Almond and Quinoa Bars

A photo of the power bars I made last night. Yum!

I recently stumbled upon this great recipe for Almond and Quinoa Bars. As I usually do, I altered the ingredients to make them my own. These bars are perfect pre or post workout snacks and are packed with protein, carbs and healthy fat to keep your energy high and muscles fueled. I got a request on Twitter to share the recipe so here it is. Enjoy!

Almond and Quinoa Bars

2 Cups Rolled Oats

1/2 Cup Unsweetened Coconut

1/2 Cup Quinoa Flour

1 Cup Nuts (Almond, Pecan, Walnut)

1/2 Cup Seed (Chia and Flax)

1/2 Cup Almond Butter

1 Cup Peanut Better

1 Cup Honey

1 Tsp Vanilla Extract

Optional: Chocolate chips  (I put chocolate chips in about a quarter of the batch so I can have these bars when I have a bit of a sweet tooth).

Preheat Oven to 350 Degrees.

Mix dry ingredients together in one bowl and mix wet ingredients (Almond Butter, Peanut Butter, Honey,Vanilla) together in a microwave safe bowl. 

Microwave wet ingredients together for one minute.

Combine wet and dry ingredients.

Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15 minutes. Or you can leave the bars in the refrigerator to set. 

Cut into bars and enjoy!

Do you have any recipes you rely on to keep you fueled? I'd love to hear about them. 

My Second Week of NWM Training

The view from the back of my car after I washed and polished my Nike Swoosh! 

Week two as a Nike Women Ambassador went amazingly well. It started off with an incredible inspirational run on Sunday when I had the chance to run with Jason Lester on the Journey for a Better World in Petaluma, CA. He was such an inspiration and showed me that anything is possible if you work hard at it. Goals in life, race results, fitness, work, if you can dream it, you can do it. 

This week I was able to get all my runs done in less than 9 minute miles. I am really working on taking my time down and this week my 4 runs were all between 8:30 and 8:45 minutes per mile. This is encouraging to me and I hope I can keep taking speed off and get my runs much quicker. 

Friday was my first track workout and it went better than I expected. I did 12 x 400 and was able to really push my pace. I feel like these sprint drills are helping my speed already. Track workouts are something I enjoy and I am looking forward to many more. I was even able to beat the guys I was training with on the last 3 laps. My fastest 400 was in 1:17 seconds. I hope to take that down to 1:15 this coming Friday. 

I also was able to do some great NTC workouts working on my legs and plyometric work. I also did some great Ab workouts and am working on strengthening my core.

This week I am working on setting up my sleep schedule, training days and times and preparing a food journal and menu. I have started a binder divided into sections:

• One for my training plan
• One for recipes
• One for exercise drills and stretching guides
• One for inspirational quotes, Nike ads, etc.

I am looking forward to what the next few months will bring as far as training goes. This is my last week before my official training plan begins so I am enjoying my last few moments of freedom and taking this time to plan out my schedule. 

As far as this week goes, after a great night of sleep I was able to hit the exercise hard today. My 4 mile run, tennis and Ab workout all earned me over 5000 Nike Fuel. It was a very energetic day. What does your week look like?

Weekend Warrior?

Enjoying a beautiful day at the wedding!

This last weekend I spent cooped up in a car on a weekend wedding road trip. This trip really cut into my fitness and Nike Women's Marathon training time. I probably needed to take a break and just rest my muscles, but I sure didn't want to.

Sitting in the back seat of a Ford Focus for eight to nine hours is not my idea of fun. Plus, we drove in the evening and early mornings so my sleep schedule took a hit too. Needless to say, I didn't progress very far in my workouts this weekend. Apart from my Friday morning track workout, I was pretty much stuck sitting all weekend.

Don't think I didn't enjoy the wedding, it was gorgeous and definitely worth the sacrifices, it just didn't coincide with my training. I just want to answer the questions I have been asking myself. What does this mean for all my hard training? Am I back at square run, starting all over again?

