I'm sorry....

I'm sorry I have been MIA as of late, Philosophers.  My life has been quite hectic recently and I haven't had much spare time.  I've also been healing from my neck going out on me, so no workouts either.  I do have some exciting things in the works for PhilosophyFit, though!  Stay tuned, I'll be back with new workouts and recipes VERY SOON!!

-Monica

The (Brutal) Warrior Dash Training Workout

Check out the Warrior Dash:

Hey there Philosophers!

A friend of mine is going to do the Warrior Dash (http://www.warriordash.com/)  in a couple of weeks (I missed the registration deadline *tear*) so I put together a training workout specifically to get ready for this crazy race!  The race is one obstacle course after another.  There is running, jumping over fire, crawling and climbing over nets and walls, crawling under barbed wire through the mud, pushing your way through rubber jungles, and balancing on rickety beams.  Most people end the race with a few beers and shots, but you have to get to the end to earn your reward!

The routine I created will build incredible core and upper body strength and improve endurance, agility, and speed.  Every single muscle in your body will get worked in only 25 minutes.  I'm warning you, this workout is INTENSE, but the Warrior Dash will be a piece of cake after a few weeks of this routine.

The key to getting the most out of this workout is to keep your intensity up by working at your max effort.  You are going to want to quit.  Don't.  You can modify the moves to make them easier if you need to, but don't stop!  Remember, the more quickly you move from exercise to exercise, the more bad ass you are!

If any of you out there are competing in the Dash, or a race like it, let me know how you liked it and how you did.  I can't wait to crawl through the mud next year!

Work it, Philosophers.

Monica

PS Make sure to eat plenty of carbs before this workout (you'll need them).  Afterward, replenish your carbs and eat lean protein for your muscles.  Make sure you stretch before and after too!

The (Brutal) Warrior Dash

Training Workout

This workout is broken up into 4 segments for a total of 24.5 minutes.  You will need an interval timer, a jump rope, and a bar for pull ups.  The key to getting the most out of this workout is to keep up your intensity.

Part 1-Crawling and Running

Set your interval timer for 10 rounds of two 30 second intervals.  You will crawl for 30 seconds then immediately jump up and start running for 30 seconds. Repeat 10x.

Part 2-Pull Ups and Jump Rope

Set your interval timer for three rounds of 30 and 60 second intervals.  You will perform as many pull ups as you can for 30 seconds, then skip rope for 60 seconds.  Repeat 3x.

Part 3-Up & Down Planks and Jump Rope

Set your interval timer for six rounds of two 30 second intervals.  You will do as many up and down planks as you can for 30 seconds then jump up and immediately skip rope for 30 seconds.  Repeat 6x.

Part 4-Jump Tuck Burpee with Reptile Push Up

Set your interval timer as a stopwatch for 2 minutes.  Do as many burpee combos as you can in those 2 minutes.

How to Do the Exercises

Crawling

Get into a plank position on your forearms.  All of your weight should be on your forearms and toes.  Crawl forward, trying to keep your booty as low as possible.  If you need to modify the move, you can crawl on your forearms and knees, but try to stay on your toes for at least part of the routine.  This move rocks your core!

If this baby can crawl, so can you!

Pull Ups

Grip the pull up bar so that your palms are facing you and lift your body up so that your chin is above the bar.  You can hold it here for a second to really feel the burn.  Pull ups are an advanced exercise, so if you need to modify the exercise you can place one foot on the floor for assistance.

Up and Down Plank

Start in the plank position on your forearms.  Lift your body up, one arm at a time, so that your arms are straight, as if you were going to do a push up.  Now lower your body, one arm at a time, so that you are back on your forearms.  Repeat as quickly as possible.  If this move gets hard for you toward the end, you can modify it by lowering your knees to the ground.

Jump Tuck Burpee with Reptile Push Up

Stand up straight.  Lower your body into a squat and jump back into a push up position.  Do one reptile push up, bringing one knee to your elbow as you lower toward the ground.  Jump back up to standing position.  Now do one jump tuck, jumping as high as you can while simultaneously raising your knees toward your chest.  Repeat as quickly as possible.

