Sometimes I wonder how people keep up with these things and then I remember that it's their job to. I'm just here for fun. Hello! It's been a few weeks. No content from last week because of a few reasons (excuses): not much to showcase and not much running. If you remember from the last post, May is the month to focus on getting my bro on with lifting big weights and building muscle. I've been running 3x/week, two light, one long, and just slowly building up on those. I know I've mentioned it before but I'm going to say it again: strength training is important, people! I've made it such a priority this year and it's made a big difference in how I feel and how I perform. I'm currently on week 3 of Body Beast and while it's definitely kicking my arse, it's a good burn. Sidenote: it starts getting daylight around 5 am here. Check the metadata on the photo if you don't believe me. If you don't know how to do that, go read a book. Learning new things is fun.
Looks like the headlamp and Noxgear Tracer vest will be getting a break for a bit, at least until we're doing 4 am training runs before it gets to be as hot as the surface of the sun.
This week, I'm switching it up and talking about something we all seek: inspiration. I don't do many treadmill runs because, quite frankly, I hate them, but when I am on them, I need a good podcast or YouTube video to keep me going. The following are my favorite podcasts and YouTube personalities I like to listen to and watch. They aren't ranked in any particular order, by the way.
YouTube
Meg-freakin'-Squats aka Megan Gallagher. She is one of the first people on YouTube that I started watching pretty regularly because powerlifting is badass. She's super genuine and doesn't care about body image or anything related to it. While she will talk about specific diet needs, how to get enough protein, etc, she showcases lifting and technique such as how to do your first pull up. Her sense of humor is also pretty A+ if you ask me.
Not much to explain here except being inspired from cinematography alone. Billy Yang is a film-making superstar in the running world. From Lake Sonoma to Western States, it's just an eye-catching wonder to watch his work. With many famous runners, especially in the Ultra world, I definitely like watching his films for inspiration, especially before a race.
I don't even know what I would do without Adriene and her Yoga. I followed many of her practices before setting foot in an actual classroom because I was too scared to do so. She has so many specific moves for people with hip issues, tired legs, runners specifically, chair yoga, and so much more. She is definitely a go-to when I can't make it to class or I need a little extra zen in my life.
Podcasts
Marathon Training Academy: I feel like I should start this one with a disclaimer: you do NOT have to be a marathon runner to listen to this podcast! Trevor and Angie are a married couple who are both runners (surprise!) and have episodes from race recaps to how to perform better and even have some awesome interviews with authors and other athletes like Ryan Hall and Meb Keflezighi. Angie is currently on a quest to run in every state which has been really fun to follow along with.
Run Eat Repeat: If I'm being honest, which is going to happen anyway, I clicked on this podcast solely because of the name when I was on a hunt for something good to listen to. It proved to be awesome! Monica started up her RER journey by blogging her way through race training and weight loss. She also has a blog that goes along with her podcast channel so make sure to check that out as well. Some great recipes too! The link only features some of the earlier episodes but you can find her on either iTunes or Google Play.
No Meat Athlete: If you're new here, I'm a vegetarian! I discovered No Meat Athlete while searching for more information on how to transition to a more plant-based diet as an athlete. While they mostly follow a vegan diet, they do not discriminate against those of us who still dabble in the world of cheese and eggs. I've learned SO MUCH from these guys about food and fitness alike.
I could probably share a lot more but those are my core go-to people. Do you have a favorite podcast or youtube channel you go to for inspiration? Let me know in the comments and I'll check it out!
Alright, it's that time again: a new recipe! I'm so excited to announce that we finally got a tofu press! We had been talking about it for a while but holy hades, there are so many to choose from. We ended up going with the Tofuture and it works pretty great! Before, I was just doing the whole towel and cast iron pan method. While there isn't anything necessarily wrong with that, let's be honest, we like easier methods.
I didn't even wear that shirt on purpose for the photo, I swear. Anywho, back to the recipe. So, I've made a peanut sauce tofu before but this is just so totally different and way more yummy. Thanks to Reddit for this one. It was so easy, too. I think it took a total of maybe 30 minutes? Either way, if you like a Thai-flavor to your dish with some crispy added in, this is up your alley. If you've never had tofu because you think it looks disgusting, you should try this to change your mind. Plus, it's loaded with protein and you probably need a little more of that in your life.
Okay, folks, that's all she wrote for this week. Thanks for coming by! Stay tuned for Wednesday as we update the Wine of the Week!
