Nike+ Training

Has anyone checked out the new Nike+ training shoe and app that is coming out this summer? It looks extremely functional and sleek. The technology of the shoe is incredible. The bottom of the insole actually has sensors built in to measure how you move, how high you jump, and track your progress. You can share all this data through various social media outlets and challenge your friends.

The mobile app built to pair with the shoe provides videos of drills and challenges that you can pick from every day, keeping you training hard with fresh, effective workouts. This app and shoe work together in tandem to help you become stronger, faster and better at whatever sport you are training for. With real-time feedback this app lets you set your goals, check your progress and track your improvement.

Check out this teaser video provided by Nike and start planning what you will use Nike+ Training for this summer.

New Situations

New situations are a little bit nerve wracking sometimes. They can be a great opportunity to learn new things and to meet new people, but I have to be honest, I don't always seek out new situations. Tonight I stepped out of my comfort zone and met a group of ladies who were forming a tennis league. After I got out the nerves and met the ladies on the USTA tennis team I was hooked.

I love sports of all kinds and the team spirit that comes with group sports. I have always enjoyed the shared love of the game and the team camaraderie. I was never sure if I could have that after I left college and my teammates on the basketball team. Tonight, I think that I found that again. I am looking forward to the coming tennis season and many seasons to come. So get out of your comfort zone and go try something new. You'll be glad you did.

Healthy Pizza

I am always looking for a way to add some extra health benefits to common foods I enjoy and pizza is no exception.

This past weekend I was tasked with making pizza and was faced with the challenge of making it healthy. This is what I came up with.

I started with a whole wheat crust, spread a layer of tomato sauce, then added the tiniest sprinkle of cheese, spinach, mushrooms, olives, artichoke hearts, onions and fresh sliced tomatoes. It was the most delicious pizza I think I have ever tasted. Plus, I didn't feel bad after eating it, I just felt like I had actually fueled my body properly. It was piled so high with vegetables it looked more like a salad than a pizza, and I know it was packed with health benefits.

I followed my healthy eating with a tough 45 minute Nike Training Club workout and a 3 mile run. It was a great way to end a perfect day. Give this pizza a try, you'll love it!

3 Day Weekend Fun

This President's day weekend I am spending time doing good things for myself. I am spending my extra few hours free from work to do things I wouldn't otherwise have time for. I had time to play some tennis and watch some Jr's matches. I participated in a Taekwondo tournament, went for a run and enjoyed spending some free time reading and relaxing at home.

On a healthy eating note, I was able to make homemade tomato quinoa soup, fresh cornbread and healthy smoothies. I love having time to just catch up on the things in life that I tend to ignore (and it was nice to finally be able to deep clean my apartment).

All in all, holidays are a time to rejuvenate and find the time to do the things in life that are normally left to a later date. This 3 day weekend was a great time for me to relax and make time for the things I enjoy. I'm already looking forward to my next mini vacation.

Courage to Try

No matter how big, or how small one might be, there is no excuse for not pushing yourself to be your best and train hard. The task itself may be daunting but if you never start you will never know what you can accomplish. No one has ever regretted working towards a goal, because it's not about achieving the goal, it's really about the process.

Don't get me wrong, I love to achieve a goal, the feeling is amazing. I just know that the achievement of that goal would not be nearly as sweet if I didn't take the time in my everyday life to work towards that goal. Pushing the limits of what I can and can't do is something I really enjoy and it has it's rewards. No matter how big the task I know that if I write down small steps and work towards the end goal with a carefully laid out plan I will accomplish what I have set out to do.

Don't be afraid to fail, be afraid of not having the courage to try. Nothing that was worth having has ever come easily. In order to truly appreciate the victory you must have experienced the journey along the way. 

Blueberry-Coconut-Macadamia Treat

This valentines day enjoy some delicious, healthy muffins instead of the traditional chocolate. There is nothing I like more than a delicious hot, warm muffin straight from the oven. This Valentine's day indulge your taste-buds with this healthy treat. You will not be disappointed. I made this recipe twice in one week when I first found it and they were a hit with my husband. 


There is no reason you can't enjoy something a little different this Valentine's day. For extra sweetness drizzle some local honey over the top. Yum! You won't be able to put these down. Enjoy, and happy Valentines Day!


Blueberry-Coconut-Macadamia Muffins




1/4 cup unsweetened coconut

• 2 tablespoons plus 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, divided
• 2 tablespoons plus 1/2 cup brown sugar, divided
• 5 tablespoons chopped macadamia nuts, divided
• 2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
• 1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour or whole-wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg white
• 3/4 cup nonfat buttermilk (or your favorite non-dairy milk and 3/4 Tablespoon lemon juice)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon coconut or vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen (not thawed) blueberries

Preperation: 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray.
2. Combine coconut, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons brown sugar and 2 tablespoons macadamia nuts in a small bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil; stir to combine. Set aside.
3. Whisk the remaining 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Whisk the remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar, the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, egg, egg white, buttermilk, butter and coconut (or vanilla) extract in a medium bowl until well combined. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients; stir until just combined. Add blueberries and the remaining 3 tablespoons nuts; stir just to combine. Divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle with the reserved coconut topping and gently press into the batter.
4. Bake the muffins until golden brown and a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and let cool on a wire rack at least 5 minutes more before serving.
• 210 calories per muffin

Workout Style

I love following the Nike Women Blog for inspiration, motivation and great fitness style advice. Nike once again impressed me with their recent trip to Austin, TX where they found a few women rocking their personal Nike style.

The differences in styles between the 3 girls pictured was not hard to see, but just goes to show how diverse and functional athletic clothes can be. They don't just have to be for the gym. You can work them into any outfit. Depending what piece you use you can dress down, or dress up, a look. This is great news for me considering my obsession with workout clothes. But come on, who doesn't like living in the comfort of some stretch pants and a hoodie?

I love to wear sporty tennis shoes with my jeans and a jacket around town and sometimes I just throw a Nike bag across my shoulder to make my look a little more casual. The colors of many of this season's products really pop and I enjoy pairing them with my darker pants. Inspiration can always be found when I head to the gym and just look around. Right now bright colors and oversized shirts are really in for working out, plus they can often double for a cute top around town.

What's your workout style?