You know how I’m feeling today? TGI…WRF! Thank God it’s (Workout Recap) Friday. For some reason it was one of those weeks where I thought Tuesday was Wednesday, Wednesday was Thursday and Thursday was Friday. Anyone else feel that way this week?

Usually it’s a pretty unanimous feeling. I’ve always wondered if there was something in the air on those occasions that somehow caused the week to drag on and make it feel longer than it actually was. This week I think it was the fact that the weather went from a fabulous (and unexpected!) 65 degrees back down to 18 degrees the following day.

Thanks a lot, NYC. Tricking this California girl into going outside with nothing but a light jacket on to be bombarded by the freezing cold yet again was not fun. Definitely reminded me of a few months ago when fall started turning into winter and I simply had no idea how to dress for the cold weather. Eek!

(Ok, ok, I could have checked the weather before going outside, but still…)

The good news is, lots of great things went on this week, too. I am itching to share with you all but it looks like I am going to have to wait a few more weeks to go into much detail. (You know I’m bad at waiting.) I can give a couple of hints though: I’m working on making some big life decisions that might require some big changes, and things seem to be panning out in a very exciting way…

Annnnd, next week I am headed in LA and there is going to be a photo shoot taking place for a VERY exciting new installment on TBV… any guesses?!?!? Hint: clothing is involved.

I was featured on Juice Press‘s Instagram today about my favorite smoothie, ‘The Brazilian’! Pretty thrilling, since Juice Press is my favorite smoothie and juice bar in the city and was one of my very first health food discoveries when I moved to NYC.

Oh, and as far as things go on the half-marathon training front, my ankle is still giving me trouble so I have been doing my best to ice it, rest it and cross train instead of run. It’s been extremely difficult and has been getting me down a little bit because I was so into the training and it’s hard to let my body rest. But I am doing my best to listen to my body and give it what it needs. I know in the end the rest will be very worth it.

Cross your fingers that I’ll be running again by this time next week. In the meantime, yoga, swimming and cycling have been my saviors. Who’s ready for a workout recap?!

Workout Recap Friday:

Saturday:

Today was the first day I started noticing that the pain in my ankle was more than just a little discomfort. I still don’t know what I did to injure it, but I think it was just overexertion on the treadmill and not giving myself enough rest time between workouts. I decided that today would be a good day for a rest day, but ended up walking about five miles because I got lost in Brighton Beach! (Thanks, F trains not running.) Woohoo. Still low impact though, which was good.

Sunday:

 I was determined to go on my Long Slow Run today even though my ankle was still bothering me. Bad idea. I was only able to run about 2 miles before my ankle started screaming in pain, so I did a little run-walk cycle for the next 3 miles and then stopped to give myself a break. Made the official decision to lay off running for the week.

At night I went to a yin yoga class to give my body a deep stretch and recover from the fatigue I felt from pushing myself. It felt incredible, and I felt so relaxed and rejuvenated afterward.

Monday:

I woke up ready and rearin’ to go on a run, but I listened to my body and instead went to a 75-minute vinyasa flow yoga class. My ankle was bothering me, but I took it easy on the balancing poses so as not to strain it.

Tuesday:

75-minute vinyasa flow class. I can always count on yoga to give me a great workout without putting pressure on my joints or further straining my injuries, thank goodness! I would be going crazy without it this week. Ok, let’s be honest… I’m still going crazy. Icing my ankle like a mad woman – and I bought compression socks and an Ace bandage and am in constant communication with my chiropractor/brother-in-law and runner friends about what on earth to do. Everyone’s answer? Rest.

Wednesday: 

Ok, today I started getting antsy. I went to Equinox and was dying to go on the treadmill, but I didn’t because even I know better than that. I hopped on the bike to cycle at a low resistance for about an hour. It felt really good to get that cardio in, and I was able to read for school at the same time so it was great. Then I did a little ab work (a variation of my 15-minute abdominal workout) and headed downstairs to the pool. I swam laps for 45-minutes, and boy did that kill me! If I was worried about getting my heart rate up without running, swimming was certainly the way to go.

Thursday:

75-minute vinyasa flow. My body was aching from yesterday’s swim and cycle, so it felt great to stretch. And then we started doing a ton of legwork, and I was done for!

Friday:

I normally love to get in a good workout on Friday afternoons, but today I am laying low. I am determined to heal my ankle and not continue to push myself too hard. Plus, I am headed to LA and then Mexico next week and I want to be able to run on the beach and go on some of my favorite hikes. I refuse to let this injury go on for much longer… which means I need to put in the rest days while I still can. Today I will be working on the blog, writing and maaaybbe walking to Piper Lime to get some clothes for Mexico. Sounds like a brilliant use of my non-workout free time.

Green Smoothie Bowl with Strawberry Carob Sauce

This morning I felt like something berry-chocolate oriented, even though I knew I had to stick to my meal plan. I have been so good about the meal plan this week there was no way I would give it up just because Friday has rolled around.

This yummy strawberry carob sauce pairs perfectly with a green smoothie, and it’s great because A) it’s super healthy, B) it tastes incredible and C) a little bit of it goes a long way, because it’s a strong flavor.

Ingredients:

Smoothie:

1 overripe banana

2 large carrots

1 handful kale

¼ zucchini

½ cup coconut water

½ cup water

3-4 large pieces of ice

Sauce:

4 large strawberries

1 tablespoon carob powder (or cacao powder)

½ tablespoon coconut butter

2-3 tablespoons water

Toppings (optional):

½ tablespoon hemp hearts

¼ cup mixed berries

Directions:

1. Add all smoothie ingredients together and blend thoroughly. Pour into a bowl, glass or jar.

2. Add all sauce ingredients together and blend thoroughly. Add more water if needed. I left my strawberries a tiny bit chunky and the sauce turned out delicious. I would highly recommend it.

3. Top smoothie with sauce and desired topping(s), and enjoy!

Nutrition Info: