Work It Out

Let me preface this post with this: Yes, it's still me- the purple-obsessed, chevron-lover, design-enthusiast and chocoholic.  To my close friends and family who are reading this post...please hold your applause until the end ;)
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As of this past weekend, my roommates and I decided we were going to try this new thing called exercising and eating healthier.  In order to tone up and stay fit, we made a commitment that we are going to cook more healthy meals together, run at least once a week, and do a 10 minute abs video every night before bed.  If you know me at all, you know that I despise running and most forms of exercise.  There's something about a gym that bores me. My mom took me one time and I did the bike, elliptical, and weights and was donezo after 30 minutes! Booorrring. That marked the last time mom let me come with her to the gym. 


Over the past couple of years, though, I've discovered I love hiking and walks outdoors. My mom and I will do those at least once a week when I'm home in the summer.  I have also acquired a love for hot yoga this past year! It's a great workout/muscle builder and something I really enjoy, however, it is very pricey {not to mention you sweat so much, I unexpectedly  lost a little too much weight to be doing on a weekly basis}.   So, we decided that a short jog once or twice a week will be a great replacement.  


Only problem? I. hate. running.
And I get headaches when I run, which could be because A. I have poor breathing techniques or B. My brain is trying to find a reason to quit. Most likely option B.
But, my roommates are great because they push me to keep going. And yesterday on our run I only got 3 side cramps.
It can only go up from here, people! 


I was a good blogger and brought my iPhone to capture my first run in ages. My roommates are learning that even the littlest things get intagrammed now :)

 

this would be before the run.

stunning view and some serious sunshine always helps!

couldn't resist having a little fun with our shadows!

Want to know what we cooked as our healthy meal last night? Here's the recipe!


Heat oven to 350. Throw together an assortment of vegetables {red and yellow peppers, zucchini, broccoli, red or white onions} with some sun dried tomatoes and drizzle olive oil over the top.  Bake vegetables for 20-25 minutes.


Cook pasta {I love gluten free pasta with this dish!} and combine vegetables and pasta in one bowl. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the pasta and veggies and serve! Top the pasta dish off with some parmesan cheese if you wish!


***
So, today marks some very important things:
1. I exposed to the world wide web that I'm not a fan of exercising and probably embarrassed myself.
2. In doing so, I've allowed all of my bloggy friends who love to work out able to keep me accountable.
3. I've written my first post about exercising. 
4. I shared my first healthy recipe on the blog.
5. I've been online shopping for-- wait for it--- running shoes, because my shins hurt and I'm guessing it's because my shoes are 4 years old. Suggestions?!


So tell me, what's your key to a balanced and healthy lifestyle? What type of work out do you most enjoy?

Happy Tuesday!
Love,

PS. Don't forget to link up with me tomorrow for my She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not linky party! Can't wait to see what your picks for the week are!