I know that I should have found a way to workout, but I honestly didn't have any opportunities. So in answer to my first question, I think all my hard training was simply put on pause. I didn't take a week, a month or even a year off. I only took off Saturday and Sunday. I can survive this and maybe even turn it into my advantage. I haven't stumbled off my path, I just took a short detour. Life happens and we just have to be prepared mentally and physically to handle the challenges that this brings.

So am I starting all over again? No, I don't think that is possible. I definitely have some catching up to do. Veggies were top priority on my list of supper food tonight, and sleep will be coming soon. With a big day of running planned tomorrow, I will be hopping back into my regular schedule in no time. I am just thankful that this wedding was the week before Nike Women's Marathon training began. Nothing will be getting in my way for that training plan.

I'm ready to #maketherules and #makeeverymovecount in the coming months.

Title IX Made My Dreams Possible

I have been involved in sports since grade school. I loved challenging myself and my strengths and weaknesses. I never had to fight for the right to play, I just did. Today we are celebrating 40 years of Title IX, the law that allowed women to be treated equally in sports, essentially to receive the same opportunities as men. It's a great day to celebrate life and the opportunities we are given.

My blog is called Reason to Play because to me this blog shares the reasons I love sports, participate in athletics, and workout every day. Without Title IX giving me opportunities I wouldn't be where I am today.

I did gymnastics in grade school, basketball and volleyball in high school and played basketball on my university team. My right to play was never questioned. I want to thank all those who went before me and sacrificed to make the right to sports equal for women.

Now I am out of college and into the workforce. I work for the World Team Tennis League, which was started by Billie Jean King to promote equality in sports. I am always amazed at how much she has done for every woman out there who wants to be involved in sports. I am glad there were women willing to sacrifice for the future, to fight for a better world through sport.

I was recently given the opportunity to train with Nike Women as an ambassador for the Nike Women's Marathon. Without Title IX creating opportunities for women this race may have never come into existence and I may have never had this opportunity. Thank you to everyone who has supported Title IX and to the Nike Women team for embracing everything that Title IX stands for and providing an opportunity for me to excel in sports. I am forever grateful to you all for giving of yourself to #maketherules of sport change for the better.

Track Workout #1

Today I did my first track workout in a long time. I was a bit nervous because it was with five guys, one of which is a sub three hour marathoner. But I figured that if I plan on running the Nike Women's Marathon in under four hours I need to work hard on my speed work.

I woke up at 5:30 and met at the track at 6:00am. We decided on doing a 12 x 400. Which is a total of 12 laps around the track or three miles. After a one mile warm up the sprints began. I started off a bit slower than I would have liked, but once I woke up I started to feel in the groove. Around the sixth lap I started to pick up the pace and by the final three laps I was passing the guys! My final lap I ran in 1:17 and it felt awesome!

Track work really builds the leg muscles and is an easy way to measure your distance and time. I plan on doing a track workout at least once a week to build speed and work on my running form. Running with a group helped to keep me running strong and pushed me to go further than I would have by myself.

Motivation from Nike Women and Marie Purvis this morning really helped as well. I can't let you amazing girls or myself down. I will train harder every day and strive to #maketherules

Nike Wish List

My Nike Wish List 

Because they just can't stop innovating for a better tomorrow.

I always have a huge Nike wish list, here are a few things that are on my list and that I feel are great running tools. Check them out and let me know what you think. 

These Nike+ Training shoes are on the top of my wish list. They come out June 29! They track your workouts and body movement. LOVE!

Nike GPS Sportwatch

This color just makes me want to run longer and harder.

Nike Free Run+ 3

Incredibly soft and supported

Nike Pro Hypercool Women's Training Tank 

The ventilation in this tank is amazing!

Nike Free Twist 

The polka dots are so cute and feminine!

Nike 2" Running Shorts

I love the short length and tight compression fit!

Nike Tailwind Women's Running Tank

Adorable when layered and comes in beautiful colors.

