Tuesday, July 31, 2018

July Books

I am stoked that even with our MoviePass membership, I am still getting in a decent amount of books. Let's be real, not having cable TV to keep me "entertained" gives me more free time to dive into a great book or seven ;)

There were THIRTY-THREE books in the first six months of the year, so when I add July's TWELVE that brings the total for 2018 thus far to FORTY-FIVE! If you're interested in what I read (and how I'd rate them) or need suggestions on a book to grab, make sure to pop over and check out my previous recaps - I try to post them on the last day of the month! {January's Books / February Books / March Books / April Books / May Books / June Books}


  • Come Back To Me by Mila Gray - Last month I mentioned that a friend of mine had given me a stack of YA books when she was in town and I was working my way through them. This was the next on the list and was the first in a series of three books. I didn't know anything about it (other than there was a couple kissing on the front so figured it would be about young love) but decided to take it with me on my trip to Seattle so I'd have something to read on the plane. I love that the story is set in Oceanside (but unlike The Mothers, it doesn't really describe the area or reference more than the city and military base - Camp Pendleton). I have to be honest, this wasn't my favorite book. Don't get me wrong, I flew threw it and was engaged the entire time, but I felt like it was so much about the making out and sex going on between Jessa and Kit that the story sort of felt secondary (although, maybe that was because I felt a little self-conscious if my airplane neighbor looked over they would have thought the book was something scandalous like the 50 Shades of Gray). The characters definitely all felt real and relatable, but I was just left wanting a little more than just the passion of a new relationship... but maybe that's what the next two books in the series will bring. I would give it a 7 out of 10. 


  • Stay With Me by Mila Gray - So this was the second book I read by Mila Gray. As I mentioned with the previous one, I didn't know what these were about when my friend gave them to me, so I just assumed they were more of a trilogy (the same story continuing throughout all of the books). To my surprise they were pretty separate books. There are a few overlapping characters, but for the most part it was a whole different plot. Unlike the first one I read, I felt like this one had more substance (and not 100% focused on the making out and sex - although there was a bit of that tossed in for good measure). There were a few surprises in this plot, but at the same time I felt as though some of it was pretty easily foreshadowed. It was definitely heartfelt and full of ALL THE EMOTIONS. I'd definitely say it would be a great "read at the beach" type of book - quick, easy reading, but full of some depth and still touches on some serious topics. I would give it an 8 out of 10.


  • Make Your Bed by Admiral William McRaven - Someone on social media had asked for folks to list a book that changed their life and someone commented with this title. It was available at our library so I figured I would pick it up. Apparently Admiral McRaven had given a commencement speech at the University of Texas a few years back and every time he met someone they would ask him to elaborate on one of the points. This book is an extension of that speech. This is a list of 10 things that may change your life (and potentially the world). The advice is simple and straightforward, but definitely impactful. Although the majority of the author's examples are from his military background, I would say everything is very translatable to civilian life as well. It was a quick, yet fairly inspirational read (it only took me maybe an hour or two to finish). I would give it an 7 out of 10.


  • Run Away With Me by Mila Gray - The third and final book in the series that I started at the beginning of the month (and finished by the 7th because I flew through them). Although the first two books were loosely tied together (with a few overarching characters), this book truly stood on its own (the layout was the same - switching back and forth between the two main characters and being a love story). And I think I liked this one the best. It definitely touched on some very serious topics (like sexual assault) and I felt like it was the one with the most depth and substance (don't get me wrong, there was still some sex thrown in there, but it definitely seemed to be less of the focus out of the three books). I may have also been a little partial because Jake was a hockey player signed to the Detroit Red Wings ;) I read this one in a single day because I couldn't put it down (and because it was perfect pool weather). I enjoyed all of the twists and turns that kept me on my toes - even when I thought I had figured out where the story was heading. I would give it an 8 out of 10.


