hello and welcome to the last work week in april. i am a little bit in shock about it almost being MAY. i mean.. i love the month of may. but i am sitting here wondering where march and april went. anyone know? anyone? bueller? anyone?
before we get going, i wanted to let you guys know a little something about CSN stores. as you may or may not know, i am one of their preferred bloggers and i like to holler about them when something exciting is going on. they recently started up a website that is everything baby furniture, including cribs. true~ they have a plethora of kitchen stuff on their websites (which is where i spend most my browsing time), but i know a lot of my readers are mommas or mommas-to-be and so i wanted to keep you in the loop! keep your eye out for more from CSN stores~ i have a review coming up sometime soon.
SO! what should i ramble about today? i am in one of those moods. i only got five-ish hours of sleep.. so, you know. let’s see where it takes me.
meal 1: eggbeaters & oats @ 8 AM
i feel like i should apologize for showing this to you guys every. flippin. monday. but i don’t think i will be changing my order any time soon and i also think it would be weird to start out a post with meal number two.. sooo, eggbeaters and oats you will continue to see. every. flippin. monday. until i get sick of it.. that is.. and then my order might change.
350 calories, 4g fat, 42g carbs, 37g protein
i don’t like to talk about work stuff. but i do want you to know that i am in a mood due to lots of busy-ness at work! not a bad mood. just a loony mood. i have been number crunching all day. let’s just say that this week is month end reconciliations for 7 different quickbooks accounts, payroll for 5 different payroll groups, sales tax payments for 2 companies and a partridge in a pear tree. lovely.
meal 2: tuna wrap & string cheese @ 12:45 PM
a tumaro’s garden wrap with a can of tuna, 1 TB nayonaise, a whole bunch of mustard, sprouts & lettuce.
my oats & eggbeaters really kept me full for awhile today. this lunch did the complete opposite and i was hungry again by 3 o’clock. i needed veggies-on-the-side in my life and i had none. zip. zero. zilch. but i did have string cheese.. which makes for an unphotogenic side dish. sorry, folks.
all together: 280 calories, 7g fat, 16g carbs, 36g protein
meal 3: simply bar @ 3:15 PM
while i had other options for a snack, i really just wanted an excuse to try another one of the simply bars that cathy so graciously sent me. this time it was the cocoa coffee flavor, which—for those of you who are flavor description challenged—means it was a mocha in a bar!
great stats!
what does this remind you of?
if your answer was “a bowl of cocoa krispies with coffee instead of milk.” then you would be dead on. because that is exactly what this tasted like! without the bowl and spoon, of course.
i wonder if i am going to be able to find these bars in stores.. or if i will have to order them online. i can definitely see an expensive habit developing.
hey, it’s better than crack.
after work i went to costco and purchased $35 worth of vegetables.. i then proceeded to eat nearly a whole bag of the mini bell peppers. i hope i don’t turn into one.
so.. meal 3 all together: 200 calories, 2g fat, 14g carbs, 16g protein
today was a high intensity interval training day according to my body for life challenge (which is going great, by the way. i am six weeks in and toning up quite nicely! wedding arms will be here in no time!) where was i? oh yeah, HIIT. i didn’t want to waste such a beautiful, sunny day.. but i also find it hard to do interval training when running outside.
why is it hard, you ask? (well, you didn’t ask.. just pretend you did..)
because there is not a screen with the time in front of me telling me when to crank it up a notch. the treadmill is pretty handy for HIIT. i just press some buttons every time a minute ticks by. convenient. and when i run outside, i don’t want to have to constantly be checking my watch for the time.
BUT.. i really wanted to run outside (who am i? that phrase is so not something you would have heard me say a year ago)..
enter: gymboss interval timer!
i was sent this handy little gadget back in february. i know, i am pathetic. i hadn’t used it because i always did my HIIT on cardio machines and never really saw a need for this device. until today.
this pink little thing is a stopwatch.. but it is ALSO an interval timer. and what did i want to do outside today? run intervals! perfect.
the instructions that came with this bad boy (or bad girl, i guess, since it is pink.. but “bad girl” just sounds kinky and weird and it is a term that should probably not be used for a stopwatch/interval timer…) wait, where was i? oh yeah.. the instructions were confusing and not very detailed. or i am just an idiot. so it did take a few for me to figure out how to work the device and to program it for my run.
i decided that i wanted to do three minute intervals comprised of walking, jogging and running. the gymboss lets you have either one or two interval settings. it beeps at you every time the set amount of time is up.