Nike Women's Running Dress

So feminine and cute, the fabric is the lightest around and it breathes easily. Great paired with capris. I tried this on this weekend and wanted it so bad! I just need to decide on a color...

This is going on the top of my Christmas wish list. I am so excited to get the chance to train with top Nike trainers and track my forms and progress! 

Ipod Nano

It may not be Nike, but I am in need of a new ipod to run with and this one is the perfect size! Plus, it comes with Nike technology inside!

What are some of the things on your wish list? 

Motivational Monday

Kara Goucher wins US Half Marathon Championship!

My favorite runner, Kara Goucher, won the US Half Marathon Championship in Duluth, MN this past weekend. She is my absolute favorite runner and I was excited to see her win and set a course record! Since that race I have been looking for some great quotes to pump me up for training and inspire me to run faster and stronger. Here are my favorites:

"I've had to learn through experiences not to be afraid to fail. You don't know what the future holds for you. You can hope your dreams come true, but you have to be fearless. I don't want to look back and think, What if?" -Nastia Lukin

"Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Like the marathon, life can sometimes be difficult, challenging and present obstacles, however if you believe in your dreams and never ever give up, things will turn out for the best." -Meb Keflezighi

Have a dream, make a plan, go for it. You'll get there. I promise." -Zoe Koplowitz

Do you have a favorite motivational quote that you would like to add? Shoot me a comment below. I would love to read it and add it to my list!

Journey for a Better World

I got to meet Jason Lester today! I was so excited to meet this insanely fit Nike endurance athlete. I drove 2 hours each way to get to the Petaluma outlet stores to be able to meet him, run with him and be a part of this epic journey. For those that don't know, Jason is running and biking across the country, 4800 miles in 92 days to create awareness for improving our world. When I arrived I checked in, got me hand stamped and picked up my t-shirt for the 3.65 mile run. 

Nike really knows how to put on an event. I walked around the store reading their innovation story and checking out their different programs, like their Legend pants made out of plastic water bottles and their reuse a shoe program, because "every sole deserves a second chance" before the run began. When it was time to begin we ran two miles out to meet Jason, took some photos and then ran with him for two miles back.  

When we got back from the store we did a quick question and answer with Jason and learned about his passion, struggles and triumphs. He is a vegan athlete and I was especially curious about his diet. He has a chef along with him and also eats at various vegan restaurants along the way. I have been thinking of trying to be vegan because I just don't feel that great when I eat dairy  and I was impressed that Jason is able to lead this lifestyle and perform so well. I think I may give veganism a try soon.

After the question and answer session it was autograph time. I had Jason autograph a poster for me and we also took a photo together and had a brief chat. I was the only one there that had driven two hours to do the run with him so he was impressed that I came that far. However, he is the one who has run thousands of miles to get here, so a few hour drive is a breeze! After the photo it was time to refuel with water, trailmix and vegan cookies.

The best part of this event was learning about what it takes to be an endurance athlete and how every moment is a mental battle. This advice of being mentally tough will stick with me during my Nike Women's Marathon training. One of his quotes that stuck out was his motto "I don't want to chase dreams, I want to live them." Jason Lester is living his dream every day and achieving amazing things in his sport. I was honored to be a part of this journey and inspired to work on my mental toughness during my training. I wish Jason good luck on the final days of his run finishing up in my home state of Oregon in a little less than two weeks. Just do it!

Sailing Away

Every once in awhile I just need to get away. Today it was 108 degrees in Sacramento and I did not want to be outside in that weather. Luckily we got a last minute invite to go sailing in San Francisco! The weather on the San Francisco Bay was just right, low 80's on land and a comfortable 70 on the water. There was a bit of a temperature drop when we rounded the corner along the San Francisco city coastline where I had to bundle up in my new Nike Sweatshirt that I had packed in my new Nike Cheyenne Vapor backpack, but I much preferred that over 108 degree weather. 

I had never been sailing before so I didn't know what to expect. I think this was one of the best places to have my first real sailing experience. I got to see Angel Island, Alcatraz, Oakland, San Francisco and the most beautiful sunset, all from the comfort of a sail boat! I doubt I will be sailing again for a long time, but this was definitely an experience I won't forget for a long while. 

Unfortunately I wasn't able to get my workout in today, but sometimes life happens and things come up. This was not an experience I wanted to miss and that just means I will work even harder tomorrow. I have an early morning #NTC workout scheduled tomorrow and then I am driving to Petaluma for the chance of a lifetime. I get to run with Jason Lester, who is running and biking across the United States with Nike to raise awareness for the "journey for a better world." I am beyond excited. One of my friends is coming with me and we are going to finish off the run with a Nike gear shopping spree at the Petaluma Nike Outlet. Stay tuned for my update tomorrow! 

Strength out of Weakness

I am no stranger to pushing my limits, but this summer I will be stretching my running limits and seeing how far I can go. I never considered myself a runner until after college. I always played basketball and so I had to do sprints, sprints and more sprints (commonly referred to as suicides). I was always a quick sprinter, but distance was never my thing. Last year I ran my first Marathon. Before that I had never run more than 10 miles. But that was not going to stop me. 

The thing that you have to realize about me is that I never write myself off. I just won't let that happen. I find a way to conquer my goals even when no one else thinks I can. In high school my coach didn't see any potential and thought I wouldn't even make the Varsity team by my senior year. I did not let this stop me. I practiced, hard. I was in the gym for hours every day shooting, doing drills and playing with the guys during pick up games. In only a few months I was a swing player for the JV and Varsity team and Varsity starting center by junior year. I led my team to two back to back championship wins in our small league and a stellar season. I had a lot of weaknesses going into my basketball career, but those weaknesses made me a better player. Because of those weaknesses I practiced hours more than others and advanced at a much quicker rate. I learned, adapted and grew my basketball skills into those worthy of the college level. My weaknesses became my strengths and made me the strong athlete I am today. 

Nike Women gave me the amazing opportunity to run with them for the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco. I am a Nike Women's Training Ambassador for 2012 and I am living one of my biggest dreams - training with Nike and spending the weekend with them in San Francisco. I get to document my journey, push my limits and find my strength in my weaknesses. My training plan from Nike Master Trainer Marie Purvis is challenging and exciting and I am getting the best gear to train in courtesy of Nike Women. I have a busy few months in the future, but I will give 100% to my training. I have no doubt that these next few months will be some of the most challenging, exciting and limit-crushing that I have ever experienced. 

A Single Step

"To get through the hardest journey we need take only one step at a time, but we must keep on stepping." -Chinese Proverb

Today was a busy day. I needed to go for a run but I didn't have much time. I got off work at five, stopped to grab groceries and hit the gym for a 2.5 mile run. Then I promptly went to taekwondo class at six followed by a tennis match at seven. I was close to being overbooked, with each activity running into the next.

I was tired before, but told myself I could not quit. I had to take those first few steps on the treadmill to get into my running groove. Once I had started I began feeling good and pacing myself. I always love to workout, but sometimes getting to the gym is the hardest part. Just like training for a marathon, there will always be people who say you can't do it, or don't believe in you, but they are simply not brave enough to take that first step and just continue stepping.

You are capable of anything that you put your mind to. No matter what you want in life, never give up or let others influence you in a negative way. Surround yourself with positive people and get motivation from your support system. Don't be afraid to put one foot in front of the other and move towards your goals. Just keep stepping.

Yoga for NWM 2012

"Blessed are the flexible, for they will not be bent out of shape." -unknown

Tonight I had an amazing yoga session. It was hard to get out the door but once I was there I was so glad that I went. This evening's class was yoga flow, focusing on circulation for the legs. This was the perfect class for me to attend. The instructor made it a bit different this time, but it was just what I needed. With my upcoming Nike Women's Marathon training plan officially beginning in three weeks and with yoga sessions scheduled twice a week, I need to find classes that compliment and enhance my training. 