  • 7 by Jen Hatmaker - When I shared last month that I had read two of Bob Goff's books a friend mentioned I may want to check out Jen Hatmaker. Our local library had two of her titles so I picked them up. This was the first of her writings that I've read and I want to say, I really enjoyed it. This was about a experiment she lived out for 7 months (each month focusing on a different area of her life where she felt as though she was living in excess). As you hopefully know, the hubby and I live fairly simple lives, but this book was eye opening that even in our "simple" life there is still so much extra that we could consider cutting out or cutting back on. The seven areas that she focused on were clothes, shopping, food, waste, possessions, media and stress. I loved that she was not just talking the talk, but also walking the walk (and coming clean when that was super difficult or something she failed at). It felt real, relatable and somewhat convicting. I would give it an 8 out of 10.


  • Of Mess and Moxie by Jen Hatmaker - Like I mentioned, my library only has two of Jen's many books (I think she has written maybe 10 or 12), so this will be the last one for a while (till they either get more in or I find them elsewhere). With that said, I really enjoyed this one. It was much different than 7, but definitely still a great read. This book is written to women, in a very lax and conversational way. It felt like you were just chatting with a close girlfriend about life - her telling you things will get better or commiserating about how life is a struggle right now and we are all just faking it. I especially loved a few chapters - the first about how LOVE should be the focus of our lives (how we will never get to Heaven and God tells us we loved "too greatly, too liberally, too generously, too shockingly" - absolutely loved this thought and the way she put it) and the other about fangirling over Jesus and our friends. I try my best to tell those in my life what they mean to me, but I love the challenge to really be one another's champion and cheerleader. This life is messy and hard, and it was great to hear that others don't have it all together, that we are all doing this together and that we need to rely on God and our tribe to get through with a smile on our face and love in our heart. I would give it an 8 out of 10.


  • Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell - You're probably well aware of my appreciation for young adult love stories, so this book probably doesn't come as a surprise. I don't remember how it made it on my "for later" list at the library, but I'm so happy it did. I flew through this one. It deals with serious themes like domestic abuse, bullying, and body image issues (along with the gushy feelings of young love). When grabbing the link for this one I saw they were originally planning a movie around the storyline but have since dropped that idea. That's okay with me because I normally like the book better than the movie adaptation (it just seems like my head movies are so much better than what actually plays on the screen). I love rooting for the underdog and I felt like both of these misfits had me cheering for them from the jump. It reminds you of what it was like to be young and in love. I just wish there were more pages once I got to the end. I would give it an 8 out of 10.


  • Run! by Dean Karnazes - After so many young adult love stories, I thought it was time to get back into some running inspiration. This book from the "Ultramarathon Man" was just what I needed. It was a collection of stories from some of Dean's amazing adventures. It was a quick read (I read it spread out over two afternoons while maxin' and relaxin' at the pool) that kept me flippin' the page. I may not have done any official ultras yet, but that doesn't mean his stories aren't insanely inspiring - seeing where you can push your body and what you can require of it is mind-boggling! Although many of the challenges he tackles seem to make him into a superhuman, this book brought it back to reality and reminded me (and everyone reading) that we just need to put one foot in front of the other and keep chugging forward. I would give it an 8 out of 10.


  • Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle Melton - I read one of Glennon's books last year (Carry On, Warrior) and loved it. I don't know why it took me so long to get around to reading another one of her books, but I'm so glad this one was available at the library when I needed something new to read. This is a memoir about her life (and, more specifically, her marriage). I appreciate she was willing to tackle the damaging expectations often put on girls/ women by society. Obviously I can't relate to everything she has experienced, but man was it real and raw and vulnerable. She was incredibly brave to open up herself, not only to moving through the healing process, but also to share that experience with the world. Through her struggles she urges others toward self-love, self-acceptance and self-awareness. I would give it a 9 out of 10.


  • Sex Object by Jessica Valenti - I believe I saw this book on a list of "books feminists should read" (but there's a possibility that isn't the case, so don't hold me to it), so I figured I'd grab it from the library. I'm not sure exactly what I was expecting, but this wasn't exactly it. It is a memoir of Jessica's life, but I guess it just didn't go where I thought it would. She was promiscuous, she was assaulted, she questions what society would look like if we didn't live in a world where men hated/ lorded over/ trumped women, but it didn't sit well with me. Maybe it was because it felt a little too surface-y or like it didn't really dive in and make you think as much as I hoped it would. I wanted to like this book, but it didn't really make me "feel" anything. It just seemed a little random or haphazardly thrown together for me. I definitely believe objectification is an important topic and one that needs to be discussed more, but this book didn't hit the nail on the head for me. (One positive was it was short so I was able to finish it with not a ton of time devoted to it.) I would give it a 4 out of 10.