SO.. i set the interval for 10 rounds of two settings: a 2 minute interval followed by a one minute interval.
with this setting, the gymboss would perform like so:
- i press “start” and it starts timing (2 minute countdown)
- it beeps and vibrates at 2 minutes
- it starts timing the second interval (1 minute countdown)
- it beeps and vibrates at 1 minute
- it starts over with the 2 minute cycle again, etc etc
- it stops after 10 interval cycles (because that is how many i set it for)
i carried it in my hand, but it also has a handy clip so you can clip it to your clothing.
here is my run:
| minute # | pace | time at this pace |
| 0-0:30 | walking | 30 seconds |
| 0:30-2:00 | jogging | 1 min 30 seconds |
| 2:00-3:00 | running | 1 minute |
| 3:00-3:30 | walking | 30 seconds |
| 3:30-5:00 | jogging | 1 min 30 seconds |
| 5:00-6:00 | running | 1 minute |
| 6:00-6:30 | walking | 30 seconds |
| 6:30-8:00 | jogging | 1 min 30 seconds |
| 8:00-9:00 | running | 1 minute |
| 9:00-9:30 | walking | 30 seconds |
| 9:30-11:00 | jogging | 1 min 30 seconds |
| 11:00-12:00 | running | 1 minute |
| 12:00-12:30 | walking | 30 seconds |
| 12:30-14:00 | jogging | 1 min 30 seconds |
| 14:00-15:00 | running | 1 minute |
| 15:00-15:30 | walking | 30 seconds |
| 15:30-17:00 | jogging | 1 min 30 seconds |
| 17:00-18:00 | running | 1 minute |
| 18:00-18:30 | walking | 30 seconds |
| 18:30-20:00 | jogging | 1 min 30 seconds |
| 20:00-21:00 | running | 1 minute |
| 21:00-21:30 | walking | 30 seconds |
| 21:30-23:00 | jogging | 1 min 30 seconds |
| 23:00-24:00 | running | 1 minute |
| 24:00-24:30 | walking | 30 seconds |
| 24:30-26:00 | jogging | 1 min 30 seconds |
| 26:00-27:00 | running | 1 minute |
| 27:00-27:30 | walking | 30 seconds |
| 27:30-29:00 | jogging | 1 min 30 seconds |
| 29:00-30:00 | running | 1 minute |
whew! unfortunately i have no idea what my heart rate was for this because my HR monitor was all twacked out and kept saying i was at 177 BPM and then at 0 BPM when i was simply jogging. i am not sure what was wrong with it, but i was bummed. anyone have this problem or know why it happens? i tried disconnecting and reconnecting the reader on the chest strap, but it was still skeewompus. sad.
i had no idea how far i ran, so later on i drove the route to check it out and add it to my mileage page. 3.5 miles! not bad. i am right on track with my goal.
the gymboss interval timer worked great for running intervals outside. i checked out their website when i got home and i saw that they even have a body for life tab and recommend their device for body for life training. who knew? i didn’t. but now we all do.
my final review of the gymboss interval timer:
PROS:
- small and convenient to carry
- the vibrate AND beep option (so you can still listen to your tunes)
- the option to set two separate interval times
- inexpensive ($20)
- buttons are marked clearly and there are other button instructions on back (for example: hold “next” to turn on/off)
CONS:
- instructions are not detailed enough
- somewhat confusing to program (would be easier if instructions were more detailed)
so obviously the pros outweigh the cons! thanks, gymboss. you just made my outdoor interval training a breeze!
when i got home from my run i was POOPED! i checked my phone and had a couple new photo messages from marshall.
he had taken penny and randy on a walk and he sent me their photos post-walk:
so i went ahead and sent him one back of me, post-run.. just as pooped as the pups!
about an hour after my run i had a piece of whole wheat toast + 1 tsp naturally more PB but i didn’t take a photo. sorry, i am sure you can imagine what it looked like. i was waiting for some chicken to thaw out so i could make dinner!
meal 4: chicken fingers & fries! @ 8:00 PM
i simply cranked the oven to 450 degrees and popped in a sliced sweet potato and a chicken breast (which i had cut up into strips and coated in wheat germ) and baked it all for about 30 minutes, flipping everything over halfway through.
adorned with ketchup and BBQ sauce. i wouldn’t have it any other way.
