
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR FIRST 5K
You just finished training for your first 5 K. It’s race day! You’re excited and a bit nervous. What should you expect? Here is some guidance from an old runner about what to look for on race day.

PASTA WITH SAUSAGE, BROCCOLI & CHICKPEAS
Graded B+++. I used sweet sausage instead of spicy so Art downgraded from an A.

RUNNING & STRENGTH TRAINING
Most runners love running because it’s easy to put on some running shoes and just hit the street. Or running trail. Or treadmill. But what about running and strength training? Do you really need to lift weights to become a better runner? What about if you are training for a race?

CHILE CRISP CHICKEN CUTLETS
This was graded an 'A' from picky Art. I made it on a weeknight. Messy to prep but delicious!

WHY DO YOU RUN?
If you recently signed up for a 5k, you may or may not be entirely sure why you signed up for the race. Understanding why you chose to run can help motivate you on days you don’t want to and give you direction for your training. I challenge you to answer these questions honestly about why you are choosing to put yourself through this challenge. Get out a notebook or jot these answers down in your notes app to see why you’re really in the race!

THE FARRO SALAD
This Farro Salad recipe is originally from NYT Cooking. I've made this a few times now. It’s fairly quick and very yummy!

MENOPAUSE & EXERCISE
Most women will start to experience menopause between 45 and 55 years of age. It’s a normal part of ageing. But with that process comes change. Levels of the hormone estrogen begin to fall as the ovaries stop releasing eggs to get fertilized. Menstrual cycles or periods can become more irregular. The time from when that process begins and for a year after a woman’s final period happens is called ‘perimenopause.’ But how should you be exercising during this time?

HERB SKILLET CHICKEN WITH GREENS
I made this on a weeknight. Fairly quick and pretty tasty - a great recipe from NYT Cooking! In this easy skillet meal, seared boneless chicken thighs are nestled on a bed of herbs, browned whole garlic cloves and greens before the pan is popped into the oven to roast until golden.

FITNESS DURING PREGNANCY & POSTPARTUM
Inactivity during pregnancy is the norm in the US, with only 40% remaining active during pregnancy. Of those 40%, only 15-38% of pregnant women follow recommended physical activity guidelines. There are many reasons that women may choose or not able to be active during pregnancy, but let’s bust a couple of myths!

15 BEAN SOUP
This recipe came off the label from HamBeens, a company that makes packages of a variety of 15 beans for various soups and chilis. You can look up their other soup recipes online. Another 'A' recipe from the Art Flores rating system.

MASTERING THE BACK SQUAT: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn the basics of the back squat with Coach Leah 💪🏼 Are you looking to perfect your back squat technique? Look no further! In this guide, Trainer Leah demonstrates the proper form and technique to ensure a safe and effective back squat.

BRAISED CHICKEN THIGHS WITH SWEET POTATOES & DATES
Art gave me an A+ for this one tonight! It takes some time to cook, but it's well worth the wait.

WOMEN’S HEALTH
Women’s Health begins and ends with self-love. Self-love motivates us to do the things we need to do to stay healthy, no matter where we are in the journey of life, whether a young adult woman, a middle-aged woman, or an older adult woman. Check out this guest blog by Joan M. Mavrinac, MD, MPH for more on Women's Health!

LEMON SPAGHETTI WITH ROASTED ARTICHOKES
This recipe from NYT Cooking is a yummy lemon pasta with roasted artichokes. Nutritious and delicious!

WHAT IS CARDIO?
Unlock the secrets of cardiovascular exercise with our latest blog post! Explore the intricate connection between cardio and heart health as we delve into the physiological wonders behind it. Discover the science behind this essential energy pathway, where oxygenated blood becomes the driving force for a healthier, more active you. Dive into the details and empower your fitness journey with a deeper understanding of cardio's impact on your cardiovascular system.

RAINBOW BEEF
This recipe from NYT Cooking is a quick evening stir fry. Nutritious and delicious!

YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE – What Does It Mean?
When you go to your provider’s office, they often put a cuff around your arm to check your blood pressure. You’ll be told two numbers, like 120 over 80. So, what does that mean? Why should we care?

GRANDMA’S LIME GREEN JELLO SALAD
This lime green jello recipe brought back memories from the 70's! A great recipe to share with the young and young at heart!

PULSE – PART OF YOUR HEART JOURNEY
So, what exactly is your pulse, and why do we pay attention to it? Your pulse is a physical measure of your heart rate. Or how many times your heart beats in a minute. Why does it matter? Your heart rate can be a measure of your general cardiovascular health. If your heart is strong, it can pump out blood more efficiently. And your heart rate will often be slower at rest.

BLOND PUTTANESCA
I'm not one for anchovies, but this recipe was quite good! Try this Blond Puttanesca from NYT Cooking!