My model went through quite the metamorphosis-lol

My Grocery List

This post is for those of you who are still trying to eat more nutritious foods as a part of your everyday life.  Nutrition is 80-90% a part of the equation when it comes to looking and feeling like a rockstar.  It took me about two years to fully change my diet for the better.  Now eating good-for-me foods is a natural part of my routine.  I don't even have to think about it.  Eating well is a habit.  This is how I know I will not be a yo-yo dieter, and I hope this is the route the rest of you go down too.

This is my actual grocery list that I put together without thinking I was going to post it, so you can get an idea of what eating a balanced, healthy diet looks like.  Obviously, I have more than this in my fridge and pantry--this is just what I ran out of this week.  Take a look...

Grocery List
F & V's
lettuce
tomatoes
baby carrots
corn on the cob
apples
bananas
onions
strawberries
blueberries
watermelon
peppers
frozen strawberries
veggie stir fry mixes (pre-packaged)
veggie medleys (pre-packaged)
apple sauce
apple juice
any other seasonal f & v's that look good

Protein
almonds
pecans
protein bars
eggs
chicken breasts
grilled chicken strips
ground beef
hamburger patties
Canadian bacon
Tillamook cheddar slices
feta cheese
yogurt cups
pint of vanilla yogurt

Grains
multi-grain bread
brown rice
whole wheat pitas
whole wheat thin hamburger buns
oats 'n dark chocolate granola bars

Other
salad dressing
Yoshida's Gourmet Sauce
coffee
stevia
ground flax seed
epsom salt
extra virgin olive oil

The Power of Your Thoughts

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.

Boldness has genius, power and magic in it."

-Goethe

Hi Philosophers,

I feel inspired today to write about the power of our thoughts and how they can transform our lives.  I read an emotional letter from someone who is 300 lbs. and wants to change their life but doesn't know how or where to start.  When I was thinking about the best advice I could offer them, I realized the best thing you can do to start the process of change, is to change the way you think.

Look around you.  What do you see?  A computer maybe?  Photos, coffee, a garden, bills, your pets.  Try to detach yourself as you observe the physical environment around you.  Do you realize that every single one of the physical items around you were first a thought in someone's mind?  There is nothing that didn't first start as a thought.  Before they existed, someone used their imagination to dream up a computer.  Someone thought of the design for the coffee mug I'm drinking out of.  I imagined a garden and planted it.  I had an idea for an adventure and took a picture.  I dreamed of getting a puppy, and now have three dogs lying at my feet.  Everything in your world started in your mind, and if you can truly understand this concept, then you have the power to create the exact life that you want, and you will realize that ANYTHING is truly possible.

Human beings are creators.  We create art, build buildings, plant gardens, start businesses, have children, and write novels.  More of us need to get in touch with that creative part of ourselves, and it all starts in your imagination.

We marvel at children and how they imagine the most outlandish things, believing they are possible.  When did we stop believing in the impossible?  When did we stop using our imaginations?  When did we force ourselves to "grow up" and "live in reality"?

I want all of you to start day dreaming again.  I want you all to start imagining your dream life and BELIEVE it is actually possible to attain.  The only thing that holds you back from your dreams is yourself.  Imagine something you want, own it, take that thought, hold on to it, and think about it often.  What you focus on expands.  Take time everyday to visualize your life as you want it to be.  I think you will be surprised when the things you dream of start to appear in your life.

Here are some tips for controlling your thoughts:

1. Think with words that are positive instead of negative.  Eliminate the words don't, not and no from your mental vocabulary.  Instead of thinking, I don't want to be fat, ask yourself What do I want?  Re-phrase your thought to say, I want to be fit and healthy.  Do you feel how that changes your energy?  Instead of focusing on being fat, you're focusing on being fit and healthy.

2. Take time everyday to foster gratitude.  Feeling grateful will change your life.  You may very well heal depression without anti-depressants!  Even if you feel hopeless and want to give up, think of the things you DO have.  Do you have legs to walk?  Do you have food on your table?  A roof over your head?  A safe neighborhood to live in?  At least one person who truly loves you?  A job?  We take so much for granted, when so many other people live with so much less than we have.  If you are reading this, then you have access to a computer.  Be grateful for that too. 

