HOW TO HYDRATE FOR THE SUMMER
It’s technically not summer yet, but it’s already been exceptionally hot, and temperatures are only expected to climb higher. With the intense heat comes an increased risk of dehydration and heat stroke. It's crucial to stay hydrated to keep your body functioning properly. In this blog post, we’ll cover why we sweat and share essential tips on how to stay hydrated during the hottest months of the year!
VEGAN CHICK’N CAESAR PASTA SALAD
A new lunch favorite in our household. A great way to sneak chickpeas and kale into your day! Art said I could have fooled him into thinking it wasn’t vegan. But if you’d rather swap for non-vegan alternatives, be our guest. This is a batch recipe that would last you 2 servings a day for a week - perfect if you have a roommate or partner. Otherwise, just halve the recipe!
CHOOSING A CAMPGROUND
The past couple of years have seen a boom in participation in outdoor activities. Among these, camping has grown in popularity. If you’re new to this experience and wanting to join the fun, here’s a quick 6 tip guide to researching a campground that’s right for you.
GINGER CHICKEN WITH APRICOTS
A quick weeknight, one skillet meal!
MASSAGE FOR POST-RUN RECOVERY
We know we just talked about it, but now that marathon season is fully in swing, we thought this information could bear to be repeated! Make sure you aren’t burning out and that you are taking the time you need to recover as we head into this busy summer! Remember, your recovery is just as (if not sometimes MORE important) than your training!
WONTON SOUP
This week's recipe is a cheat off the internet. Wonton Soup with pre-made frozen wontons. Fast and easy on a weeknight.
RETURNING TO EXERCISE POSTPARTUM
Women are often given next to no guidance on how to return to exercise in the postpartum period. At the 6-week follow-up after childbirth, OBGYNs will tell their patient that they are safe to return to exercise, and from a tissue-healing perspective that’s totally correct. But ask most women at 6 weeks postpartum if they feel physically ready to start running, weightlifting, etc., and the majority are going to say, “Absolutely not!”
FARRO SALAD
A weeknight favorite that I made yet again this week. A+ from Art
RUNNING THOSE HILLS
Pittsburgh has a lot of hills! Learning to run up and down hills may never get easy, but learning proper technique will help you along. Let’s look at some running techniques for running those hills.
ROAST PORK BRAISED IN MILK
This recipe gets an A+ from Art! This one makes a delicious Sunday dinner!
MASSAGE FOR POST-RUN RECOVERY
Massage therapy is regarded as one of the most important aspects of an athlete’s training arsenal due to its use as preventative maintenance and assistance in recovery. It’s not just viewed as a luxury but as a necessity for athletes or people who live an active lifestyle.
How can a post-event massage help, and what are the benefits? What should you expect from your session?
SOY-GLAZED CHICKEN WITH PICKLED CUCUMBERS
This one is pretty quick on a weeknight. The latter recipe is simple but takes forever to cook. Make on a lazy, rainy afternoon while watching a movie!
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.