Midpoint of Phase 2

I've made my way through half of phase 2. I'm enjoying this one much more than phase 1. Love that it's more challenging and it incorporates a lot of work I need to do to improve my running. It's nice to have something force me to do lunges and squats... much needed! It also has a lot of ab and lower back work in it like planks, crunches, and supermans.

I signed up for a 10 mile race on May 1, so I'm going to have to start training for that soon. One of the phase 2 workouts includes 15 minutes of interval training at the end, so I've been doing that on the treadmill. I still do another 2-3 runs during the week but they're typically only 3-5 miles. Will have to pick it up pretty soon!

My latest food obsession (given the cold) has been soup. Here are is one of my favorites (it's so easy!).

Broccoli Soup with Leeks and Thyme (from Bon Appetit February 2011)

Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot. Saute 3 cups of chopped leeks (white and light green parts only) and 4 tablespoons fresh chopped thyme in the oil. Make sure leeks are soft but still slightly crisp. Remove half of leek mixture and set aside. Add 1.25 pounds broccoli crowns and 3 cups of vegetable broth. Boil covered for 8-10 minutes. Cool slightly and puree in batches in a blender, returning pureed mixture to the pot each time. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve in large bowls, sprinkling reserved leeks and thyme on top.

So yummy, so light, and so easy! I'm making this today because I've decided I'm going to "detox" this weekend. I traveled last week for work, so I ate a lot of restaurant food. This weekend, I'm going to eat mostly vegetarian and completely healthy. I had 2 cups of green tea and steel cut oats for breakfast. The broccoli soup and a salad will be lunch, plus I have some veggie chili I made as well.

Off to the gym for me now! Have a healthy weekend!

Phase 2, Week 3

I started off my morning with the chest, tri, shoulders workout. I can tell I'm getting fitter. I only burned 600 calories! I wasn't feeling as strong with the pushups... I didn't do as many reps, but I was trying to go lower in the pushups, so maybe that was it. I've noticed I dread doing ab ripper x, again for the boredom reasons. I pushed through it today though! On those V-up Roll-up things, I change it up a bit. When you're in the V and pulse up, I actually SLOWLY let my legs down, and it ends up being another little ab move. Tony just flops his back on the ground. I don't get in 25 total reps, but I feel the burn!

On the running front, I'm feeling awesome! P90X has really upped my overall fitness level! I'm really excited for the half marathon! I have to put together a killer playlist. I'm not expecting a crazy good time since I haven't been training for real, but I expect to do just fine!

Have a great day everyone!