3. Believe.  You must believe that your dreams are possible.  If you doubt yourself, then you are stopping your dreams from happening.  Some people call this faith.  You must believe and have faith that anything is possible.  Do you want to lose 100 lbs. but don't think you can do it?  Instead of focusing on your doubtful thoughts and all the reasons you can't, think of all the other people in the world who have lost 100 lbs.  If they could do it, then why in the hell can't you?

4. Visualize.  Think about your dreams often.  Think about them in vivid detail.  Imagine how your dreams becoming a reality will look and feel.  Try to picture yourself in your new life.  You can even create a vision board if it will help.  For me, it helps to write out my dreams.  You might notice me staring off into space sometimes.  That's because I'm dreaming.

5. Surround yourself with positive, feel-good energy.  This can be the most difficult step to take, because oftentimes, the negative energy in our lives come from the people we love.  We all have a few Negative Nancy's who bring us down and make us feel bad.  Maybe you have a friend who is always dumping their problems on you.  Maybe you have a friend who cuts you down with snide comments.  Maybe you have someone in your life who beats you with their words or their fists.  These people are viruses and they bring sickness into your life.  Even so, it can be hard to cut these people loose because you might feel guilty about mistreating a friend yourself.  What you have to know in your heart, though, is that once they don't have you to mistreat, they will find someone else.  If you aren't there to hear their constant drama or their gossip, they will find someone else to talk to.  And if, God forbid, you have abusive relationships, they will find someone else to hurt.  It doesn't have to be you.  Find positive people to bring into your life.  Watch positive movies.  Read positive books.  Start day dreaming about positive and happy people entering your life and I promise you, they will start to show up.  You're only job is to lift them up too.

I pray that you all take my words to heart.  Your thoughts have a profound effect on your world.  Whatever you want, you CAN have.  Your world is a manifestation of what you think about.  What you focus on expands.  It all starts with YOU.  Control your thoughts and control your universe.

Take care of yourself, Philosophers.

Monica



Hi from the trail!

I went on a hike with Lola and Loki today and just wanted to say hi to all my Philosophers!  I hope you all managed to get out on this beautiful weekend and have some fun!

Check out this cool new Bodyrock workout!

I did the newest Bodyrock.tv workout today and it had the coolest new exercises.  I love trying moves I've never done before.  It's a fun challenge to get your body used to a new movement and then to master it!  Check out the video below and the site for a workout breakdown, then let me know you did!

My scores:

Reptile Toe Touch Push Up: 12, 10

Weighted Side Lunge Knee Up (with 2 10 lb dumbbells on my shoulder): R-19, 15  L-15, 15

Crab Fighter: R-10, 9  L-10, 12

Squat (with a 10 lb dumbbell on each shoulder): 16, 14

.

Kick Off Weight Loss with a Cleanse

This is the cleanse I have used for the past few years

and I'm very happy with my results.  There are many cleansing

products for you to choose from on the market, however. 

In truth, you don't even need a commercial cleanse. 

It is possible to cleanse with a juice fast also.

Hi Philosophers!

I know I have been MIA for over a week now, but I'm back!  I have been ridiculously busy with work and have barely had a free second for anything.  I was finally able to get a massage today (I have to get them or else my back will erupt in fiery spasms of pain) and my therapist's exact words to me, as his elbow was jammed inbetween my shoulder blades, were, "What did you do to yourself this week?!  You're like a rock!"  Stress will wear your body down one way or another.

In that vein, I have been thinking about starting a cleanse for this past week, and finally decided I will be starting tomorrow.  With all of those nasty little stress toxins running rampant in my body, now is the perfect time for me to do this.  Cleansing is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your body.  It is recommended that you cleanse for 3 days each month and for 1-2 weeks per year.  Think of your body like a car.  You need to get a regular oil change to clean out those pipes or else the insides of your car would be packed with sludge and wouldn't run as well.  Your body is the same way.  All kinds of sludge accumulates in your colon unless you clean it out.  Doing this can prevent colon cancer, helps your body uptake vital nutrients, increases your energy, clears up your skin, and gets all of your organs working more efficiently.  As an added bonus, a more efficient digestive system will make it easier for you to lose unwanted pounds!

