Fit Fashion Friday: Fancy Hats & Fitness

Happy Derby Weekend All!

I will be honest in saying I've never paid any attention to horse races until last year. Even now, by paying attention, I really mean; I have a clue on when they are and that they involve drinking cocktails, gambling and my favorite - fancy hats!

As far as gambling goes: I tried it last year at Preakness in Baltimore, lost $2.00 and was all set. It is a big part of the "thrill of the sport" for those that are into it. The whole ordeal is a spectacle, there are people from ALL walks of life who do the races up from one extreme to another. From cut off's and corn dogs in the infield (where we were), to fancy hats and hors d'oeuvres in the suites (where we were dressed for). It's quite a culture!

The horses are beautiful, with awesome names and the Jockey's are pretty amazing too. There had to be a distinct connection and trust between the two of them to do what they do, and I think how that works is really cool. 

This weekend kicks off the Triple Crown, which is basically the 3 big horse races; Kentucky Derby, Preakness & The Belmont. That is 3 events you can go to, watch and participate in festivities for while wearing a fancy, floppy hat. 

Per my recommendation, please do so!

Especially do so for me, since I am in crunch time training mode for my half marathon, which happens to be on the same day as The Preakness this year. Oh, and during Derby Day tomorrow, I will be lifting and doing a hill workout. OYE.

The Triple Crown is not a total bust for me though, thanks to my favorite Yoga spot/ Activewear line. Zweetsport is hosting a "Let's Get Down & Derby" event tonight with specials on yoga packages, clothing and it is rumored that I will get to have my first mint julep! I'm excited.

How are you kicking off the Triple Crown! Show me your fancy hats & fitness fun!

I am about an hour to my first mint julep and exactly 16 days til my first half marathon! Much to do on this #FitFashionFriday !

It Tastes Like a Milkshake

And I'm sold. It's the inner fat kid in me.

Something that is clean and healthy but tastes like something we usually have to save for our "cheat days" is the best thing ever. Finding gems like these remind us that it really isn't "that hard" to do this whole living and eating well thing.

Good news, I found another one! 

This recipe for a Green Vanilla Almond Post Workout Shake from Shape.com, claimed to taste just like vanilla milkshake. So I decided it would be appropriate to try for breakfast, naturally. 

I modified the recipe due to the fact that I wasn't having it after a workout and I didn't have some of the ingredients. My version turned out DELICIOUS, so I can only imagine how tasty the original is.

(I am a big advocate for subbing out or trying different ingredients in clean recipes. Don't discount a recipe because it has something in it you don't like or have immediately accessible. Sub it out, change up the recipe a bit and get creative. You'd be surprised what you can make work! Thats 50% the fun of clean eating...you know what the other 50% is right? - EATING!!)

Here is my version:

• 1 cup of Vanilla or Original Almond Milk (Sweetened/Unsweetened=your preference)
• 1 banana
• 2 Tbsp. of almond butter
• 1 Tsp. of vanilla extract.
• 2 cups of baby spinach
• Add a scoop of protein powder if after workout
• 2-3 Ice Cubes

Blend, enjoy and be ready to be full for awhile!

The key to living a successful life...

Someone to whom I looked up to, in whom I believed in, and for whom I had a great deal of respect  once told a defeated team about the key to living a successful life: associations.

Most of us would hear that and immediately think of, "It's all about who you know," networking and strictly career things. The relationships you form throughout your professional career can and usually do determine its course, but this advice went deeper than that. A successful career, while  certainly a contributing factor, does not equate to a successful life. This role model of mine, who had huge career success himself, gave significant weight to those relationships out of the professional sphere.  He deemed the most important association to be the person with whom you fall in love and share your life.

Recently, I have been continuously inspired by those people with whom I'm associated. Some I am closer to than others, but overall I keep finding myself impressed with an endeavor someone I know is taking on. This got me thinking back to the advice above and how I am living proof of it - how I know many people who are also living proof of it. 

I thought back to the times throughout my 24.5-year life where I felt successful, and the times I did not. Even when I knew I was not doing  so well as I wanted in my career, relationships, health, etc., I did a pretty good job of convincing myself I was happy, simply because there has never been a time in my life where I've had the bad outweigh the good, and for that I am grateful. That being said, the direct correlation between the better than good, and not so good times and the relationships in which I was involved at the time is pretty spot on.

Whether it was someone I was dating, friends with, or someone I merely worked with – his or her negativity, insecurities or overall complacency with mediocrity, brought me down. At the time I was both conscious and unconscious of this effect certain people were having on me.

I'm not sure of the exact sequence of events that has brought me to where I am now - to where I am honestly impressed and overwhelmed by the motivation of and from my associations. I'm sure that, along the line, cutting ties with some people, simple distance from others and growing closer to different people have played roles. Additionally, some of my own jolts may have helped me change my perspective on the value of my relationships and associations.  

Being surrounded by, and allowing myself to be inspired by, the individuals around me makes me feel extremely grateful. It drives me and the positive impact is has made in my life has been HUGE. 

I used to hear of someone doing something like running a marathon, getting into a challenging program or position or inventing something new and say, "That's crazy." I'd even say/think, "You're going to have no life," and I'm pretty mad at myself that I did. My reaction now to hearing things like this is different: "Wow! What made you want to do that? Good for you!" I never meant to be cynical or doubtful toward others’ "crazy" feats, but being completely open and intrigued by them makes a world of difference in your perspective on the feats in yours.

Associate yourself with people who blow your mind with their goals and accomplishments: mental, physical, career, personal and life endeavors. Let those associations drive you to think of things you can and want to do that might just be a little "crazy." For some of us that can be as small as a 5k or as big as a backpacking trip around the world. Embrace your own challenges as well as other people’s, and associate yourself with those who support and embrace yours. 

I believe in doing everything we can to make our own lives "successful." Our associations are the most important part, and we are blessed enough to control them, and reap the benefits of doing so. 

For just some of my associations, check my INSPIRED BY page on here.