THURSDAY RUNAVATION

Today’s Runavation

“The finish line is just the beginning of a whole new race.”

-Unknown

THURSDAY RUNAVATION

Today’s Runavation

“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.”

-Jim Ryan

THURSDAY RUNAVATION

Today’s Runavation

“Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”

-Lou Holtz

BGR! Eats: Introduction to Juicing

Last year, I was introduced into the world of juicing when I decided to embark on Whole Living Magazine’s Whole Living Action Plan. This regimen included juices and smoothies, but it definitely got my juicing interests piqued. Then I met two ladies in Black Girls RUN! Hampton Roads who constantly talked about the wonderful world of juicing. It’s funny what a little good peer pressure will do to you. I immediately went to the nearest Bed, Bath and Beyond and bought my very first juicer, Jack LaLanne’s Power Juicer Express. I have to admit, the first couple of recipes I tried were absolutely horrible. I believe I even gagged a few times (way too many carrots), but here’s where my juicing friends would play a major role. But before we go there, first, what’s all the hoopla behind juicing?

Juicing, simply put, provides the body with nutrients is needs QUICK. Much faster than when you eat your fruits and veggies the traditional way. It’s the easiest way to get instant energy! Also, it gives your digestive system, including the stomach, intestines, pancreas, gallbladder and liver, a rest from all the junk we subject our bodies to. Not to mention, we Americans tend to butter and cook our veggies to death. With juicing you get the benefits of it being raw, thus getting all of the vitamin-rich goodness it has to offer. While some critics believe eating your fruits and veggies is just as beneficial as drinking, them, I have to say I’m a true believer and can always tell a difference when I juice. Interested in trying it? Here’s a very tasty and simple recipe I’ve been using. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, the simpler, the better.

Kapple Juice

4 apples (I prefer Fuji)

3-4 handfuls of kale

Directions: Wash apples and kale thoroughly. Juice apples and kale. Shake Well. Voila! Drink immediately. (The longer it sits, the greater chances of it oxidizing and loosing nutrients).

My fellow running buddies and juicers have opened up an entire new world to me and I’m completely obsessed. We share recipes through tips, trials and errors. This is just the beginning of my juicing experience, so be sure to check back often! In the meantime, check out these books:

The Big Book of Juices: More than 400 Natural Blends for Health and Vitality Every Day

The Everything Juicing Book

THURSDAY RUNAVATION

Today’s Runavation

“Motivation will almost always beat mere talent.”

-Norman R. Augustine

THURSDAY RUNAVATION

Today’s Runavation

“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”

-Mahatma Gandhi

THURSDAY RUNAVATION

Today’s Runavation

“If you don’t make mistakes, you’re not really trying.”

-Unknown

Guest Post: You Don’t Look Like a Runner: My First Half Marathon Experience

By Angel Taylor

It’s 2am and I’m woke…and not tired. Just anxious and nervous. Everything is moving in slow motion as I brush my teeth and wash my face. I slip on my marathon relay shirt I picked up from the Disney Marathon Expo the day before. I look in the mirror and tell myself “You don’t look like a runner.” But the shirt fits well and that brings me a little joy this early in the morning. I pull on my pants, socks and then shoes. I eat 2 mini bags of Craisins and a mini Cliff Bar. That’s all my stomach can handle this morning. I pin my race number on, put on my race belt stuffed with Shot Bloks and gel. I glance at the clock. It’s 1 minute until 3:00 am. I take two deep breaths, grab my room key, and head to the bus stop.
I’m scared. Really scared. Am I ready for this? Did I train enough for this? Could have I have lost more weight? I can’t even answer my own questions. I reach the bus stop and the bus transporting runners is waiting. As I board the bus, In the Air Tonight by Phil Collins is playing. How weird. Soon as I take my seat, the bus is in motion. A song by P!nk comes on. I’ve never heard it but it’s speaking to me…”You’re mean when you talk about yourself, you’re wrong. Change the voices in your head, make them like you instead”. I hear you P!nk. I hear you.

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THURSDAY RUNAVATION

Today’s Runavation

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

-Wayne Gretzky

BGR! Eats: Quinoa Salad with Toasted Almonds

Photo taken from WholeLiving.com

By Toni Carey (@toni_carey and @blackgirlsrun)

Quinoa has become one of my new favorite foods. Considered a “complete protein” it’s a great addition to my vegetarian diet. But THE best thing about quinoa is how versatile it is. It can be eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner and can be substituted in recipes for rice, couscous, millet, barley, or any other grain. (However, while it’s used like a grain, for your information, it’s actually a seed.) Not to mention it’s very filling, so if you are trying to cut back on calories, it will fill your belly quickly. And last, but not least, it has detoxifying properties and can help relieve constipation or bloating (Maybe “Aunt Flow” isn’t that powerful after all! POW! )

Quinoa is easy to find at most grocery stores, so you don’t have to worry about visiting a specialty market. I came across this delicious recipe in Whole Living magazine and couldn’t resist sharing. I’ve made it a dozen times and I never get tired of it. It’s light, easy and tasty, not to mention packed with protein, great for fueling up for your run or workout.

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