It is important to remember that you are probably not going to feel very good during the cleansing process.  Expect to feel tired and a little worn down.  This is because toxins are being purged from your body.  Make sure to drink a lot of water during your cleanse.  Another helpful tip is to pour about 2-3 cups of epsom salt into a bath and soak for 20 minutes.  The epsom salt will draw the toxins out of your body and help you feel a little better.  Whatever you do, just get through the week.  It may not feel very good while you're doing the cleanse, but you will feel so much better afterward, just like your car purrs like a kitten after an oil change.

My cleanse starts tomorrow.  This also means a re-commitment to clean eating.  It is very important to eat whole, natural, UNprocessed foods during a cleanse, or else you're just back pedaling.  I will be focusing on eating 4-6 times a day.  They will be smaller portions (since I'm eating more often) centered around protein and lots of vegetables.  Complex carbs like brown rice and whole grain pasta are perfect for giving me energy earlier in my day.  I will be going into more detail about diet soon, because in the next week or so I will be focusing on losing my last 10 lbs. so stay tuned...

Eat clean, Philosophers, and cleanse the nasties away!

Monica

Score for Short but Intense Time Challenge

Hi Philosophers!

Today, I have another quick workout for those of us short on time.  Even though yesterday's workout was a short one, my legs are pretty sore.  (Could have been that I was on my feet bartending all night after those frog jumps ;)...)  Today I'm doing another old workout: the Short but Intense Time Challenge.  I almost talked myself out of doing it until I saw my boyfriend working out this morning.  Nothing like a little competition to motivate me!  My old time was 7 min and 55 seconds....and today I completed the reps in 6 minutes and 42 seconds!  That is over a minute off of this short workout which is awesome!  Competing with yourself is a great motivator and it is so encouraging when you beat your old reps and times.  I'm a competitive person by nature (I was never well received around the Monopoly board as a kid) so this is one of the ways I push and motivate myself.  If competition gets your blood pumping too, then leave your times and reps in the comments section of the workouts and we can all compete with one another. 

Keep pushing yourself, Philosophers!
Monica

Jump Dip Push Scores

Hi Philosophers!

Today I did one of my old workouts: The Jump Dip Push Workout.  It was only 10 minutes long, but don't let that fool you.  You are going to get an amazing full body workout in.  I was sweating and breathing hard.  The key is to push yourself to your max intensity.  Don't cut yourself any slack.  It is only 10 minutes....just keep telling yourself that.  If you are short on time today, do this routine.  Every muscle in your body will get worked and I have to say that my arms are throbbing!

Here are my scores:
Frog Jump: 14, 11, 11, 14, 13
High Knees: 46, 52, 48, 45, 49
Tricep Dip: 5, 6, 4, 4, 5
Push Up: 8, 8, 8, 8, 7

No excuses, Philosophers!

Monica

Busy Week = Short Intense Workouts

Hi Philosophers!

Well, I have a big project I'm working on this week with my business, so my time will be even more limited than usual.  This is no excuse to skip workouts.  In fact, it is even more incentive to get my sweat on.  Exercise reduces stress and increases brain function.  In fact, studies have shown that exercise actually creates new brain cells in your hippocampus, the area of your brain responsible for learning.  So if you have studying to do or a new skill to learn, it is in your best interest to work out beforehand to prime your brain for action!  According to the study, exercising will create these new brain cells, but it is up to you to use them or not.  It is true what they say: Use it or lose it.  You have to "fire off" your new brain cells so they know what to do.  If you are not challenging your mind, they will die off, but if you are using your brain, then these brain cells will "spark" into action and be given a job to do.  

Armed with this information, you can be unstoppable, whether you are in high school, college or trying to advance your career.  Even learning a new hobby or activity will put all of your new brain cells to good use. 

