Workout of the Month?!?!

You'll hear me talk a lot about how it is the little things we do for our body that really add up. Especially since we don't always have time do the big things we would like to accomplish. Even doing something small for our health and bodies CAN and WILL make a difference in the long run.

Today, I joined a challenge, a chilly challenge.  The idea is two teams compete against one another to see who can rack up the most mileage.  I find it a fun reason to force myself to get out and pound the pavement, or maybe the treadmill (let's be realistic) I'm not a huge fan of the cold but I love competition. (I'm joining #teamgiraffe by the way, so I think you should join as well).

While signing up for the challenge I stumbled across another challenge.  This one is a much smaller challenge.  Although it requires a daily effort it's a challenge that can takes as little as three minutes each day for 30 days.  The idea is that is one move can completely change your running.  So I'm going to give it a try,  it might even help me gear up for the chilly challenge.

So what is this three minute move that could completely change your running?  It's called the 100 Up Challenge.  And instead of me trying to explain it, I'll leave you with the link and the video that explained it to me.

100 Up Challenge

So this week I'm going to dedicate to the 100 Up Challenge. Of course I'm going to get a few solid runs, abs work-outs, and strength training in, but I will make this challenge my #1 goal of the week.  '

I challenge you to join the chilly challenge with me on #teamgiraffe as well as the 100 Up Challenge.  

Roasted Butternut Squash w/ Goats Cheese

Is this a side dish or is it the main course?  In my opinion it is both.  It hearty and flavorful enough to be eaten as your main course, in my opinion it needs nothing else.  But when cut into quarters lengthwise it can serve as a hearty side to accompany almost any meal.

I know my picture does not do it justice (I need to work on my presentation), but trust me, flavor-wise it is AMAZING.  You can see, this is only ONE QUARTER of a butternut squash and it is huge.

None none the less, it is a must try!

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH W/ GOATS CHEESE 

1 Large Butternut Squash

1 Medium Zucchini

6-8 Cherry Tomatoes
1/2 Red Pepper

2 TBSP Olive Oil

1 TSP Thyme

Salt & Pepper to Taste

Pinch of Cayenne Pepper

1 Small Red Onion, Chopped

2 Tablespoons of Pine Nuts or Chopped Pecans/Walnuts

1 Garlic Clove, Minced

4 oz Goats Cheese
1 TBSP Italian Style Breadcrumbs
1 TBSP Parmesan

1) Preheat over to 400 F

2) Cut Butternut Squash in half lengthwise.  Remove Seeds from center.  Put 1/2 inch to 1 inch slits into the Butternut Squash into a crisscross pattern.

3) Mix Garlic, 1 Tablespoon of Olive Olive, Cayenne Pepper, and Garlic and brush over Butternut Squash, trying to get it into the slits.  

4) Bake for 45-60 minutes or until it is tender.  While the Butternut Squash is in the oven cut the Zucchini into 1 inch cubes.  Roast the Red Onions, Red Pepper, and Zucchini for 20 minutes (or until tender).  Half the Cherry Tomatoes and Roast for another 10 minutes.

5) Put roasted vegetables (minus the Butternut Squash) into a mixing bowl.  Mix in breadcrumbs, parmesean, and goats cheese.  Scoop the mixture in in the Butternut Squash and roast from another 15 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

6) Enjoy! 

Workout of the Week 12-2-2012

I'm jump starting my New Year's Resolution plan of featuring of not only featuring but completing (hopefully) a "Workout of the Week" (WOW).

I plan to post the weekly workouts by Saturday (so forgive me for this late post) so if any of you out there want to attempt it with me you can have access to it Sunday morning if you are feeling ambitious.

For the first week I'm featuring a whole weeks plan.  If you read my If only booze had zero calories (miles for beer)... post I owe nine miles this week for last weeks debauchery.  It was much needed, and well worth it.

So within my current WOW plan I incorporated three different three mile runs, I'm hoping to be ambitious and throw in a little more mileage but nine is the minimum.

Obviously all of this workout can be adjustable to your needs.  Maybe the idea of running 3 miles sounds like torture?  Go ahead and substitute with 30 minutes of cardio of your choice.  Perhaps you been pushing out 8 miles regularly for years, as Nike would tell us... JUST DO IT.

Have any comments, concerns, or suggestions?  Let me know!! I'm all ears.

So good luck to all those who join in on the Workout of the Week, I'd love to hear your experience with it.