300 calories, 0g fat, 30g carbs, 35g protein
well now we are current! this post ended up being pretty long and ramble-some. just the way i like ‘em.
so far, with all my added snacks (toast + PB, random veggies, part of a pow wow bar) my ratios are clocking it at 1420 calories, 45% protein, 38% carbs and 17% fat. since i am doing body for life, i aim for a 40/40/20 ratio so i would say a 45/38/17 is pretty dang good! just a bit of advice for those of you who ARE DOING body for life: you always want to aim for higher protein over higher carbs if one is going to be higher than the other.
i still have one more meal to eat.. probably will be a protein cake because it’s been awhile!
OH and some of you asked about my heartrate monitor.. it is a polar f7 and i got it (well, my MOM got it) from amazon.com. i LOVE it.. it does a great job of telling me my max and average heart rate as well as telling me how many calories burned. when it is functioning properly, that is ;)
SEE YA MANANA!
Qs~
1. what is your favorite month? i think mine is july. while i am REALLY into winter, i just love those summer nights AND i love the 4th of july and 24th of july (a utah holiday with fireworks!).. plus i am going to be getting married and moving into my new house this july! hooray!
2. favorite form of OUTDOOR exercise? snowboarding is #1, wakeboarding is #3, hiking is #3 and running is #4. no, i can’t just say one answer. sorry.
xo. janetha b.
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LOVE THAT BALLIN DINNER!! yumm! nothin like good ole chicken fingas and fries!
FAV outdoor exercise-kayaking FOR SURE!!
i bet you arms are gona look HOT in that dress! i cannot WAIT for pics!
love you suga! i will never tire of your oats n beatas monday bfast!
2 things: string cheese. wow. i miss it. it’s been so very, very long…
you with bell pepper. cutest thing ever. that was the second thing.
but now i have to keep writing to answer the questions. can i just say that i LOVE answering your questions? they rock. i don’t know why it’s so very fulfilling, but it definitely is.
ice skating. love it. hockey skates. i’m always the only girl with them.
and favorite month is probably june. i love bright green leaves.
The Gymboss rocks. It’s very popular among kettlebell people!
I bet you can guess my fav outdoor exercise. ;-) Along with KBs I also love trail running and sprints on the beach. Recently I’ve gone to the dunes a few times to run (walk) and it’s killa.
I agree July is a good month. I also love September and October.
That chicken looks delish- just wheat bran? really?!
You need to eat the peanut butter chocolate simply bar- let me know if you can get them near you or have them- I could fire some off your way-
I don’t really have a fave month- I have my least fave, and that’s February- the rest of them are fine by me, especially December!
My Polar watch used to do that. It says you should make sure the sensors are moist when putting them on. I run my band under water when I put it on. If it does weird things when Im working out I will pour water in my hand and run it along the sensor. Once I figured it needed to be moist I haven’t had a problem since.
Hey I got married in July too! It wad way hot but I do think it’s the best month too-plus there is always Powell to help with the hottness.
Favorite outdoor exercise? Racing. It’s the ONLY time I run outside…besides that-mountain biking.
OMG, I’m waiting on dinner to be ready now and your post just made me starving.
Also, I. Want. That. Gadget.
Questions: 1- My favorite month is October. Perfect weather and I love fall. 2 – My favorite outdoor thing is running and then wakeboarding. I don’t really do anything else active outdoors.
I like May because it’s my birth month, and summer is just around the corner! Funny, I was in a meeting today and when they did the “go around the room and say your name” thing they asked that same question.
