Got Snow? My NEW Favorite Way to CROSSTRAIN

So living in Maine, it's no shocker that we get snow storms. Lots of them. Frequently. It actually makes me laugh when there is a Nor'Easter or Blizzard coming to town and everyone freaks out.
You do know you live in Maine right?
This isn't South Carolina!!

Anyway, it's been a pretty calm winter here thus far and we got hammered with our first significant storm of the year this week. Over 2 feet of snow, howling winds and some drifts that are quite big. Some spots, the snow is overhead.

A couple weeks ago I ventured out to try something new--SNOWSHOEING.
I picked up a pair of Atlas running/race snowshoes last winter and only used them a few times, short little jaunts around my "home field" only. So when the opportunity arose to really go get out, I took it.

the view of "Indian in the Mountain" from the frozen pond

My first foray into the wooded mountains was spectacular! It was a bright, sunny day and sky was bright blue. I was in awe of just how pretty the Western Maine mountains were from my new perspective (vs. a ski lift or slope). I had an experienced Guide and we traversed through trails, blasted through the 3 feet of fallen snow to make our own, crossed a frozen pond and even jumped over a small brook. I had a blast and I could NOT wait to do it again.
I am pretty sure I had a smile on my face the entire time.

I was excited to try this again...and SOON!

Sunday rolled around and I had 10 mile run scheduled. Another sunny day and I was feeling a bit nostalgic for the fun I had in the mountains. So I rallied my training partner to hit the trails instead of the roads. I figured a good 5 mile snowshoe trek would be great cross training & a good way for me to get lost in the woods.

I forgot to wear my GPS and track my distance on my first "real" time out but I wouldn't forget it this time!

 We drove out to the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust and  hit up the trails I run in the summer. It all started out LOVELY...some running on the snowshoes, some trekking, some getting off the trails to make our own in the deep powder. The trails are very well marked and easy to follow. Once we got a few miles into the woods, the trails disappeared but there were some lone ski tracks to follow.

Now, I am open about being directionally challenged. And apparently I cannot add either.
What started out as a 5 mile adventure started to tick away the miles...and as I compared the map to what we had covered already, I was starting to see that we would be getting a bit more than 5 miles in...5 was 6, then 7, then 7.5...we finally got back to the trailhead a bit over 9 miles in.

The last couple miles were fatiguing for sure...especially considering we ran at the start for a bit...and we only brought 1 bottle of water with us.

That didn't matter. All I can say is, I got lost in the woods for 2.5 hours.
I pushed my body, which I always enjoy.
And it was a beautiful day. 
I was able to leave behind the stress of the week and simply enjoy the quiet of nature.
The beauty of the fallen snow.
The sun on my face. 

Maine Blueberry Cobbler Smoothie

I supplement with protein shakes frequently, most days daily-they are easy, tasty and deliver the macros I need without a lot of planning and cooking. Im busy, I like being able to put quality, organic protein into my body that has no garbage or fake stuff. Plus, they are economical. 

I personally use Isagenix IsaLean PRO, but you can use whatever protein powder you like. The Greens listed is also an supplement that I use daily (hello 9 servings of GREENS in one scoop...amazing!). I have tried other green supplements and honestly, hated the taste. The taste of these greens is very mild and mixes well with any flavor shake or smoothie, also mixes well with water just to drink. No strong "green" taste like I've had with other brands.

I am totally digging good fats lately and my 2 favs are avocados and coconut oils. 

I love creating new recipes and ways to enjoy shakes and smoothies. This is one I threw together today and it was a BIG thumbs up!! So I wanted to share...

Wild Maine Blueberry Cobbler Smoothie

10 oz water

6 ice cubes

1/2 a frozen banana, cut into chunks

1/2 cup frozen Wild Maine Blueberries*

1 TBSP Organic Coconut Oil

1 package Isagenix Isalean PRO Vanilla

(or a serving of your favorite Vanilla protein powder)

1 scoop Greens (optional)

Just a dash of quality cinnamon

A splash of Simply Organic Almond Extract

(no exact measurements on these last 2, sorry...it was literally a dash and splash)

Put into a blender and GO!!

I have tons of frozen blueberries from the summer, both WILD and conventional high bush berries...this just happens to be what I grabbed today. So why WILD blueberries?  

*Wild Maine Blueberries vs. Conventional Blueberries

wild Maine blueberries on the Left, conventional high bush on the right 

Learn more about wild blueberries here: http://www.wildblueberries.com/the-better-blueberry/faq/

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What's your favorite smoothie or shake recipe? 

What's your favorite blueberry recipe?

Thursday, 1/1/15

Happy New Year.



Today is the first day of 2015. Lots of people will make resolutions to do this or do that.
Get organized. 
Lose weight.
Get a new job. 
Something.



Lots will follow that plan for a few weeks...or even a few months. Most will fall off and go back to what they know. Some will be successful with what their goals. Others will build habits that last a lifetime and inspire others to do the same.

I have a secret to tell you. YOU DO NOT NEED A NEW YEAR TO DO DIFFERENT.
Guess what you need? A new moment. A new day. A new hour. A new week. That's all you need. You can decide to make a positive change in your life ANYTIME you choose.

This past year has been one of learning and growing. At times, confusion and hurt. Loss.
I felt lost a few times...only to find my way back to "normal" as I always do. I am a fighter. A warrior.

I look back on my early days of change (which happened in September, by the way...) and I am so proud of myself for sticking with it...and I know that a new year wasn't needed. only a new attitude.

And now that I face 2015 with honest eyes...I have to let go of things that do not serve me. Of things that do not bring me joy and embrace scary change. being uncomfortable. New starts and new relationships.

It's easy to get stuck in comfortable just for the sake of being comfortable but when you take a deep, hard look at things...are you truly happy. or just in statis? homeostasis and a very easy place to be.

It's hard to be vulnerable. OPEN. abject to being hurt.

and I guess that is where I want to put myself.

But putting myself in the way of "harm" will also bring me to absolute happiness. JOY. Pleasure.
Being...

So I open my heart to "what ifs" and the unknown. The mystery of what lies ahead and possibility of being hurt in the process.

So...live fearless. Don't be scared of what the unknown can bring. Embrace the new. Work on yourself daily. There is no rest for improvement.

Find those people that make your heart happy.
Your face smile.
You heart light up.

And when you do meet the person who makes your cells dance, you will be sure of it.

Fantastic :15