Tuesday, September 23, 2014

ROADTRIP, IRONMAN AUGUSTA UPDATE, AND A CLEAN ENERGY CUBE RECIPE...

OK!

So OMGoodness we are 4 days away from the race we have been training for months. AHHHHHH! Nicole, Laura, and one of Laura's friend will be swinging on down to Mobile on Friday morning to pick me up for an epic road trip to Augusta GA! WooHoo! I'm so excited!I hope they have some epic jams ready because this girl is ready to sang!!!

Training has been on point, thank goodness! I had a great open water swim at the Connick Tri Complex with Coach Ali on Saturday. I am feeling a lot more comfortable in the open water. I was never actually scared of it but needed to really practice sighting so I am not all over the place. You never know how dependent you are on that black line at the bottom of a pool, till you don't have that anymore. After the training swim, we had a little fun too...
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Yeah I know you guys are jealous right?

Back to training, so this week I am just getting as much in until Thursday as I can. So, spin, weights, SWIM! SWIM! SWIM!
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Oh and maybe pack SOON?

I'm so jealous of my girl Nicole. She has list for everything. I am so not a list person, I wish I was, HELP!!! I am like oh if I forget something I'll just buy it! Bad thinking, I know! Like I said HELPPPPPPPPPP!

Anyways I wanted to give you guys the recipe for my energy cubes I have been chowing down on while training the past week. They are soooooo good!
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The best part about them is they are so delicious, you can't just eat just one. (And that's OK)!
Here are the yummy ingredients...
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2 cups oatmeal
1 8oz package of roasted almonds (you could use raw whatever you like)
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1 tbsp cinnamon
1/2 cup of honey ( I use Sweetser's Native, its local to me)
1/2 cup of ground flax (optional)
1/4 cup of chia seeds (optional)
1/4 cup of melted coconut oil (1/3 cup if you use the flax)

 First things first,you'll need to grind your almonds into butter... Place the almonds in your food processor and grind, grind, grind! After about 10 minutes or so it will process into smooth butter...
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Next add your oatmeal and coconut oil. Process till oatmeal is ground up and mixed well with almond butter. Next add all other ingredients, process until fully mixed.

I make them into cubes with my flexible ice trays, however you can make them into balls if you don't have any flexible ice trays. Keep refrigerated. ENJOY!
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These are sooooo easy to make and totally #kidapproved! SCORE!

I hope you guys had a great weekend! I cannot wait to keep you guys updated on Ironman Augusta this coming up weekend. If you would like to track #TEAMTAGYOURIT our bib number is 3456! EASY!

I leave you with a little fun we had on SUNDAY FUNDAY!
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ARE YOU TRAINING FOR ANYTHING BIG RIGHT NOW?
DO YOU HAVE A RECIPE YOU LOVE? 

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Ironman Augusta 70.3 Countdown, Things I am Freaking Out About, and an AMRAP Nutrition WINNER...

First of all, let me tell you guys who won my AMRAP bar giveaway then I'll let you in on a little Augusta Ironman swim training secret and I may be starting to get a little nervous...
First the awesome part. The winners of a box of AMRAP bars are...
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congratulations Lindsey, Dandi, and Smitha. Visit AMRAP Nutrition , pick a flavor and email me at [email protected] with your flavor choice and your shipping info and I will send it over to the awesome AMRAP people to have it shipped. EASY PEASY!

Thanks again SweatPink and AMRAP Nutrition for the awesome review and giveaway.

Ok so now to the freak out part...

So we are 11 days from the Augusta Ironman 70.3. Although I am pretty prepared for the swim, I am still a little nervous. Why? Here are a few reasons...

1. I have only done 1 open water swim in this training period and although it went OK and I didn't freak out or anything in the water, I still figures out that I had a LOT to work on.
 


2. The wetsuit! I had a wetsuit that got lifted at the gym by someone I guess that needed it more than I did.Yeah, I hate a thief, so I am going to pretend they NEEDED it more than me. SOOOOO, I put out a S.O.S. on the Augusta Ironman facebook page needing a suit cheap, and WOW the response was great. The awesome David came to my rescue and now I am the proud owner of a NeoSport NRG sleeveless wetsuit.

Yeah it is different then my ORCA suit. Mainly because it is a mens fit. It actually fits me better lengthwise. I don't feel like it is pulling my neck so much.
I had my first swim in the pool yesterday with this suit and it went well. It was just HOT! However you do swim better and faster in them, so I guess Ill take it:)

3. So THEN Sunday this happens...
Sunday, Sept. 14, 2014
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW) -- The Augusta Fire Department and Augusta Richmond County EMA has released a "Do Not Swim Order" for the Savannah River.
Officials said swimmers training for a triathlon entered an area of water on Sunday contaminated with an oil substance.
The Augusta Fire Department Water Rescue team was able to trace the substance from the mills area down to the Boathouse.
An inspector with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division has gotten samples from the river for testing, officials said.
At this time, officials said it is not clear what caused the oily substance or how long it has been in the river.
No one is allowed to swim or enter the Savannah River until further notice.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! yep 13 days out from a HUGE swim in this river, they close it. As of right now, its still not open. However the awesome "river people" are watching it closely and say the race will go on and we will swim. Thank goodness!

THENNNNNN as if that wasn't bad enough, this story comes out...

Monday, Sept. 15, 2014
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW) -- An Augusta firefighter is lucky to have his leg after an off-duty rescue leaves him with flesh-eating bacteria. 

Holy Moly! I wonder sometimes if things like this happen to events like an IRONMAN to test the will of the athletes. Or maybe give them a heart attack. Who knows!

4. Driving 6 hours by myself :( Yeah that's more in the this sucks category than the freak out category.

5. And last but not least, these creatures... 
 
 HAHAHAHAHA! Just kidding! I am not worried about the gators. With 2000+ people all jumping in the water for 2 straight hours will keep them away! They are more scared of us than we are of them. 

I am hoping that all of the nerves will lift once we actually get there and can check out the river and the race course. I hope you guys follow us as we venture into the world of the IRONMAN RELAY! 

Stay tuned for some of my favorite things about training for this race. 

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST WORRY BEFORE RACING?
   

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Homemade Energy Bar Recipe and a couple Pool Workouts...

If you have been reading my blog for a while than you know we are on the down slide to Ironman Augusta. I have been trying to really kill it in the pool the past week. Yesterday I did a really cool workout where I couldn't use he sides or bottom of the pool to turn or push off. It's a whole different workout when you don't have that to give you a push. I stopped about a foot from each wall and turned in the water and started swimming no push off or flip off. If you are training for a triathlon or just using the pool to stay healthy and in shape, you should try this workout...
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Today in the pool was a "fun day" LOL! 60 minutes of 75 yd Whatevers with a 20 second rest between each 75. Basically it was a choice on what I did each 75. I really took this time to practice sighting in lots of different ways. This workout was great to do today because there was a water Zumba class going on and she had some great music turned up really loud, so I was able to hear music while I trained in the water.
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Anyways I have been having some issues with nutrition during my swim. I have no problems doing fasting cardio on the bike or road, but something about swimming and fasting cardio doesn't mix. I'm not sure if its the lack of oxygen or what, but I have to eat right before I hit the pool or I feel like crap. So I made a batch of my date energy bars that I have been making for the kids and I.
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Super easy and soooooooo good. I thought I would share the recipe with you guys just in case you decide you want to make them...
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Ingredients...
16 oz whole pitted dates
3/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1/2 cup dried blueberries
1 1/2 cups peanuts
1 tbsp cinnamon
1/4 cup chia seeds (MammaChia are my favorites)
1 tbsp coconut oil

Place peanuts in food processor and process till finely chopped, place in bowl. Put blueberries and dates in food processor and mix until chopped. Add peanuts, cinnamon, coconut, and chia seeds to date mixture and process till well mixed. It will become almost a thick ball in the processor. Remove from processor and place on a piece of parchment paper. Place another piece of parchment paper on top and use your hands to press it flat like a pancake.
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After you have it flattened out to the thickness you want it, place it in the fridge for about 15 minutes. Remove from fridge and remove the top layer of parchment paper and use a pizza cutter to cut the size squares you like...
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Keep cut squares in an airtight container and ENJOY!!!