  • Born A Crime by Trevor Noah - Since I would be driving solo to and from San Francisco for the San Francisco Marathon, I figured I would pick up a couple audio books to keep me entertained for the trip. This was my choice for the drive north on Saturday morning. I had heard great things about this book so went in with high expectations. I'm stoked to report that it met (and possibly exceeded) my expectations. I didn't know anything about the author prior to listening to his book (which he read), but after listening to this book I now have a better understanding of his story. It is pretty crazy everything that he went through. I don't want to spoil the book, but just know there are shocking parts, loving parts, parts that will enrage you and parts that will make you tear up. Trevor is an awesome storyteller and I can see why he has become a well-known comedian, political commentator, actor and television host. His story is one of racism in South Africa, but also an extremely unique experience due to being born of a black mother and white father (which was a crime at the time - hence the name of the book). PS His mom rocks my socks! I would give it a 9 out of 10.


  • I Have The Right To by Chessy Prout - I don't remember how I came across this book, maybe it was simply one of the newer titles available on audio book when I was looking at the library. I grabbed it so I could listen to it on the drive home from the San Francisco Marathon Sunday morning. This was a difficult book it listen to, but extremely important. Chessy (who also reads the book) is a rape survivor and tells her story from start to present - because, let's be real, being a survivor will never end for her. Not only was Chessy extremely brave for going through with the prosecution of her rapist, but she has since become an advocate of change and one taking on the rape culture that is so ingrained in society (especially the upper-class, white, entitled tier of society). This book looks at not only the assault, but the fallout that occurred afterwards (with everything from her friends at school to her parents' jobs). This is an extremely important issue that we need to be talking about and we need to be addressing. Major props to Chessy for being brave and reclaiming her life - and for making a difference in the world! PS Listening to her tell her own story is incredibly powerful. Hearing the emotions in her voice help set the stage and make it all the more real. I would give it an 8 out of 10.


With that, July has come to a close. My reading may have slowed, but I definitely hope it never completely stops. If you have any suggestions, let me know! I'm always willing to add them to my queue if our library offers them!

What was the best book you read this month?

Monday, July 30, 2018

Orange County LaceUp Race Entry GIVEAWAY

I know I've mentioned my relationship with the Lexus LaceUp Running Series a couple of times before, but now's your chance to cash in for yourself... Yup, today must be your lucky day because I am giving away TWO FREE RACE ENTRIES to the Orange County LaceUp Event (talk about the perfect racecation for you and your BRF {best running friend}). It will be held on Saturday, September 8th at Irvine’s Mike Ward Community Park. With multiple race distances offered there is something for everyone to enjoy! You can run the brand new Half Marathon, grab some friends and tackle the Marathon Relay, show off your speed at the 5K or get the wee-ones involved as they take on the Kids' Race.


As with all of the Lexus LaceUp Running Series races the participant perks are never ending (or so they seem)! Each runner will receive a tech shirt, a high-quality finisher's medal, a re-usable race bag, a food truck brunch, a craft beer (for those participants over 21 years old of course), free race day photos and will be eligible for age group awards!

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Entering the giveaway is EASY-PEASY! Head to my Instagram account, find the picture below and ENTER! The steps to get your name in the hat are as painless as possible! Simply follow me, follow LaceUp Running, like the image and tag a friend (or 73)! The giveaway will run through Friday, August 3rd (giving you a month before heading to the starting line). The random winner will be contacted via Instagram on August 4th and will have 24 hours to respond and claim their prize.


In case you aren't the lucky winner (or just can't wait to register), you can use code "CARLEE10" to save 10% on your registration! While you are at it, make sure to check out the other events in the series! The discount code works on all of the races, so register for as many as you'd like and save some money in the process! And don't forget to tell your friends!


Have you ever won an entry to a race before?