When I first tried yoga I used the Nike Training Club app's Leah Kim Yoga workout. This workout was challenging while stretching and relaxing all the muscles of the body. I was hooked from day one. Being one of the less flexible athletes, yoga is great for keeping my muscles from getting too tight and sore. I am looking forward to my planned sessions and to see how much my yoga practice can progress over the next few months. 

I am excited to try aerial yoga as well and to see what it entails. It looks like a fun and different way to practice yoga poses. The concept behind it is similar to TRX because you are suspended in the air through many of the movements. I have 20 classes to use in the next few months so I will be incorporating these into my training. What other yoga practices have you tried and which do you recommend? 

Unstoppable Moments and My Nike Women's Marathon Training Plan Arrives!

Today was the completion of a rain delayed French Open final. But not just any final, it was a final pitting two players against history. Both had a chance to do something no one had ever done before and both were fighting hard. Rafael Nadal had the advantage of experience and a fierce, unstoppable attitude. Novak Djokovic had the advantage of nearly effortless shots and a host of wins in Grand Slam finals against Nadal. But this final had an air of change to it. 

Nadal came out swinging and quickly went up to sets to love (0 in tennis) and then the rain came, giving Djokovic a chance to get back into the match. After taking the third set, the match was called until the next morning to wait out the storm and coming darkness. 

This is how my morning began. I woke up at four in the morning to watch history and cheer for Nadal. With the power of millions of fans, a "Just do it" attitude, and grit, passion and determination Nadal dominated the final set and came out with the victory; denying Djokovic his chance of holding all four slam trophies at one time and setting a record seventh title win at Rolland Garros for Nadal. I can't think of a better way to start a Monday. 

To top it off, today is the day I was to receive my training plan from Nike Women and Nike Master Trainer Marie Purvis. I continually checked my inbox, texted and tweeted my #SistersInNike until we finally received them early this afternoon. I was so excited to start training and and see what my plan entailed. 

After reviewing the plan I can tell that the next four months will be a challenging and rewarding experience. I will need to exercise discipline and not give up. I will need to push myself in ways I never thought possible. I can tell that the plan will help me reach my goals if I put in the time. I already did my first four mile run tonight. It felt great too. I'm excited to see what this journey brings and what I can learn from being able to work with one of the best companies in the world and the best trainers in the world. Can you tell I'm Oregon born and bred yet?

So thank you Nike Women for giving me this chance, thank you Marie for a great training plan and all the support I will need over the next few months, and thank you #SistersInNike for embarking on this journey with me. This will be one for the record books. We will make ourselves Unstoppable.

Running and Stretching with Nike

I watched this Nike Running "I Would Run to You" commercial again this weekend because it just lights up my day. I love the girls outfit, the running dress is adorable (want!) and the layers of Nike gear she wears go great together. I also just think the story is incredible. I checked out the video again because Nike Running sent me a t-shirt printed with the "I Run to You Slogan." It is my new favorite shirt and I can't wait to wear it around town after a tough workout. It's a great way to promote running and remember my hard work.

I keep looking at the new Free Run shoes and I would love to try a pair for training. I feel like getting a pair of flexible running shoes would really strengthen my feet and legs on shorter runs. I have heard good things about them from a friend, but haven't tried them myself yet. They come in amazing colors too and I just can't decide what is the best one.

In other news, my journey to San Francisco continues tomorrow when I receive my official Nike Women's Marathon Training plan from Nike Master Trainer Marie Purvis. After receiving my new gear Friday and testing it out this weekend I am excited to officially start my marathon training. Today I went on a virtual run with my #SistersInNike. We planned on a seven mile run and all ended up doing it on the treadmill because of various weather reasons, flooding, heat, etc. I had a great run and felt stronger as the run progressed.