That pink gadget looks so cool! I’ve been wondering about good ways to go interval training outside because I loathe the treadmill but really want to incorporate some HIIT into my workouts. Thanks for the review :-)
My favorite month is July, too. I usually work less in July (the spring quarter ends the end of June, and I normally only teach one class in the summer). So in July I can enjoy the summer without thinking too much about work… :)
My favorite form of outdoor exercise are challenging, hilly hikes. It’s great for body and mind! :)
I checked out The Simply Bar site and now I want some – they all sound delish. Who’s Cathy?!? Send me some! : )
the stats on that bar are the best stats for a vegan GF bar i have ever seen. ever. 140 cals and 16g of vegan protein??!!! WOW I am truly imprsssed and that it tastes like a cocoa krispie? Why is a non-vegan getting such great vegan snacks?!? Hello, this vegan wants one!
The pink gymboss. Cute and thx for the report!
Fave month? June. Weather’s great, it’s my bday month. And it’s summer time baby!
xoxo
Hi pretty chica!!
YES I do want to see your monday breakfast EVER week!!…hehe you are too cute! LOVE the pink TIMER!…the beeps would drive me mad though! Me and the Papa washed the boat this weekend…WAKEBOARDING time SOON!!!…come on summer! (your post made me wayyyy excited to hit the lake!) and i can’t discriminate between Swimming/running/biking…love all 3!
April=FAV month…buh bye April :(
heart you!!
~xoxo!
Fun idea with the outside intervals! My fav month is probably July too cause its the heart of summer. Outdoor exercise? Running, hiking, swimming I think!
Hello :) ahhh those bars! I did a search yesterday and they look very sparsely available in the US=booo! I need them in my life too ;) I love working out outdoors- the time seems to fly right on by. Favorite month is also July! I love the heat…what can I say? Outdoor=running
That little gadget looks cool and useful!
My fav month.. probably August. :) It’s my bday month!
And my fav form of outdoor exercise… probably swimming and walking/hiking. :)
that picture of you eating the mini pepper is so cute! :D I guess those are handy for driving !
I love your outdoor interval, I need to try that out! :)
favorite month= exactly like you, summer!!! it’s just feel relaxing~~
favorite outdoor workout = running!!! :D
hey lovahhh I got that gym boss and did a little review on it MONTHS back. To be honest, i think its a great concept but I couldn’t figure out how to work it! I felt so bad becaue I was going to use it as my post to show people, but I couldn’t freakin figure it out! (call me dumb) I just couldn’t! I like yours too its so pretty pink!
I would totally shop at costco for veggies, but I feel like I wouldn’t go through it as fast beacuse I just live with meeee I have gotten a HUGE bag of lettuce and apples though and fly through those, sooo maybe I would
favorite month I think this would be June. It is hot but not SCORCHING hot and its the first REAL summer month!! I can’t wait its almost here!!!
favorite outdoor activity? Does riding with jason on his motorcycle count?! (juust kidding!) that would be running hands down or hiking!!
string cheese! I have a whoel pack sitting in my fridge, I freakin love them! gotta have some more in my life!
xoxoox
Mine is October – I just love the weather, the scents – everything!
I HATE when my HRM gets all out of whack mid workout!!! It’s very annoying.
Haha, love that pic of you with the pepper. You’re too cute girl.
Have a great day!!!
Wow…it didn’t really hit me that April is almost over until you mentioned it just now. Crazy! I can’t believe how fast time flies.
I think my favorite month would have to be either October or May. Both mean a change in seasons is coming which is always fresh, new and exciting. :D
Favorite outdoor exercise? Definitely running! Or hiking. Or kayaking. Basically anything that entails sunshine and sweat. :mrgreen:
I can NOT believe it is the last week of April! This month flew by, so scary!
Those bars look awesome, I know we can get them here… I must try now!
Fave month- July as well! We have Canada day up here, Fourth of July in the states (bbq’s galore!!), and it is my BIRTHDAY! I love warm summer nights, too :)
Fave outdoor exercise- SO hard! I’d have to say tie: Running, Hiking and Kayaking!
xo
K
That gymboss does seem cool. My garmin does intervals (I think) but I can’t figure out how to set it!
I like April and May the best. And as for outdoor sports, I think I like hiking, snowboarding, kayaking, running and skiing best. In that order.
I’m glad you reviewed the gymboss in detail. I always wondered “why?” I mean another gadget? But it makes sense. My favorite outdoor exercise would be running with the hubs. Though, I can’t say that I just LOVE to run.
I think Deb is working on a homemade Simply Bar. They are delish.
I couldn’t be more excited for May!! It means the END OF SCHOOL- yay!! June and July are my favorite months though, I’m a total warm-weather girl!!
Fave type of outdoor exercise is definitely RUNNING! There’s no better way to celebrate a beautiful day!! Hope you have a great Tuesday :)
Janetha my dear, what on earth is “skeewompus”?? :P My Polar gets whacky like that when I don’t clean it. The dried sweat and salt makes it hard to pick up and transmit your heart rate. Just give the metal attachments and sensors a good rinse and it should hopefully work better :)
LOVE the outdoor intervals. I never do them outside, but I like the walk/jog/run thingy you did. Maybe I’ll try that on my deserted trail here before I actually have to run in front of people when I move to the big city.
1. August. The weather is much more reliable here in August. It hardly ever rains and the nights get a little cooler. Perfection :)
2. Honestly, I just really love walking outdoors. Boring, but it’s the best way to enjoy the scenery and fresh air. Runner’s up are running and road cycling.
<3!!
my polar does that too! it’s an f8 i think. but it’ll just spaz out and say 0 bpm when i’m clearly workin hard. so frustrating! it usually fixes itself but it does it on and off.
I miss you!!!!!!!
we are twins AGAIN! I actually just ordered one of those gymboss interval timers and it came in the meal yesterday! Although, mines just boring silver :) glad to know you liked it!
Yummy dinner! Love homemade ‘tenders and ‘tatoes.
I love September & October – fall is my favorite :)
Skiing and mountain biking are my favorite outdoor activities ’cause they make me happppy!
My favorite month is June – both my own and my husband’s birthday’s are in June and so is the best event of the summer – Fort Collins Brewfest. Basically just a giant party downtown in the middle of the street with tons of sun and local beer. Love.
I don’t really exercise outside…?? I guess walking is my favorite but that’s a lame answer.
“bad girl!” haha
ive never tried simply bars, where can i find them?
soccer would be my outside sport of choice, but that requires 21 other people, soooo…yeah. i guess running. its portable, all you need is shoes. done and done.
Yay for outdoor running. It’s my fave. That device sounds pretty neat-o. And I love the word skeewompus. You make me smile.
I don’t know how you do it with the protein! I have been unofficially trying to get my macros in alignment with BFL lately and I just can’t get there. Dang it.
1. I agree with July. I’m down with April – September though. Anytime when it’s warm really.
2. Definitely running. But I’m buying a bike soon and I hope I like that lots.
I have oatbran and protein powder every morning so no worries!!
I’m jealous of that timer! It would work so good for tabata!
Sounds to me like your chest strap is on the fritz. I’ve had my Polar F6 for about 3 years now and just about once a year I have to replace the strap because it just stops reading my heartrate properly (I think the battery inside the black plastic part dies). Anywho it costs about $45 to replace and works like a charm again!
I love your chicken finger and fries meal. It looks so dang tasty every single time!
1) I think my fav month is May… warm enough to lay out and cool enough not to need the AC on.
2) Riding my bike, taking walks, hiking and swimming. Oh how I miss the lap pool at my old apt. If I could some how lift outside, I would HAHA
1. My favorite month…hmmm…that’s a hard one. I’m going to say it’s not an acutal month, but from Thanksgiving to New Years Eve! I absolutely love the holidays and visiting with friends and family and decorating for Christmas!!!!
2. My favorite form of OUTDOOR exercise is #1 bicycling, #2 walking, #3 hiking and #4 in a dream world soccer!!!! (can’t play anymore)
That is such a neat little gadget for HIIT! Like. Also like that your diner serves oatmeal and eggbeaters… I have been scoping out breakfast options here and there isn’t much more than toast (yay) or a full British fry-up (ahem…fried bread, fried sausage, fried egg, bacon, haggis, black pudding…lovely).
Those chicken fingers look awesome- what does wheatgerm taste like? It’s popular, but I don’t think I’ve tried it.
