training...

With the amount of training I have been doing for the 70.3 half iron man, its essential to have the perfect diet. There is no way you can get efficient workouts and recover properly without the fuel to do so!

Through the past 2 weeks I have hit 9 hour training weeks. Swimming 2 mornings a week, running about 20 miles per week, and biking about 3 hours per week, and strength training about 2 hours.

Every workout I do I think about pictures and the wedding gown!

It's not easy when you go into training, and Greg tells you that you're back and shoulder's are going to get "big" after today's workout!!!! He is JOKING! Carbone knows exactly what to do to get your body into the perfect shape the correct way. 1 extra set of your "finsiher" definitely won't hurt you =)

Working a full-time job and training an extra 9 hours per week, does not leave you the most amount of time... I get lazy and cook an extra large dinner, and just save the left-overs for lunch the next day! This way, you know you are going to have the same nutritious lunch that you had the night before =)

I am a HUGE fan of zucchini & have been prepping my garden to grow the largest one in Seaside Park this summer season! There are tons of way you can eat zucchini to eliminate the "bad" carbs. I have even made it as a substitute for garlic bread!

My re-fuel meals consist of Protein Shakes with lots of fruit and vegetables to count as a "real" meal-replacement. I love chicken and I could eat it with zucchini any night and be content!

The snacking throughout the day is SO hard. I actually snack less when I am home doing nothing than when I am teaching! strange...

My go-to snack is called the "perfect foods bar" This bar is Greg Approved, who would have thought? They come in great flavors! The only problem is that they are only sold at Whole Foods in Middletown or California. They do ship, it just takes a while!
Another snack I enjoy is a Colby-Jack Cheese stick with carrots & a little bit of hummus =)

Enough with all of this snacking, it's making me want a snack!

BRIDESMAIDS

Sometimes shopping is easier for some people than others. Personally, it's easy, I know my size and never try anything on with confidence it will fit!

Your bridesmaids are your BEST! and you never want to do anything that will make them feel uncomfortable.

Choosing a bridesmaid gown that looks good on multiple body types is NOT an easy task!

It is not easy finding the right words to say to someone when the dress just isn't flattering, LUCKILY for me, every store we had been to knew exactly what to say every time! The last thing I want to do is say the wrong thing to hurt someone ;(

Finally, We came across exactly what I was looking for! Even though I only have three bridesmaids, they are each their own person & have their own styles. Each chose a different style that flatters them in the best way possible, all in the same beautiful blush pink color!

I was never really sure how the different styles would look, but after this shopping experience I'm confident, comfortable, and excited with the decision!

BEGINNING...

I have started "sweating" for my wedding intensely 6 weeks ago

for the NYNY contest at Carbone Training Center. 2 weeks, just 2 weeks of eating clean, I already FELT a change! Some may see this as a good thing, others may see this as a bad thing. It's a good thing that you see results from strength training and eating clean, It can work against you when you think "All I need is 2 weeks" and put off your diet & workout plan until then!!!

I've signed up for multiple run and triathlon races to keep myself motivated leading into my September wedding!!!! (You can't order TOO big of a dress size, it won't be altered "just" right!)

I am going to start keeping my workout blog to help relieve the stress, and achieve "goal" weight for perfect pictures on the perfect day =)

Last week, I just bumped up to 9 workouts throughout the week. 2 days strength, 20 miles running, 3 hours on my bike trainer, and 2 hours of swimming.

This is NOT easy when you have a full time job!! The only thing that gets me through the day is proper fuel. Protein after each workout and throughout the day!

I am a sucker for sweets =) I have made up my own "protein balls" and call them "energy balls" when I need that chocolatey-peanut butter taste!! It's a combination of Steel Cut Oats, Chocolate Protein, Almond Butter, Natural Honey, Unsweetened Coconut, and Soy, Nut & Gluten free chocolate chips!

This week I ran a nice easy 6 miles on Sunday and today a short 5 station circuit 3 times through 30/30 and 3 of speed work!

Happy Monday!