finally some fun in the snow!

(marking our territory with a big "Z")

Snowshoeing is one the fastest growing recreational winter activities in the world due to its accessiblity, affordablity and that fact that pretty much anyone who can walk can snowshoe.

I've been itching to go skiing this winter...an itch I still unfortunately haven't scratched, but considering our lack of snow this winter, I was glad to take advantage of the little bit of accumulation we did have by traipsing around in a pair of borrowed snowshoes this weekend.

We started out in my mom's backyard and headed down the block (i'm sure the neighbors got a kick out of us) to the park at the end of the street. There we walked the trails (which were unforunately partially shoveled, but we kept off to the side), climbed small rolling hills, and ventured into some rough terrain through the woods (yes I'm exaggerating, but it was still fun!)

We played for about an hour, and I was pretty wiped out afterwards! I wouldn't say that it was challenging per se, but it kept my heart rate up a bit, and the fresh air was certainly invigorating.

I definitely recommend trying it!

couch-to-5k ~ week 3

Due to studying for a chemistry exam, free tickets to the Red Wings game on Thursday night, and some old person back pain on Friday night, I didn't make my gym quota last week. Not even close...only made it in once. So, I'll share the week three training routine as scheduled, however I myself will be redoing Week 2.

1:00-5:00 Brisk Walk
5:00-6:30 (90 sec) - Jog
6:30-8:00 (90 sec) - Walk
8:00-11:00 (3 min) - Jog
11:00-14:00 (3 min) - Walk
14:00-15:30 (90 sec) - Jog
15:30-17:00 (90 sec) - Walk
17:00-20:00 (3 min) - Jog
20:00-23:00 (3 min) - Walk
23:00-28:00 - Cool Down

couch-to-5k ~ week 2

So Week 1 is over. I didn't struggle too much with the first three workouts, and for that reason, on Day 3 I added a little resistance by raising my incline from 0 to 2. It doesn't look like much, but I definitely noticed the difference.

Ok, time for Week 2!

This week will be rough for me, as I will be studying nightly for my first Chemistry exam. I won't have much extra gym time, so I'll be running (literally) in and out for my 3 days of training.

• Start with 5 minute brisk walk
• Alternate between 90 seconds of jogging, and 2 minutes of walking for 20 minutes (actually comes out to 21 minutes.)
• Cool down

1:00-5:00 - Brisk Walk
5:00-6:30 - Jog
6:30-8:30 - Walk
8:30-10:00 - Jog
10:00-12:00 - Walk
12:00-13:30 - Jog
13:30-15:30 - Walk
15:30-17:00 - Jog
17:00-19:00 - Walk
19:00-20:30 - Jog
20:30-22:30 - Walk
22:30-24:00 - Jog
24:00-26:00 - Walk
26:00-31:00 - Cool Down

couch-to-5k ~ week 1

Ok, time for week 1! (I love that February started on a Monday...it just gives a nice clean start to this program.)

I simply googled "Couch-to-5K" and clicked on the first hit. I have no previous experience with this site, but I'm just gonna "run" with it (har har.)

Week 1 is simple enough. The routine is the same each time, and you'll want to do it 3 times this week.

• Start with a 5 minute brisk walk
• Alternate between 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for 20 minutes, followed by a 5 minute cool down.

Don't want to concentrate while on the treadmill? Here's a detailed, minute-by-minute run down:

1:00-5:00 - Brisk Walk
5:00-6:oo - Jog (about 6mph to keep up with this training plan)
6:00-7:30 - Walk
7:30-8:30 Jog
8:30-10:00 - Walk
10:00-11:00 - Jog
11:00-12:30 - Walk
12:30-13:30 - Jog
13:30-15:00 - Walk
15:00-16:00 - Jog
16:00-17:30 - Walk
17:30-18:30 - Jog
18:30-20:00 - Walk
20:00-21:00 - Jog
21:00-22:30 - Walk
22:30-23:30 - Jog
23:30-25:00 - Walk
25:00-30:00 - Cool Down


I completed day one yesterday. I'm used to staying on the treadmill for an hour and could've easily kept walking, but decided to do this program as written. Since I wasn't feeling burned out or bored, I spent the next 20 minutes doing some strength training...triceps, shoulder presses, kettle bell squats, and some ab work.