Sunday, July 29, 2018

Movies of the Month {July}

A few months ago the hubby and I each signed up for a MoviePass membership. In case you're unfamiliar with the program, you pay $9.95 per month and can see as many movies in the theater as you'd like (there are a few restrictions... like "unlimited" means one per day, only certain theaters work, no 3D or IMAX films, and can only see the same movie once, but for the most part it's all-inclusive). Although going to the theater has never really been my jam, it speaks the hubby's love language so I signed us up. {FYI - On Tuesdays, our local theater's movie tickets are discounted for $7 a piece, but otherwise the cheapest you can find is $10.70 for a matinee... which means if you go more than once a month you're technically saving money!} Since we're seeing more movies now, maybe you wanna know our thoughts on them.


So, let's get into it already, shall we?! I mean, that's why you are visiting the blog today, right?! You all are sitting on the edge of your seat waiting to get our thoughts on the movies we saw... I guess you can call us the new Siskel and Ebert!


Sicario 2

The hubby and I were pretty excited to see this one because we both really enjoyed Sicario. I will do my best to not give away anything (although since this was the first movie we saw of the month, I'd assume that most folks who wanted to see this one in the theaters have already seen it), but let me say that although I did really like this one, it is a bit of a bummer when you get the sense they are trying to set it up for a follow-up film... like they don't wrap up the story in a neat, little bow so they can make another movie... and that's how I felt towards the end of this one... not to mention the last scene left me a little bummed/ frustrated. With that said, I didn't love it as much as the first (it's always hard to live up to the original in my opinion), but I did appreciate the additional depth we got with most of the characters in this one.

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Uncle Drew

I was actually pretty excited for this one. I remember a few years back when a company had commercials with current NBA players that got made over to look like elderly guys and took it to unsuspecting "victims" and I loved them. Not only was this one filled with some good basketball, it tugged at your heartstrings a bit too (even if it is full of tons of product placement). You know I love a good underdog story, and that's what this movie had as an underlying theme. Oh yeah, and the joke to "Preacher" about not having a timeout in the final game was pretty perfect! (I realize not everyone knew that Chris Webber was the legend playing Preacher nor do they know the history of the Fab Five, but don't worry, I got it!) We took a 10, 11 and 14 year old with us to see the film (after their parents okay'ed the content) and they all really liked it too.

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Ant-Man and The Wasp

Originally the hubby wanted to see Hearts Beat Loud. It wasn't playing at our normal theater, so we drove the extra 15 miles to a different theater. Well, when we got up to the window to get our tickets they told us they cancelled it... Instead of heading home, we figured we'd check out Ant-Man and The Wasp. In complete transparency, neither of us had seen the first one in this series, but were planning to eventually watch it and then see this movie. We were slightly nervous we wouldn't know what was going on, but like most superhero type movies you don't really need to know much backstory. I was actually pleasantly surprised with this movie and really enjoyed it. I shouldn't' be surprised, since I like Paul Rudd, but wasn't sure if it would be a really corny film. I wouldn't say it's the best one of the Marvel series, but it has some heart and kept me entertained (especially since the A/C was broken in the theater and it was one of the hottest days of the year).

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Sorry To Bother You

I think we had only seen maybe one preview for this movie, but we were both intrigued so when it finally made it to our local theater we went over to see it. Well, let's just say maybe there was a reason we only saw one preview ;) It was WEIRD! Don't get me wrong, there was definitely a message behind the strangeness, but once it was finished the hubby and I looked at each other and both said "WHAT THE CRAP?!". One of the benefits of MoviePass is you are only, in essence, spending maybe $2 on a viewing instead of $12-15 so when movies turn out differently than you had expected it isn't a huge commitment. Now I am not saying this was a terrible movie, but it definitely was NOT what I was expecting. In fact, I probably should have researched this movie a little more beforehand to give myself a clue... When the hubby was looking into the ending he mentioned the film was considered a "low budget sci-fi comedy" and had I know the sci-fi part I may not have been thrown off so much ;) But, hey, I will give Boots Riley (the rapper turned director) MAJOR props for a very original film that touches on some important issues (if you can see them through the insanity on the screen)!