I've been reading Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, which is where I read about the study.  It also addresses how exercise can help you with stress, anxiety, addiction, depression and aging.  Not only is it fascinating but highly motivational.  You are going to have a hard time not working out after reading a few pages from this book.  I hope you pick it up!  I'll put a link at the bottom of this page that will take you to Amazon if you're interested...

Today, I'm going to do the Legs and Glutes Burnout routine which is only 8 minutes long.  No excuses!  Take a look at the Workout Schedule for the week to see which other short workouts you can do during your busiest weeks.

Until next time, stay strong, stay motivated, and no excuses!

Monica

Legs Made for Miniskirts Workout

Hi Philosophers!

Well, my internet is back up and running and I'm back with a new workout for you today!  This is a 20 minute routine that will blast your legs and glutes so you can rock that mini this summer!  There is nothing better than sculpted legs to show off. :)  The Tabata Jump Rope segments will blast the fat covering up those beautiful muscles as well as tone your legs even more! 

Enjoy your workout and I'll be back tomorrow with another one!

Monica

Legs Made for Miniskirts Workout

Circuit #1

Set your Gymboss Interval Timer for 6 rounds of 10 and 50 second intervals.  Rest for 10 seconds and work at your max for 50 seconds.

1. Deadlift with Dumbbells

2. Marching Hip Raise

3. Crossover Lunge and Leg Raise with Dumbbell (Each side for 25 seconds)

Tabata Jump Rope

Set your Gymboss Interval Timer for 8 rounds of 10 and 20 second intervals.  Rest for 10 seconds and skip rope for 20 seconds.

Circuit #2

Set your timer for 6 rounds of 10 and 50 second intervals.

1. Frog Jump with Dumbbells

2. One Leg Squat-Right Leg

3. One Leg Squat-Left Leg

Tabata Jump Rope

8 rounds of 10 and 20 second intervals

The Exercises

Deadlift with Dumbbells

Stand tall with dumbbells in your hand.  Heavier is better.  I will use 10 lbs. weights.  Keep your back flat, shoulders back, core tight and pelvis tucked under.  Resist as you hinge from the hips and lower your torso, keeping your back flat.  Resist as you come back to starting position and pop your hips out just a little at the top.  This is one rep.

Marching Hip Raise

Lie on your back in a bridge position.  Your knees should be bent with your weight on your heels.  Keep your body in a straight line from knees to shoulders and contract your abs and glutes.  Staying in this position, alternating raising your knees toward your chest as if you were marching.  Each knee raise is one rep.

Dumbbell Crossover Lunge

Stand tall with a dumbbell (I will use 5-10 lbs.) in your right hand and your left hand on your hip.  Step forward with your right foot into a diagonal lunge with your right foot landing on the outside of your lift hip.  As you push back up to starting position, raise your right arm and left leg so they are as parallel to the floor as is comfortable for you.  Return to standing position.  This is one rep.

Frog Jump with Dumbbells

Stand tall with a dumbbell in each hand.  (I will use 5-10 lbs.)  Lower into a deep squat and touch your weights to the floor.  Push up through your feet and jump as high as possible.  Return to standing position.  This is one rep.

One Legged Squat

Stand on one leg and extend your other leg out in front of you.  You may hold onto a wall or something else for support if you need to.  Stick your hips and glutes back as you lower down as far as is comfortable for you.  Keep your leg extended in front of you and don't extend your knees over your toes.  Go down as far as you can, and don't worry if you can't make it to the floor.  This is a HARD move, so just remember the more you do it, the lower you will be able to go.  Now push back up to starting position.  This is one rep.

Monica's Scores

Deadlift: 24, 25

Marching Hip Raise: 46, 46

Crossover Lunge: 7/7, 9/8

Frog Jump: 21, 16

One Leg Squat-Right: 7, 8

One Leg Squat-Left: 9, 9

Internet Down and Schedule Change

Hi Philosophers,

I just want to write you a quick note to let you know that my internet at home is down, which makes it difficult to update my blog.  I'm working on getting it back up and running and will try to get new posts up anyway! 