1. what is your favorite month? can I cheat and say ALL summer months?!!!!!!!
2. favorite form of OUTDOOR exercise? Oh *insert long pause* I like breakdancing outside- does that count? Also like tennis. And walking.
Hey sweetie Janetha!! You are awesome… especially with that pepper in your mouth :) :)
My favorite form of outdoor exercise? ALL OF THEM! :) I prefer running outside to the treadmill. I love biking. I love hiking. Especially in the Northwest. There’s so many gorgeous hikes nearby.
That dinner is makin me ‘hungry’…and I just ate lunch! Haha! :) Looks yum! :) Thanks for sharing the interval ‘run’ …I’m always lookin for ways to spice up my cardio routines! :) I’ll have to try that one! Also, you may have mentioned this in a previous post..but where do you get those simply bars!? I gotta try those!
This post was hilarious to read!! The “bad girl” Gymboss had me cracking up. Which, btw, that sounds like a VERY cool gadget. Maybe you could use it while being a “bad girl”. It does have vibration after all. ;) Oh, I went there! :D
The baked chicken tenders + sweet potato is one of my favorite dinners. So good! And glad to hear you are making progress. No doubt about it since you are working so hard.
Now for the question: Favorite outdoor activity? Hiking is #1 and #2 would be just playing with Makenzie at the park. That is a workout chasing her bubbly self all around.
I’m so relived I’m not the only one who eats my produce haul on the way home from Costco. Your self portrait text is priceless. Some people sext. You spootcext. (sweaty passed out on the couch)-ext. That fiance of yours is a lucky man.
I have the same HR monitor and I’ve been having the same issues the past two weeks – I was walking from the cardio area to the weight area at the gym and it had me at 222, nuts! And then it goes to zero.. but doesn’t have the little arrow for me to get my HR up, weird. The only way I’ve been able to get it back on track is to stop it and restart a new exercise session, that seems to work but it’s hard to tell since I don’t watch it while I’m lifting.
1 – never thought about a fav month, fall is my fav season and my anniversary is in september, so let’s go with that!
2 – I’m not very outdoorsy, though I have been trying lately with running and hiking, I guess swimming would be my fav? I don’t know these questions are no good for me today :)
does outdoor shopping count as a favorite activity? haha or browsing veggie farmers markets…
that’s such a whack answer i know.
dude that gym boss is boss-ay. as is your cheetaz rep! i’m a veggie whore and get cranky if they’re not present in every meal :)
I hear you – where the heck did april go?! Your sweet tater fries always turn out great and bubbly brown!
Awesome job on the outdoor HIIT session. I love doing HIIT outdoors!
Wah, this one didn’t show up on my phone but Sunday’s did?? Anyway I LOVE your ramblings – it’s just what I need any time of the day or night! Boy if you had a hard time with the Gymboss – I’d be in a lot of trouble :)
Your eggs and oats look so so good!
I love July too – hot, hot days and wonderfully warm nights, ahhhh!
My favorite outdoor activity would be playing golf – I really hate to run – there I said it!
xoxo!!
Oooh I have a gymboss timer that I LOVE too. I actually run with it clipped to my pants when I runs speedwork on a track.
I love July, too. It’s hot – that that is the main appeal for me. Oh yeah, and I don’t have to work in July. :-)
Running/Walking – favorite outdoor activities.
hi!
I need to try those Simply Bars. They look right up my alley! I might have to check out the website.
I love mini peppers with hummus. Totally my favorite snack of all time.
gymboss seems pretty good. I run outside alot and it’s hard to stare at my HRM to make sure I’m using proper intervals.
My fave month is July too. I got married on July 5th, 2009!
fave outdoor exercise? Hiking!
Okay so first of all, you seriously CRACK. Me. UP.! You are a little random =) I feel like I can hear your tone of voice while I’m reading ur blog! Anyway, Chicken fingers and fries looked BOMB. I will be eating this VERY soon.
Oh, and my favorite month of the year?? Used to be February until I turned 21 haha… and now it’s definitely June-July… is that possible? I like the second half of June and the first half of July.
Favorite outdoor activity? Definitely water skiing!!
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