My kids LOVE these squares and I LOVE knowing whats in them.

I think this little boy LOVED his dinner compliments of Sizzlefish, LOL...
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I wanted to show you guys what I had for dinner the other night. My husband and I went to a local restaurant here in town called The Hungry Owl and they have a burger that is topped with jalapeno peanut butter, and OMG it is to die for...
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If your local you def need to check it out. If not, but chopped up jalapenos and peanut butter on your burger, you won't regret it! I hope you all have a Happy Hump Day!

Do you have a bar recipe? 
If so, I would love to see it.
Strangest hamburger topping, ok go!!!

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Sizzlefish Review, Recipe Ideas, and My First Open Water Swim...

AHHHHHHH! I cant believe #TEAMTAGYOURIT will be in Georgia for Ironman Augusta in less than 20 days, OMG! I had my first open water swim session on Saturday morning at the Connick Triathlon Center, which is a local triathletes personal property that he has turned into a Tri Center for local peeps. Its amazing!

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Coach Ali and I hit the water for a quick .6 mile swim. I really wanted to see how I would do in open water as far as breathing. Breathing was fine, but I was having problems with sighting:( I kept swimming to the right and not straight, so this week I will be practicing sighting at the pool. It was a great way to see what I need to work on before IMAugusta.
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One of the main things that I have heard from many triathletes in training is keeping your diet balanced is key to a great race. I have been making sure I eat a well balanced diet of protein, carbs, and fats. One of my favorite ways of getting protein in my diet is eating fish. Growing up on the Gulf Coast, fish was always a staple food in our diet. I remember eating fish at least twice a week growing up. As I have gotten older and now have my own family, I try to feed my kids fish twice a week. Its the perfect brain food for kids.

So when I was given the chance to review an awesome company called Sizzlefish, I jumped on it.
What is Sizzlefish?
 Sizzlefish is
-Pure, untreated Premium Quality fish
-Just the right size for each meal (4oz)
-Flash frozen and shipped directly to you
-A component of proper fueling (optimal nutrition)
-Part of your fitness program

Sizzlefish is perfectly portioned fish for easy, healthy meals, flash frozen and shipped directly to your door step. Yep that's right! Dinner is served!

I was super excited when my package arrived in the mail.
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Opening it was like Christmas morning. I couldn't wait to see what deliciousness was about to come out of this cooler. I was also curious as to how they kept the fish frozen while in transit. So I opened it and #boommmmmm...
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There was 7 different types of fish including:
Catfish
Haddock
Coho Salmon
Atlantic Salmon
Rainbow Trout
Sablefish
Atlantic Cod

Living on the Gulf Coast my whole life, I have eaten many types of fish including most of what was in this package. However I was then curious as to how "fresh" it would taste once cooked. So I made different dishes over the past few weeks. Here are some of them...

Pan seared Haddock over sauteed spinach topped with crispy turkey bacon...
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Atlantic Salmon grilled topped with feta cheese
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Baked Catfish with Cajun seasoning served with Cajun mayonnaise with chopped peanuts and a side of scalloped potatoes. (My 7 yr olds favorite) (Cajun Mayo: Mayo, Sriracha sauce, stirred)
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Grilled Rainbow Trout served with jalapeno hummus and lintel crackers from Mediterranean Snack Co.


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Pan Fried Coho Salmon in coconut oil served with a side of fig and strawberry jelly and broccoli.
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Steamed Atlantic Cod in a broccoli bowl topped with low sodium soy sauce.
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Grilled Sablefish topped with local honey (LOCALS: Sweetser's Native Honey, Grand Bay, AL Email: [email protected]) and unsweetened coconut flakes.
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The awesome people over at Sizzlefish also sent me a couple grilling planks. I had never used these before, but let me tell you they are amazing. They kept the fish nice and moist while they were on the grill.
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Sizzlefish is the perfect way to bring delicious fish to your families table. So how does it work?