Also, I changed the workout schedule.  Instead of working out yesterday, I decided to go see some of my friends instead.  I've been working a lot and felt I deserved a little quality time with the bestie, so the new workout will be up tomorrow instead.

In the meantime, eat small portions of nourishing food and keep active....

See you tomorrow!

Monica

10 Minute Burpee Challenge

Hi Philosophers!

Today is my Plyo Day and for today's workout, I'm going to do Bodyrock.tv's May 30th Burpee Challenge!  Zuzana's burpee combo will hit your arms, shoulders, core, lower abs, glutes and legs.  This is an intense full body workout that will also melt fat!  I challenge you to do this workout with me and post your scores in the comments.

Can you beat me?

Monica

Monica's Score: 37 combo reps

Garlic Herb Chicken with Angel Hair Pasta

Hi Philosophers!

I have a few recipes to share with you this week.  I've been cooking a lot more lately, in an effort to save money and eat healthier.  Cooking is therapeutic for me.  It calms me and centers me, much in the same way that being out in nature or gardening does.  There is something about using your hands to create something... 

I have a few guidelines for myself when I'm planning my meals.  First, I love food, so it has to taste good.  A lot of my meals are "bad" meals turned healthy.  Italian is my favorite food, so this is essential.  Second, I use mainly high quality ingredients that are natural and come from the earth.  I do my best to avoid processed and packaged food, but sometimes I do use them as long as the ingredients are minimal and easy to pronounce (if you can pronounce it then it is less likely to be a man-made chemical).  Third, the easier and less expensive it is to make, the better.

Now, there is something you should know about the way I cook:  I make a lot of it up as I go along.  I've been cooking since I was a little one at my mom's side, and now I cook quite a bit for my boyfriend and I, so a lot of my cooking is intuitive.  I don't necessarily measure things.  I add as I go along.  I have an idea of where the meal is going, but I don't really know exactly how it will end up.  Sometimes I mess up and have an inedible dinner, but I usually learn something valuable with those experiences.  A lot of times, my boyfriend, Owen, will taste the food as I'm cooking and throw in a few ingredients of his own.  Some of my best dinners are collaborations between him and I, including this one.  And he is very honest, so if he has a smile on his face when he's eating, I can guarantee you're going to love the meal, too.  All of my recipes are Owen Approved!

This meal is absolutely delicious.  Three men ate this dinner and they were all silent as they stuffed their face.  That's how I know you are going to love it.  This is a simple and fresh meal.  Chicken is the main ingredient, but I also marinaded a filet of salmon.  You can use chicken or fish with this marinade.  This is the perfect meal to eat outside on a warm summer night.  In fact, throw the meat on the grill to make it even better!

Bon appetit, Philosophers!

Monica

Garlic Herb Chicken

with Angel Hair Pasta

Ingredients



4 or 5 Chicken Breasts (I threw a filet of salmon in there too)

1 Packet GrillMates Garlic, Herb & Wine

2-3 Cups Pinot Grigio

A Lot of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Multi-Grain Angel Hair Pasta

2 Tomatoes

12 Cloves of Garlic

1 1/2 C. Sliced Portabello Mushrooms

Italian Seasoning to Taste

Salt to Taste

Juice from 2 Slices of Lemon

How To

1. Defrost your chicken and/or fish.  Preheat your oven to broil.

2. Mix marinade according to package directions.

3. Place meat in a shallow dish and cover with marinade.  Set aside in fridge for about 30 minutes.

4. Boil a pot of water on the stove.  Add about a 1/2 T. of salt to the pot to season the noodles.  Once the water is boiling, add enough pasta to feed the number of people you are cooking for.  I find that a handful of angel hair that is the diameter of a half dollar will feed 2-3 people.  I made enough for 4 people (3 of whom are hungry men).

5.  Add twice this amount (I went back and made a second batch because it wasn't enough) of extra virgin olive oil to your pan on medium high heat.

