I went out for a quick and relaxing run first thing this morning. When I first decided that I wanted to run a half marathon race, I joined a running group to train and learn good running form. I learned the ways of Chi Running. My coach told us once that “effortless running is when you run like you have nowhere to go”.
Just you and the open road.
What does that mean? It took me a few times to really understand what it meant. For me, effortless running is jogging at a steady easy pace, my stride becomes rhythmic and my heart rate is consistent. My hips are loose, my feet are landing mid-strike, my elbows are swinging at 90 degrees, pelvis up and chin up.
Today’s run was a fun run, meaning I didn’t have my heart rate monitor or my Garmin to track my pace. I ran without a purpose. I ran like I had nowhere to go. I just went out there, walk if I feel like it, jog when I feel like it or sprint if I really wanted to.
Some pictures from my run:
It was already warm by the time the sun was up. I was wearing a Lululemon tank top with sweat wicking fabric, but it sure didn’t look like it was working. I was drenched in sweat by the time I got back.
A cold protein shake was needed after a hot run. In the shake included Jay Robb’s Strawberry Whey Protein Powder, 1 whole frozen banana, ice and almond milk.
I like this flavor, you can’t taste the protein powder at all. Once I’ve blended all the ingredients, the drink tasted more of an ice cream malt instead of a protein shake. I inhaled the drink but afterwards, I thought it could use less sweetener for my taste.
If you want to take advantage of the 15% discount that Jay Robb provided when they sent me samples, you have until October 13th to use it.
Also for breakfast, I had oats in a jar. I’ve been waiting to use this almost empty jar of Artisana Coconut Butter and fill it up with oats so I can scrape off every bit of coconut butter left.
In the jar went 1/2 serving of oats, pumpkin puree and fresh blueberries.
This was a delicious combo, but then anything taste good with coconut butter in my opinion.
Lunch was a huge bowl of Asian Chicken Salad.
Colors, colors everywhere. I’m happy when I see colors in my food 🙂
I came home late because traffic was really bad. Is it the heat that makes people impatient on the road? I mean I saw few accidents last night, more accidents this morning and about 3 car crashes on my way home tonight.
My sister cooked a curry dish for dinner tonight. I didn’t have any pictures because we were too busy chatting and hurrying dinner so we can watch the show GLEE.
I have not watched TV for much of the year, but I have been anticipating this episode of GLEE so I postponed my studying for an hour later so I can enjoy the show.
On a side note, I got an email from Foodbuzz early this morning that the Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake made it in Today’s Top 9 ( out of 3,139 posts). Woohoo!! Thanks for all the support and comments. Thank you to my friends who are silent supporters on this blog who sends me inspiring messages thru texts, emails and Facebook.
Healthy Coconut 
Wait, you went running today? Don’t you live in So Cal? For some reason I thought you did… It’s SO HOT right now!
Delicious looking salad! It looks so refreshing.
Hi Roxan,
Yes, I live in SoCal. I ran at 6am so it wasn’t too hot but hotter than most days. There’s a route by my house where I can run under a shade for a few miles so it wasn’t bad at all and it was comfortable.
~ Lea
It was terribly hot yesterday and I live in Northern New York! The photos from your run look amazing. I’m in need of some new protein powder so I might have to give that a try. 🙂
It’s beautiful here right now. 65 and clear skies! The leaves are starting to change too.
I’m hooked on True Blood right now. I haven’t even watched the show I have on the DVR. We have season’s 1 and 2.
Effortless running used to sound like an oxymoron to me. It used to be such a challenge to even run a mile. But after training this summer, 10k is a breeze. I haven’t run in a long time, so it could be an ozymoron again. But I know it’s possible to get in shape and it’s something anyone can do! You just need patience and perseverance.
Anyway, that’s just my two cents! I love Asian salads. I always buy the Asian salad mixes at the grocery store. So tasty!!
I would love to learn how to do Chi running, how cool!
I have that Lululemon tank, I love it! But with this heat, I’d be covered in sweat too. Even if I didn’t run!
Amanda,
There are books and instructional videos on YouTube about Chi Running. Check it out if you want. I ran my first half marathon painless and effortless using the Chi Running method.
The running group I joined is called SOLE runners (Seeking Out Life Experiences). I joined the one in Long Beach a few years ago but they have a group in L.A. too. You have an option to train on your own and they provide you guidance and running workshops or you can join the group on weekends for training and running with a coach.
I can’t believe you ran yesterday!? But hey, we have to the beat the challenges and reach some goals.
I like your Angels/Cali sticker!
It wasn’t too hot yet because I headed out for the run around 6am, it was warm running under the shade for a few miles so not bad at all.
I thought the sticker was cool too, that’s why I took a picture of it. It’s actually not mine, it’s from my neighbor’s car.
Holy moly girl! That rocks that you got so high up there. I am majorly impressed (and envious!). Yippee 🙂
Thanks Shanna 🙂 Your comment always bring a smile to my face. Holy Moly girl!!!
I can’t find any coconut butter here! I watched Glee last night too (loved the episode) – I have a lot of TV shows that I DVR but the newest one I discovered this season was The Event on NBC. I never thought I’d like it (reviews say it’s like Lost and 24 and I’ve never watched either) but the first two episodes are really good! I’m also going to start watching Boardwalk Empire on NBC regularly.
I’ve been seing lots of promo for The Event. I like LOST so I will check out this show. Thanks for the tip.
I posted today about my time in Boston last year 🙂
It really looks like your running route is just gorgeous! Loving all the flowers… my times outdoors continue to look gloomier and gloomier as winter approaches… 😦
And congrats about the foodbuzz thing! That’s exciting!
Thanks Amy. I didn’t think Chicago would be gloomy already, well not this soon. I’ll probably be back at the indoor gym when it starts getting cold next month.
Gosh – thank you so much for coming to my Blog and your amazing words – made my day 😉 (and that’s HARD to do, trust me 😦 ).
I love love love the name of your blog! And the writing of course! And, God, you are gorgeous. It is my dream to live in SoCal…sigh.
I read some parts of Chi Running before – very interesting…I wish I could run now…long story.
New shows?! Girl – you asked the right (or maybe the wrong 😉 ) person – as I love TV! …but usually reality – not the “sucky” reality though like ‘Flava Flav’ or something 😉 – but Survivor, Dancing With The Stars, …um, – oh have you watched “The Middle” with Patricia Heaton? It comes on Wednesday nights and is so funny. And I love The Big Bang Theory…okay, I’ll shut up now 😉
I’m glad I made an impact in your day and made you smile 🙂 Thanks for checking out my blog too.
Thanks for the compliment. And yes, SoCal is great and I realize more and more how lucky I am to have grown up here.
I actually started watching “The Middle” last season, same time I discovered “Modern Family” Both great shows and time slots.
That is seriously the best way to run I think – not worrying about distance, times, just enjoying. And the strawberry is my fave yum.
Heather, that’s true. I keep a reminder for myself to do more runs where I just go out there and do whatever. When I go on vacation, I do fun runs more often because I want to absorb everything in my surroundings, no music, no headphones…just run and enjoy the scenery.