I was frustrated when I got to the gym and realized I had forgotten to switch my Nike Plus shoe pod to my new shoes and had to run holding my phone in my hand for seven miles using the Nike Plus GPS app. There was also a big difference between what the treadmill said I had run and what my phone said. According to the treadmill I ran eight miles, but according to my phone it was only seven. Lesson learned. I will never forget my shoe pod sensor again!

After the run I did a deep stretching routine with the Shawn Johnson Stretch routine on the Nike Training Club app. I also foam rolled my legs and back. My muscles were definitely feeling the longer run so the stretch routine helped to alleviate some of the soreness and tightness in my muscles. The foam roller is a lifesaver, often called "the poor man's massage," it felt amazing and my IT Band and hip flexors are much looser after 20 minutes of foam rolling. If you haven't tried this yet you must test it out soon, you won't regret it!

Eating for Success

One of the things that I have never really focused on is watching what I eat. I have always been fairly healthy and so I never really thought about what I ate. If I wanted a cookie, I had a cookie. Now, I am starting to realize the importance of planning out my meals and combining all of the nutrition, fruits, veggies and protein that I need.

Since I was selected to be a Nike Women Ambassador for the Nike Women's Marathon I have been focusing on doing everything I can to reach my goal of a four hour marathon. I know that being healthy, consistent, and smart with my eating will really help me stay strong during my training. I will be eating and running more than I ever have and I will need to focus on treating my body right.

I am a vegetarian so my eating has to be even more carefully thought out than many other athletes. But if Jason Lester, the ultra endurance athlete biking and running with Nike Better World through 16 states on a 4800 mile journey in 102 days can do it, so can I. Making sure I have the proper balance of protein, vitamins and essential nutrients takes time and planning. One of my favorite post workout snacks is a chocolate protein shake. Here is what I do to make a great tasting and protein packed drink:

1 scoop Life's Basics Chocolate Plant Protein
1 frozen banana
1 tablespoon peanut butter
Mixture of both unsweetened almond milk and chocolate almond milk
Ice

Blend together for a tasty after workout treat!

As far as fruits and veggies go, I am a fruit addict so that has never been difficult for me to get, but I have just recently started to focus more on vegetables and cooking them in new and different ways. Some of my favorites are asparagus, artichokes, broccoli, spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, snap peas and squash. Grilled, roasted, steamed and mixed with pasta, I love them all different ways.

Since my training for the Nike Women's Marathon officially starts on Monday I just made a trip to the grocery store and filled my refrigerator with fruits, nuts, and veggies. I will be planning out my meals this weekend so that I can stay on track to reach and exceed my goals for San Francisco. With my #SistersInNike supporting me I know I can achieve my dreams. The road won't be easy, but nothing worth doing ever is.

My Journey With Nike Women to Nike Women's Marathon 2012

What can I say to get you to realize just how amazing this day was? I don't know if there are words to describe my excitement, but I will sure give it my best shot. I knew my new gear from Nike Women would arrive today and waiting to get off work was pure torture. Just knowing that my box of brand new Nike gear was waiting for me at home was almost too much to handle. When I finally got home and was able to open my package I was so excited! I may have jumped around the room a little bit! Inside was a bright purple backpack full of Nike gear. The Nike Cheyenne Vapor Running Backpack looked small, but what was inside was amazing! Tons of new Nike gear!

I love the Nike Lunar Glide shoes and my current pair was running on it's last leg. Nike Women sent me a brand new pair of Nike Lunar Glide 3's! These shoes are great for long distances and I know they will be amazing for my Nike Women's Marathon Training. With all the miles I will be running these shoes will be broken in very soon. I can't imagine a better way to try out my shoes than going for a run tomorrow morning with one of my running buddies. Watch out world, the journey has begun! My goal for the Nike Women's Marathon is to complete it in four hours and with these new kicks I know I will be able to work hard at my training workouts and really push myself on the track.