6.  Add about 2 cups of pinot grigio to the pan (it will look like twice this amount).

7. Use a garlic press to add the garlic to the pan.

8. Add sliced mushrooms to the pan, stir and cover.  Stir about every other minute.

9. While the mushrooms sautee in the pan, check the consistency of the noodles as they are boiling.  I like my noodles slightly limp, but still firm.  I hate mushy noodles.  Drain them if they are ready.

10. Place your meat in a glass baking dish and cover with the remaining marinade.  My oven is not working quite right, so the time that I broil mine will be a little longer than you will broil yours.  I set the timer for 15 minutes and then keep checking back.  I want the meat to be blackened on top.  The olive oil in the marinade makes the meat nice and juicy.  If you take it out of the oven at the perfect time, your meat will be juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.  To die for amazing deliciousness.

11. While your meat is cooking, let's finish the pasta.  Return the angel hair pasta to the pot and add the mushrooms and their sauce to the noodles.

12. Dice the 2 tomatoes and add the fresh tomatoes to the pot.

13.  Now season the pasta to your tastes.  I added about 2 T. of Italion Seasoning, 2 more T. of extra virgin olive oil, about 2 tsp. of salt, and the juice from 2 slices of lemon.  I mixed it all together and had a party in my mouth when I tasted it.

And the finished product.....

My plate, with salmon and chicken, even though I only had room for the salmon and saved the chicken for later.  Soooooo good!

Owen's manly portion.

Hiking in Washington is One of My Favorite Things!

Our Trail

Hi Philosophers!

I have had an amazing couple of days!  The sun has been shining here in Washington (Thank God!) which means my workout schedule changed last week!  Saturday and Sunday turned into hiking days instead of workout days.  Hiking is one of my favorite things to do, especially here in Washington.  For those of you that have been here during our summer months, you know what I mean.  Washingtonians put up with nine months or rain for a reason: our summers are to die for.  Everywhere you turn, there are lush rain forests, salt water, fresh water, fishing, hiking, four-wheeling, boating and so much more.  I live on a peninsula, so beauty is no more than 5 minutes from my front door in any direction.  The air is the cleanest I've ever breathed, the temperature is a perfect 65-70 degrees, and greenery and water are everywhere.  I know I'm gushing, but I love living here.  And when the sun comes out, nothing compares. 

Loki and Marley enjoying a day at the park.

A big dog and a big tree.

On Saturday, I took two of my dogs, Loki and Marley, to a new park in the area and we walked the trails.  On Sunday, I hit up another trail with my dog, Lola, and good friend, Jesse.  We played in the woods for a good four hours!  We walked existing trails, blazed new trails, climbed trees, explored, and walked along the water.  I felt like a kid again.  Then when I got home, I went out on the quads with my neighbors.  We have great trails behind our neighborhood, so we were riding FAST through the brush.  I was almost thrown off once....oops...but managed to hold on tight.  Quads really work your inner thighs, core and arms.  Between all of the physical activity and fresh air I got yesterday, I'm feeling on top of the world!

Lola's very first swim! 

Now she loves the water!

So an important note about future workout schedules during the summer months:  I will be planning many more outdoor activities and workouts.  However, even in the summer months, our weather can be tempermental.  Experienced Washingtonians know that you should always carry sweatshirts (even on the warmest days), and that rain can come out of nowhere.  Locals don't carry umbrellas, though.  Those are for sissies and tourists. ;)   Don't be surprised, either, if I spontaneously decide to go hiking or do something outside instead of doing a planned workout.  You have to grab the great weather when it comes around here.  Even waiting a few hours can make a world of difference in my neck of the woods--rain turns into sunshine and sunshine turns into rain very quickly.

Me, climbing a fallen tree.  Lola followed me up there too!

I'm posting some of the pictures from my hikes this weekend.  I'll post more on PhilosophyFit's Facebook page.  You should be my friend. :)  I hope you all are enjoying YOUR summer, where ever you may be.  This is the time of year when our hard work pays off.  This is the time to get active and use all of those muscles we've been building.  Get outside in the fresh air and enjoy! 

Happy Memorial Day!
Monica

 A mini-waterfall we found.

The view as we are coming out of the forest to the cove. 

So lush and so green...

The beach, our reward after a long hike. :)