Go to www.Sizzlefish.com and choose which seafood box your interested in. (I was sent the Omega-3 Protein Mix package.) Add it to your cart. Pay. Wait a couple days. Start cooking, ENJOY!

I hope you guys will check it out. I am super excited about ordering my next box.

What's your favorite fish to eat?
Do you eat a lot of fish?

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Swim Paddle Strength Workout...

Hope you guys had a great weekend. Just wanted to post my paddle workout from Fridays swim session.


See ya guys on Monday...

Thursday, September 4, 2014

AMRAP Nutrition 100%Paleo Nutrition Bar Review and GIVEAWAY!

I hit the pool this morning for a time trial for Augusta. When I first started training for the swim in May, I was at 48 minutes for the 1.2 miles. Today I was 36 minutes. #BOOMMMMMMM! I am loving swim training, I wish we had more swim races here. :( BOO!

So I had the chance to review the new AMRAP Nutrition bars through a SweatPink campaign.


Amrap Nutrition has come out with a 100% paleo, gluten free, Non-GMO, dairy free, preservative and artificial anything free, high fat to carb ratio protein bar. I was super excited to try these bars out mainly because I have been making my own nutrition bar at home because of all the junk they put in most bars.
A little about AMRAP bars...
AMRAP creates food that is 100% Paleo, gluten-free, GMO-free, dairy-free, and unprocessed. Raw whole foods, like almond chunks, are a top priority in our bars because we know from experience it is clean fuel that feeds our bodies’ daily activity the best. Our bars have an optimal research-based combination of good proteins and carbs for well-rounded athletes. Recommended for a meal supplement or replacement, and especially a pre or post-workout snack. 
AMRAP’s mission statement:
As Many Rounds As Possible (AMRAP) defines our philosophy. Through determination, intensity, and focus, we aim to inspire and empower our community to reach their full health and fitness potential. Join us and together we will change the world.
 
The mission statement alone was enough for me to want to try these bars. I was super excited about the 3 new flavors of the AMRAP bars: cashew & vanilla, almond & honey, and fig & cacao. I tried the fig and cacao first on the way to swim training...

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It was amazing. It gave me just enough energy to push through my long swim day. If your training for a race or just working out these bars are perfect for everyone. I sent the almond and honey with my 13 year old for cross country practice followed by football practice and he said it was perfect for him between practices. So they are #kidapproved also! Thats very important to me when picking a bar for my family.

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Here are the ingredients to each bar:
Fig and Cacao Ingredients: Dates, Egg-White Protein, Figs, Almond Butter, Almonds, Unsweetened Coconut, Cacao Nibs, Coconut Oil.
Cashew and Vanilla Ingredients: Cashews, Honey, Cashew Butter, Unsweetened Coconut, Egg-White Protein, Vanilla Extract, Sea Salt.
Almond and Honey Ingredients: Almonds, Honey, Unsweetened Coconut, Egg-White Protein, Sesame Seeds, Cinnamon, Sea Salt.

How amazing are those ingredients? I was super excited to know that I am putting real ingredients in my body and not a bunch of junk. 

Starting at 11am MST today AMRAP Nutrition will be offering for a limited time for the first 2500 customers to pre order a 12 count variety box of the new AMRAP bars for $45 they will also recieve $300 in carefully selected prizes, ebooks, and coupon codes. You can order at www.AMRAPNutrition.com. You can also register for VIP access for pre order at www.amrapbar.com.

Now for more awesome news. The great people at AMRAP Nutrition want not one but THREE of you guys to get the chance to try them out. Yep, its giveaway time...

Enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway
The giveaway will run from Sept 4th through midnight September 12th, 2014. GOOD LUCK!

Do you have a favorite protein bar?
What is your weekend plans? 
 ** Giveaway open to US & Canada residents.  Winners will be announced on the blog on September 13th, 2014.
I was given 3 bars for review from Fit Approach and AMRAP Nutrition and no other compensation was received. As always all opinions belong to me.