I walked out of the gym feeling good...I know I could've pushed myself harder, but I was glad to get in some cardio as well as strength training (something I've been neglecting lately) and I knew I wouldn't be too sore to go back today.

running towards a goal

I've really neglected this blog recently, and for that reason alone I've decided to participate in the "Couch-to-5K" training program, blog about my progress, and invite any and all to join me.

Ok, I lied...this blog isn't really the reason I'm trying this out. Honestly, I'm having a hard time getting back into the swing of things at the gym. I'm not as motivated to visit, and when I do go I'm kind of lost. I know what I should be doing, but I lose interest quickly and end up just walking on the treadmill for 4 miles while watching Roseanne and Friends reruns. I know that 4 miles is better than nothing, and I feel good when I'm done, but I don't walk out feeling accomplished and energized and excited for my next visit.

I decided that I needed a goal to work toward; something that will motivate me to get into the gym 3 times a week and something of which I can track my progress. Maybe blogging about it will keep me more accountable? (Yes? Maybe?)

I will be posting at least weekly, so if anyone is interested in joining me, check back for updated weekly workouts.

recycling in the D

I have recently fallen in love with Eastern Market. It's no secret that it's a Detroit gem, but I feel the need to spread the love.

It all started with Styrofoam. Stupidly abundant, non-recyclable styrofoam. Or so I thought! (the non-recyclable part...it really is EVERYWHERE). I discovered earlier this year that styrofoam is indeed recyclable, however most waste management companies don't accept it because the post consumer product isn't worth much money so it isn't worth it to them to process it.

Recycle Here! is a phenomenal recycling program in Detroit. I won't go on about it...read about it here, but I will say that the best part (in my eyes) is the mobile recycling program. And that's where Eastern Market comes in. On the first Saturday of the month, the Recycle Here! truck is parked in the parking lot on the corner of Wilkins & Russell (by Chase bank). The logo on the truck is hard to miss.

I'm lucky enough to have curbside recycling pickup in my city, but because Oakland County doesn't recycle Styrofoam, I use the mobile facility at Eastern Market to responsibly dispose of it. I collect from work as well as from home and I am continuously amazed at how much I collect each month.

Ok, that's the theme-appropriate portion of my blog...the rest will be a small highlight of my solo trip to the market last weekend.

It was a beautiful, sunny Saturday and I just didn't want to be stuck in the house. I knew I'd have to rake up a yard full of leaves later that afternoon, so I decided to enjoy my morning at Eastern Market. It happened to be the first Saturday of the month, so I loaded up my car with the Styrofoam I had collected over the past several weeks. I parked near the truck and unloaded the goods first before heading down the block to where the action is.

I grabbed a coffee from the coffee cart, and strolled past the tables of produce and flowers. I didn't need to buy much that day, but took the opportunity to grab a fresh stalk (?) of brussels sprouts and a spaghetti squash (two of my favorite autumn veggies!) I also decided to buy a beautiful pot of mums to leave at my dad's grave during my visit later that afternoon. So I didn't walk away with an abundance of produce like I had a few weeks prior during my visit with Mom and Jason, but walking through the market alone without a shopping list was in itself very enjoyable and inspiring. I was able to really take in the beautiful colors, the rich aromas, and the energetic sounds of the crowd, and feel proud and excited to walk through the sheds with my peers and neighbors.

adding some fresh color to the fake flowers my Grandma planted (yea...I know...)

Gave a couple to my Dido (Grandpa) too.

My $10 bounty from a few weeks prior

(these veggies contributed to a pot of beef stew, two homemade pizzas, two omeletes, a pot of pasta and a crap load of roasted brussels spouts (split between 3 people.) )

bye bye summer

It's been almost a month since I've posted anything, so I'll start back with something light...a back to school assignment of sorts! I invite anyone who reads this to respond with their lists!

Autumn Favorites

Sweatpants and hoodies

Chilly nights

Pumpkin flavored everything

Clove and cinnamon

Winter squash

Thanksgiving Dinner

Changing leaves

Visits to the Cider Mill

Warm rainy days

Brussels Sprouts

Big pots of soup

Deep earth tones

Getting back into the yoga mood

Hot tea in the evening



Autumn not-so-favorites

Cold misty rainy days

Wanting to turn the furnace on even though I know it's too early

Boyfriend's cold house, especially his bathroom...brrrrrrrrr

Short days

Wet leaves stuck to the bottom of my shoe

Football (I wish I cared, but I don't)

Knowing that I'll be cold pretty much consistently for the next 7 months