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Hotel Transylvania 3

Okay, so the hubby and I haven't seen the first two, but we were hoping we'd be able to follow the story line enough. MoviePass just changed their program and now if you want to see a prime movie during a prime time you have to pay an extra fee (LAMESAUCE - although they're saying it's preventing them from having to charge everyone more, so I guess we just change our habits slightly and won't have to worry about the additional costs). With that said, we had to drive over to a different theater so we could see this one, but it ended up being worth it. Both the hubby and I thought it was cute (you know, it's a kid movie, so that's sort of what you expect). I love that the old Adam Sandler crew was back together again - they must really enjoy working together if they continue doing it year after year. I wouldn't say this was one we'd normally have gone to the theater to see (unless we were taking our nephews or friend's kids), but we still enjoyed it.

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Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again

I guess the theme of this month's movies is watching a sequel without seeing the original movie - oops. But when your friend's daughter asks you to take her to see this when it comes out AND you get free passes from Regal for a pre-screening, you hit up the theater. I do have to say that I have seen a play of the original movie (just a couple weeks ago, actually), so I think I had a decent idea of what was going on when we arrived. It ended up being a bit of a prequel and sequel at the same time. The story jumped back and forth between Donna (the mom) meeting the three potential fathers for Sophie (the daughter) and how that paralleled with Sophie's life in the present day. It ended up being a real fun movie (the 11 year old girl who I brought with me said "the first one had better songs but I really loved this one too"). I don't think I would say it was theater worthy (at least for me), but we tapped our toes and smiled for the majority of the movie.

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The Equalizer 2

And while we're at it, let's throw this film into the mix of movies we haven't seen the original for but went to watch the follow-up... Or maybe we have seen the original but forgot about it... Either way, we figured that the action type film wouldn't be too reliant on the story from the first movie so we'd be able to make our way through without too much issue - and we were totally right. I swear, Denzel Washington never ages! And he is continuing to kick booty! The hubby and I both really enjoyed this one. At times I felt like it was a little slow (only because I figured we had to be coming up on the end soon and there was still so much story to tell), but overall it was action packed with a little sentiment sprinkled on top.

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Three Identical Strangers

Wowser, what a crazy story! I'm too young (or maybe too oblivious) to remember when it originally hit the news (because, from the looks of it, it was EVERYWHERE), but this was cray-cray! This movie kept me interested and engaged from start to finish. Without giving too much away, three identical triplets were separated at birth and found each other when they were 19. The film dives into their journey and then takes a crazy turn... These boys weren't just separated at birth because the adoption agency thought it would be harder to place triplets, but because of RESEARCH! It was mind boggling to watch, so I can't even imagine what it was like to live and realize you were essentially a human lab rat. And the even crazier part is... the research that was being done never was released... so you can imaging the questions surrounding the study. And since the results were never published, there are potentially people in the world that don't know they have a twin walking around - wouldn't it be crazy if you turned the corner and saw yourself staring back at you?!

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Blindspotting

As you can see, the hubby and I see our fair share of movies, so when a new one comes out we've normally seen the preview probably 20 times. And when a movie hits the theater and we've NEVER seen a preview for it, well, let’s just say we're intrigued. That was the case with this one. We hadn’t seen any previews, but had gotten an email from MoviePass reminding us that it was opening. Sure, why not. Wow! This movie was ________. Yup, that line was meant to be there. I couldn’t come up with the perfect word to put... It was real, it was funny, it was serious, it was tackling huge issues, it was impactful, it was powerful, it was thought provoking, it was a must-see. In case you hadn’t heard of it (since we hadn’t before walking into the theater), it is a story about the intersection of race and class set against the backdrop of a rapidly gentrifying Oakland. I love that the two main characters are the two guys who produced, co-wrote and starred in the film.

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And with that our July movies have come to an end. I was able to see 9 movies while the hubby saw 8. I think that is what you consider a WIN for the McDots ;) With our MoviePass membership, my movies each cost approximately $1.11 a viewing and the hubby's were $1.24 - a MAJOR savings compared to actual box office prices! BOOMSHAKALAKA!

What was the last movie you saw in the theater?

