Morning Workout and Lentils for Breakfast

I have been trying to wake up early these days and get in a workout first thing in the morning so that my evenings are freed up. Easier said than done, right?  Well, today I managed to wake up at 5:30 am feeling well rested and ready to go (score!), but then I realized my iPhone, which I use for music at the gym, was on 5% battery (big fail).

Not to be deterred, I plugged it in for an hour while looking up some circuit workout inspiration online. I was out the door my 6:30 and completed the following workout:

Treadmill HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training):
2 minute warm up (7.5 incline, 4.2 speed)
5 minute run (1.0 incline, 6.8 speed)
1 minute uphill run (3.5 incline, 7.5 speed)
1 minute sprint (1.0 incline, 8.0 speed)
3 minute run (1.0 incline, 6.2 speed)
1 minute uphill run (3.5 incline, 7.5 speed)
1 minute sprint (1.0 incline, 8.0 speed)
1 minute cool down (1.0 incline, 3.5 speed)

Those 8.0 sprints were no joke! I was gasping for breath at the end. I let myself have that one minute cool down on the treadmill, chugged some water, and then made my way over to the mat for two sets of circuit intervals:

Circuit One (I did each move for 30 seconds, then took a 10 second break before moving on to the next move. Repeat 4 times):

Tricep Dips
Plank
Spiderman Plank

Circuit Two (Repeat 3x)
Alternating Lunges (with 2 10lb dumbells) x16
Reverse Crunch with butt lift x15
Stability Ball Ab Tuck x15

I finished off my workout with 5 minutes on the stair climber at a resistance of 13 to get my legs feeling like jello!

By the time I came home I was starving, so I made myself a breakfast I have been really into lately. It combines lots of protein, greens, and a little good fat. It also features: LENTILS!

These Trader Joe's ready-to-eat Steamed Lentils are the best!

Lentil's for breakfast? I know it sounds weird, but I assure you its genius!

First, I take three egg whites, throw in some chopped basil, and make an omelet. Meanwhile I heat up about 1/4 cup  of the lentils and when out of the microwave add in 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes, 1/2 cup spinach, and some green onion. I drizzle (less than 1 tsp) that all with a little EVOO and a few drops of balsamic vinegar, then place the "omelet" on top.

This breakfast may sound strange, but it is truly so delicious and filling and keeps me full until my late lunch time!

Enjoy your day!

I could be headed your way....

Here are a few places I am headed in the next few months of 2010(more details to follow!):

October: Washington, DC and Cleveland, Ohio
November: New York City and Pittsburgh, PA
December: Atlantic City/Cherry Hill/Coastal Southern NJ and Columbus, OH

The beginning of a new adventure

I just started a new job at the beginning of August. It is a dream job for me. Each month, I must travel for two weeks to locations all across the US (and sometimes Canada!) for work. I basically get to determine where I go, and when.

I work for a few hours each day, meeting strangers who are connected to my employeer, and then the rest of the day is mine. I can do just about whatever I want. See a play, try a new restaurant, go for long walks, whatever strikes my fancy. It is the most freeing feeling in the world, knowing that I can be a weekday wanderlust - exploring our world and the variety of people and places in it.

First stop: Washington, DC ....