The Color Run

Have any of you heard of or done The Color Run? I am thinking of doing the San Francisco one this coming July. It looks like an awesome run to enjoy with your friends and family. Basically, the run is a 5k race that involves starting the race with a blank white t-shirt and getting sprayed with color throughout the run. You are the canvas and the race is your paintbrush. It is an awesome take on a traditional 5k race and is an awesome way to share a race with your friends.

I have done a few other 5k races and they are all very traditional. You arrive early, run the race and enjoy the expo after. The exciting thing about this race is that it is so different and the pictures you get are amazing! This is a fairly new race series as far as I can tell and it is sweeping the country. With 30 races across the country, this race is spreading like wild fire.

I'm always up for something new and this race looks like just the thing to put on my bucket list of must do races. I can hardly wait for registration to open on April 2 and to get signed up! 

Nike Women's Marathon 2012

This is the best race I have ever done and it is in one of the best cities on earth. What is it you may ask? None other than the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco, CA! Registration is coming up on April 9th so get ready to put your name in the lottery for entry into this race. 

I had the privilege of running this race last year and I was able to do the whole marathon in 4 hours and 40 minutes. It was nothing short of amazing to experience a race with 20,000 other women all focused on a common goal. The spirit of camaraderie and the passion for running was amazing! I have never felt so surrounded by like minded individuals than I did at this event. Nike sure knows how to put on an amazing event. 

I hope to see you all at the race and around San Francisco. The views from the race are stunning and the fans cheering along the way pushed me onward when I felt like my legs would give out. This race is very organized and truly provides a one of a kind experience. The Tiffany's necklace and awesome Nike gear don't hurt either! 

Ladies, you do not want to miss this race! If you have participated in the event before or have any questions shoot me a comment or message me on Facebook and I'd love to chat with you about it. See you in San Francisco and happy training! 

Discover the Joy of Coconut

I have found a small taste of heaven. Wrapped in smooth coconut cream, packed with delicious coconut flakes and frozen to perfection, this is one frozen treat that doesn't leave me feeling guilty. Coconuts are full of health benefits, one of which is lauric acid, which aids in building the body's immune system. Coconut milk also plays a part in lowering the risk of heart disease, among other benefits. I use it for a substitute for milk in recipes and in my morning oatmeal. It has a smooth, creamy texture that is sure to please even the most picky of taste buds.

This is a dairy free dessert that doesn't leave me feeling heavy after eating it. My favorite combination is a scoop of the frozen coconut dessert with a fresh, sliced mango. This combination creates a taste of the tropics that will transport you to another world with each bite. Feel free to substitute pineapple for the mango or blend fruit and coconut "ice cream" together for a pina colada-like treat! The options are endless for creating new and exciting flavors and dishes. Try substituting it for the cool whip or whipped topping on pancakes, yum!

If you are looking for a delicious treat that is more health and diet friendly than ice cream then look no further than So Delicious Coconut Milk Coconut frozen dessert. If you aren't a coconut fan or are just looking to mix up your flavor choices it comes in multiple other flavors ranging from mint chocolate chip, cookies and cream, vanilla, chocolate and peanut better, etc. 

Other delicious coconut items So Delicious makes range from ice cream bars, yogurt, milk and creamers. Other products are made with soy or almond milk. If you are looking for great non dairy substitutes these are great options. I hope you find them as delicious as I do! 

Paired with a healthy diet consisting of vegetables, fruit and whole grains, this is a great treat food that you can enjoy without feeling guilty. 

Enjoy!

Oakley Perform Beautifully Contest

I just entered the Oakley "Perform Beautifully" Ambassador contest. This is a great opportunity for any woman who is passionate about fitness and health to get the opportunity to work with Oakley. All you have to do is go to their Facebook page and click on the "perform beautifully" contest tab. I just entered the contest this morning and am hoping for the chance to join their team. I encourage anyone who is interested to enter as this is a fantastic opportunity to expand your contacts, increase your fitness skills and interact face to face with a company and other women that share your same passions and values.

Previous ambassadors participated in many Oakley events, enjoyed Oakley products and participated in a fitness weekend sponsored by Oakley in Napa Valley, CA. I personally love blogging about my fitness journey and sharing my goals and successes on my blog. Becoming an Oakley ambassador would open more doors to the fitness world and be a dream come true for me. I love empowering other women and Oakley seems to be as passionate and driven as me in accomplishing that goal.

If you are a passionate, athletic woman who believes in your ability to "perform beautifully" and empower and inspire others to do the same then check out this contest, you won't regret entering. This truly in the chance of a lifetime and a chance to inspire others in ways you may have never been able to in your current position. Enjoy and good luck!

My Saturday Fun

This Saturday morning I was able to enjoy a delicious smoothie packed with health benefits. I came up with a delicious recipe that I will share with you. Not only is it healthy, but it also tastes great!

Power Smoothie

1 Banana
7 large frozen strawberries
1/4 cup frozen mangos
1/4 cup frozen blueberries
1/4 cup peaches
2 tablespoons flax seeds
2 tablespoons chia seeds
Handful of fresh spinach
1 cup orange juice
3/4 cup almond or soy milk

Blend together and enjoy! Serves about 4.

Chia Seed Granola Recipe

I've been obsessed with chia seeds lately so I thought I would share a delicious recipe involving these incredibly healthy seeds. Packed with Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids as well as protein and fiber, these little seeds are nutrition powerhouses. I have made it a habit to always add a tablespoon or two of chia seeds and flax seeds to my oatmeal and smoothies. Now I am attempting to add them to other recipes. The following granola recipe is delicious and packed with health benefits from the oats, chi seeds and cinnamon. Let me know what you think and enjoy!

Chia Seed Granola Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 c. old fashioned oats
• 4 tbsp. chia seeds
• 2 tbsp. shredded coconut
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
• 4 tbsp. honey
• 2 tbsp. olive oil

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees and spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray.
• Combine dry ingredients in a small bowl and stir.
• Slowing stir honey and olive oil into oat mixture until oats are well coated.
• Spread granola onto prepared cookie sheet and bake for approximately 15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Let cool until oats become crunchy and enjoy!

Friends Make all the Difference

I've had some friends recently that don't support all my endeavors, whether they be fitness related or other. So I've been reconsidering the circles I hang out in. I have come to the conclusion that you can't please everyone and you don't have to.

It is so important to pick friends that build you up and make your life better. Don't waste your time on people that bring you down. It just isn't worth the struggle, and if you are not happy there is no point in continuing the relationship.

When you are trying to improve your life or make your life better picking the right people to surround you is crucial to your success. A lot of times I hear people saying how unhappy they are or how much they wish others would care about them and their success. The reality is that you can't make someone support you. In a case like this you need to go out and find friends that share your goals, and will be excited to celebrate your successes with you.

The only way that you can truly succeed and reach all your dreams is to surround yourself with friends that care about you, believe in you and support you no matter what.