Good afternoon! I just went for a FABULOUS 7.0 mile Christmas Eve run!  It felt amazing.  It was definitely one of those runs during which I did NOT mind running at all! I felt like I could’ve run forever.

Before I left, I decided to have a little snack.  I tried these new Powerade Gel Blasts:

Six of the Chew Blasts have 130 calories.  I popped four in my mouth before leaving on my run.  They were pretty yummy, but I still prefer the more economical Gummy Bears!

As mentioned, my run was sooo relaxing.  I didn’t set out with a distance in mind, so I just ran until I felt like turning around. 🙂

Here are my statistics:

• Duration: 1 hour, 9 minutes (7.0 miles)
• Average Heart Rate: 167 bpm
• Maximum Heart Rate: 182 bpm
• Calories Burned: 603

When I got home, I refueled with a glass of skim milk + a scoop of ImmunPlex Protein Powder.  I love the simple ingredient list on this protein powder!

Afterwards, I dashed around the house like a crazy person, pulling together Future Husband and the dogs for the road trip to my in-law’s Christmas celebration.

When packing was done, I had a nice lunch.  I started off with vanilla yogurt and Grape Nuts.

And I also had a grilled cheese sammie and carrots.

I put some cucumber slices into the sammie for a little extra something something!

December Challenge – Making Abs Fun Again, Day 7

Whoa! I’ve been slacking on the December Challenge.  Sorry! But here’s a fun new ab exercise to try called The Twist (hahah, these photos are uber dorky).  Courtesy of Self Magazine.

• Lie faceup with legs lifted, knees bent, calves together and parallel to floor; rest broom between feet and knees, gripping bar with both hands.



• Maintain position as you lift shoulders and head off floor and twist torso to left (as shown).



• Then twist to the right, for one rep.



• I did 25 reps on each side.

I liked The Twist because holding the broom helped me keep my core centered and prevented my hips from flailing around!

To recap, here’s the December Challenge so far:

• Day 1: Planks
• Day 2: Table Leg Leg Lift
• Day 3: Captain’s Chair
• Day 4:  "V" Sit-Ups
• Day 5: Bicycle Crunches
• Day 6: X Obliques
• Day 7: The Twist

Have a wonderful day!