Saturday, July 28, 2018

Workout Recap - Week 30

Sunday, July 22nd – 14 mile run, Stretched & Foam Rolled


Monday, July 23rd – 3 mile run, Stretched & Foam Rolled


Tuesday, July 24th – 7 mile run, Stretched & Foam Rolled


Wednesday, July 25th – 2 mile warm-up, 5 x 800 (with 2:00 rest between) {3.6 miles}, 2 mile cool-down, Stretched & Foam Rolled


Thursday, July 26th – 3 mile run, Stretched & Foam Rolled


Friday, July 27th  7 mile pace run, Stretched & Foam Rolled


Saturday, July 28th – Rest Day, Stretched & Foam Rolled

I swapped my runs around a little this week (normally the pace run would be on Saturday, but since I was driving to San Francisco I moved it to Friday and normally my track workout would be on Thursday, but since my pace workout was now on Friday I didn't want two speed sessions back to back so swapped it with Wednesday's 3-miler), but after this weekend I think we are back on track for my Ventura Marathon training plan! And, I've gotta #KeepItReal and say my goals might not be as unobtainable as I originally thought they might be! Here's to putting in another 12 weeks of training!

How were your workouts this past week?

Friday, July 27, 2018

Friday Favorites

Please tell me I'm not the only one who felt like Friday was taking FOR-EV-ER to get here... Anyone else?! Anyway, it's time to celebrate because IT'S HERE! And it's time to share some of my favorite things with some of my favorite people!


#Boston4Rett Recap Video


The sweet Jolie put together a quick recap video of our #Boston4Rett adventure. I know the race went down a couple months ago, but I just received my finisher certificate in the mail earlier this week and Jolie just finished editing this craziness together so I wanted to share it with you! The clip is about 10 minutes long, but hopefully you have the time to watch it through. I can't help but tear up every time I see it. And, if you feel so inclined, please consider giving (or learning more about Rett Syndrome, the girls and boys we ran for, the research being done, etc) at www.girlpower2cure.org/.


#Active4Asher


The FitFam6 crew is back at it again, getting #Active4Asher. On August 18th they are going to host a local gathering so folks up in the Elk Grove area can get together and run to raise awareness for not only Asher's rare chromosome deletion but also for inclusion as a whole. They will start at the Miwok Park and hope to hit additional parks along their run. If you won't be in the Elk Grove area, you can always join in virtually (which is what I will be doing) by using the hashtag #Active4Asher. PS You can read all about past #Active4Asher days in previous posts {2015, 2015 Recap, 2016, 2017}. Make sure to follow @FitFam6 on IG to stay up-to-date on everything going on and how you can participate!

Ryan has always wanted to be part of the crew... he considers himself the seventh member of the family ;) 

rabbit Lady Duke Shorts


I did a review (and giveaway) for rabbit a few months back. I am still loving the gear I was sent, and now they just released some new "Lady Duke Shorts" that I have my eye on. You all know I love me some bright colors, so these new colorways are pretty perfect - capri breeze and very berry! I do prefer the "Catch Me If You Can" shorts since they are a tad shorter, but the color blocking on these are so fun that they will definitely be on my "must have" list for the near future! PS If you are ready to place your first order with rabbit, you can use THIS LINK and save $10!


What are you loving lately?

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Walt Wednesday

Some people do a "Wordless Wednesday" post, where they simply share a photo or image, but I thought I'd make a little series out of my Wednesdays. And since I love alliteration so much, why not go with Walt Wednesdays (obviously everyone can use a little break from the seriousness, scariness and sassiness of life - and what better way to help put a smile on your face than with a cute wiener dog picture, am I right?!)... So, without further ado...

WALT WEDNESDAY!


When life gets overwhelming, how do you de-stress?

Monday, July 23, 2018

REVIEW: Quest Thin Crust Pizza

I was STOKED when the doorbell rang last week and I noticed a package on the doorstep from Quest Nutrition. You see, if I was stuck on a deserted island and forced to eat only two things for the rest of my life, I'm pretty sure I could survive (happily) on chips & salsa and pizza. And the package that came from Quest included one of those things.... PIZZA

Okay, okay, so it didn't include the actual pizza, but it did include a coupon for a free thin crust pizza that they had just released so I could give it a try. That evening the hubby and I made our way over to Target so we could grab the pie.