Nike also gave me this amazing coat. I can't tell you how long I have been looking at this coat and wishing for it and Nike Women was kind enough to give me the chance to try it out! The Nike Cyclone Vapor jacket is so lightweight, I barely realize that I am wearing it. It will be perfect for my early morning runs and when there is a light rain I need to shield myself from. I will be trying this out tomorrow morning. 

I will be sure to share with you my feedback on the other great items I received when I try them out and  do a photo shoot so that I can do them justice! Stay tuned for my Nike Women's Marathon training journey, the highs and lows, my gear guide, nutritional tips and more! 

Running Life

Running is about more than just the act of running. It is something that lives inside of you. Something that only you can do and understand. Running means different things to different people. For some it is for fitness, for others a way to decompress or clear the mind, and for the most elite athletes it can be a glorious and heartbreaking career.

For me, running is a way that I keep fit, relax after work and just recently the way that I connect with Nike Women and other Nike Training Club and Nike+ Superusers. It is how I push myself and learn to set goals, make a plan and succeed in all areas of my life. Running has created an outlet for me to release stress and learn more about myself and my strengths than any other exercise has done. It has shown me the importance of training, goal setting and NEVER, ever giving up.

Over the next few months I will be chronicling my training and running journey for the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco. You will be able to experience my triumphs and failures with me and hopefully we will all learn more about ourselves with each step we take. Let the journey begin.

My Motivational Bloggers

I thought I would give a shout out to the newest member of the blogging community. Welcome Tiara! She just started a fitness blog sharing her NTC and fitness journey. Check out her blog NTC Journey and follow her fitness goals and join her #ntcJuneabs challenge! This challenge is a commitment to doing 15 minutes of abs every day with the Nike Training Club app for iphone and ipad. It's a great way to stay motivated to work out those abs. She motivates me to train harder every day and I know you will find her inspirational as well!

Also, don't forget about my other favorite bloggers: Marie Purvis (@NikeGetFit) at All Things Fitness, a Nike Master trainer, developer of the NTC app, and soon to be xbox Kinect star this coming holiday season, she gives great fitness advice and is going to train me for the Nike Women's Marathon in October. A great blogger to follow, you won't regret reading her blog!

Yoga Eat Run is another excellent blogger who shares her fitness goals, advice and life with women everywhere. She is an inspiration and a class act who will get you motivated to get your foot out the door and onto some HIIT Training. A soon to be NASM certified trainer, you won't want to miss a word of this fitness superstar's advice.

And finally, one of my earliest fitness blog finds, be sure to check out iheartspandex, an inspirational fitness and fashion blogger. She was the inspiration behind me starting my own fitness blog. You're sure to find great fitness fashion advice here!

Know of any other inspirational fitness bloggers? Let me know in the comments below!

May Challenge ReCap

The month of May I had big goals, and became even more busy than usual. My marketing deadlines picked up with the Sacramento Capitals World TeamTennis and work and workouts seemed daunting. Never one to back down from a challenge, I created a schedule and made a plan to stick to my goals. I am proud to say that I completed both challenges. I ran 100.15 miles in the month of May with nikeplus+ and completed 1200 minutes of Nike Training Club workouts. 

I barely completed this challenge and my last workout came down to the wire at 11pm on May 31, but I would not let myself fail when I was so close. I pushed myself to complete two final 45 minute NTC workouts and run three miles to complete my goals. It helped that I have so many motivational #sistersinnike that have joined me in these challenges. I felt like I couldn't let them down!

As an added bonus I hit the 10,000 minute mark with Nike Training Club. This is a real achievement and a true measurement of my hard work and training over the last year. Now I just need to keep pushing myself and kick the next few months into high training gear! My marathon is in 4 1/2 months so I have a lot of work ahead of me.

My new NTC challenge for June is a daily abs challenge. It only requires 15 minutes a day so it won't be too taxing, but at the same time will be challenging and hopefully make a transformation in my core. Care to join me? Just 15 minutes a day!