Also, purchasing most, if not all, of your meals gets pricey. However, sometimes convenience is better than stressing over rationing meals, hoarding food at the breakfast buffet for lunch, and dealing with leftovers. 

Do you have any advice on staying fit and energized while travelling? I could also use some packing advice (especially for shoes!) 

I felt like SUCH a dork and noob tourist renting one of these Bike-Share bikes…Especially biking around Boulder, CO at 5430 ft above sea level gasping for breath. The bike is really heavy so going up hills towards Chautauqua Park to hike was challenging for me, a San Diego sea level dweller. I also rented one in Madison, Wisconsin! 

Renting a bike (no matter how lame it looks) is a great way to use your vacation time to be more active, see lots of sights, and experience a new place! I won’t take a taxi if I can help it! 

When you’re in a new situation, be flexible and open to new fitness ideas =) 

~Geri

Segs in the City  

People…DO NOT do this to yourself. Segway tours, although time efficient, just rip a person of their pride and self-dignity. Take a biking tour instead! 

Yoga Mat Carry-on

Attach your yoga mat to the bottom of your backpack using a yoga mat harness strap. (http://www.amazon.com/YogaAccessories-Yoga-Mat-Harness-Strap/dp/B000MPC5WY) Exercise can be a great addition to your vacation! Mixing fitness with fun allows you to try new places and experience a city like never before. 

Labor Day Weekend: I’m going to San Francisco this weekend for my cousin’s wedding. Also, a new hot yoga studio opened up near my house with glowing reviews on Yelp, so I want to try it out! Also, tomorrow, will be my first long run around my hometown! Can’t believe there’s a new way to enjoy the city I grew up in.