Another MAJOR feat was walking out of the store with ONLY the pizza... SCORE ONE FOR THE GOOD GUYS!

A couple quick things to note before actually digging into the pizza. First, Quest currently offers three flavors - Supreme, Uncured Pepperoni and 4-Cheese. Our local Target only had the 4-Cheese option (which was fine for us since we're vegetarians, but in case you want to try a different flavor you may call your Target first to check on the in-stock {or else you may walk out with $100 worth of goodies you didn't originally plan to buy and without the pizza} or order online {for a limited time they are offering free shipping on the pizza orders}). Second, the pizza was noticeably smaller than the other frozen pizzas. Now, to be fair, this pizza only contains two servings, while some of the others contain four to six, so I understand the smaller size, but it was a similar price to the other pizzas that were larger {they were on sale for $6.99 per pizza}. Not a deal breaker (especially if they health benefits outweigh the cost), but something worth mentioning.

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Okay, now it's time for the main event - PIZZA TIME! Let me preface this by saying I ran a 15-miler in the heat and humidity prior to chowing down, so the following scenario may not be suggested for every day consumption, but #rungry ;)

You could say my run was a little sweaty...

Making the pizza was easy peazy. I let the oven pre-heated (to 400*) while I was taking a shower, then pulled the pizza out of the freezer, sprayed a little cooking spray on the cookie sheet, and plopped the pizza in the oven for 18 minutes.

A little before, during and after action for ya ;)

Like I mentioned earlier, the pizza itself is two servings... but I was hungry after my run so I ate it all... myself... in one sitting... But thankfully it was only 660 calories total so it wasn't crazy. Four different kinds of cheese combine with their special crust to provide a high protein, low carb pizza that’s perfect for anytime cravings. Each pizza is 9 inches.

I sprinkled some Nutritional Yeast on it once it cooled and was ready to eat. Walt was interested to hear
my thoughts on the new pizza too... He offered to do a little taste test for the people but I told him no.

I'll be honest, it wasn't my favorite... but then again, when I am eating pizza, I want to feel like I am really eating pizza - so thin crust has never really been my forte. Also, we aren't big frozen pizza eaters. The hubby loves making his own dough and swears by simple ingredients. With that said, the pizza wasn't terrible (although the sodium levels were OUT OF CONTROL {FYI: the hubby has high blood pressure so this is something we have to constantly watch and when one serving contains almost half your daily allotment of sodium you know it isn't an option to have in the house}), especially if frozen pizza is normally a meal you enjoy (or at least rely on for convenience sake). It sort of reminded me of the Lean Cuisine cheese pizzas I used to stock in my freezer after college. The nutritional value of each serving contains 27 grams of protein, 6 grams of net carbs, 3 grams of sugar and 18 grams of fiber. #RealTalk - I'd probably skip it in the future, but if you were in a jam and needed a frozen pizza option with extra protein, this isn't a bad alternative to what's on the market.

Source

What is your favorite pizza style?

Sunday, July 22, 2018

Workout Recap - Week 29

Sunday, July 15th – 13.1 mile run, Stretched & Foam Rolled


Monday, July 16th – 3 mile run with the hubby, Stretched & Foam Rolled


Tuesday, July 17th – 7 mile progression run, Stretched & Foam Rolled


Wednesday, July 18th – 5 mile run with the hubby, Stretched & Foam Rolled


Thursday, July 19th – 2 mile warm-up, 35 minute tempo {4.51 miles}, 2 mile cool-down, Stretched & Foam Rolled


Friday, July 20th  15 mile run, Stretched & Foam Rolled


Saturday, July 21st – Rest Day, Stretched & Foam Rolled

Although I didn't want to admit it, my body was not feeling 100% this week. Earlier in the week I could tell my glute on the right side was extra tight and then during my run on Friday I had what felt like a Charlie horse in my right calf the entire run (it was more noticeable the slower I went). Guess that means I need to spend some extra time on the foam roller (and lacrosse ball)... and probably an Epsom salt bath or five... especially with the San Francisco Marathon this weekend.

How were your workouts this past week?