The following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Soldier of Steel 

David has been trying to get me to the theater to see MAN OF STEEL™ and I have to admit, until last week’s Spartan Race I wasn’t very interested. But now a movie like that takes on new meaning to me. Like I said in my Spartan Race Recap, the course was hard core. It’s no surprise because Spartan race obstacles are heavily inspired by military training.

To be a soldier, you must be physically fit and ready for anything. In the movie, Clark Kent transforms into the MAN OF STEEL™ just like National Guard Soldiers transform when their communities need it.

No transformation happens overnight. It takes hard work and dedication. I trained for weeks to prepare for the Spartan and still felt challenged with several of the obstacles. If only I’d had Hollywood Trainer Mark Twight on my side. He pushed the MAN OF STEEL™ cast, including actor Henry Cavill, with a functional workout plan to help prepare them for their roles.

Anyone can do these workouts and begin a physical transformation. Do you have what it takes?

If you want to train like a Soldier of Steel™, go to www.SoldierofSteel.com where you can

• Download a one-month training routine developed by celebrity trainer Mark Twight
• Learn how Mark transformed Henry Cavill into the MAN OF STEEL™
• Watch fitness training webisodes
• Receive training tutorials on 23 different exercises (What are air squats? Proper form for a burpee? You won’t have to google it. The how-tos are right there for you)

Have you seen MAN OF STEEL™? Would you try or have you tried these workouts? As a fan of quality vs. quantity in my workouts, they have my approval!

Got a fitness question for Mark Twight? On Thursday, June 20, Mark Twight will answer fan questions on the @NationalGuard Twitter handle. Follow the conversation from 3PM EST – 4PM EST at #TwightTakeover.

Soldier of Steel Transformational Workout Plan Developed by MAN OF STEEL™ Trainer is a post from: Where I Need to Be

At the beginning of 2013, I had a handful of fitness goals. None of which included an adventure or obstacle race. As a Fitfluential Ambassador, I was invited to participate in the Reebok Spartan Race in Tuxedo New York last weekend. At the time, I thought it seemed like a fun challenge. What I didn’t realize is that it would be one of the most mentally and physically challenging races I’ve ever done.

In lieu of my regular Tuesday Tip, I’m attempting a race recap and sharing my tips for adventure racing. If you follow me on Twitter and Instagram, you’ve seen some of my photos, but I’ve been holding off trying to figure out just how to put the experience into words. As the race tagline says, “you’ll know at the finish” and that couldn’t be more true. In some ways, ignorance is bliss and that was certainly the approach David took. Being the obsessive planner I am, I was worrying myself sick reading blogs and recaps right up until the night before.

Grab a sneak peak at a few of my tips for adventure racing by watching the video below:

My road to the Spartan finish was peppered with some really strong training days followed by a knee injury and topped off with a terrible cold/flu. Hardly ideal for training but I did what I could, worked with my physical therapist to rehab my knee in time for race day and felt strong up until the week of the race when I got sick. Reebok was kind enough to allow me to postpone my race for a week but my strength still wasn’t where it had been.

When we got to the race start, I was nervous. Terrified, really. Not knowing what to expect is a difficult place for me to be. David was excited and taking part in the cheering and clapping as the 9 a.m. starters corralled. It had rained for 24 hours before the race so the course was extra slick and muddy. My head was racing, wondering what I had signed up for — and why. The rope climb, the spear throw and the barbed wire mud crawl I had read about suddenly all became very real as we could see them from the race start.

Every course is different. Because this one was on a ski mountain, ours was extremely hilly. I made the mistake of thinking I would run the entire course, but learned early on that wouldn’t be possible because of the steep inclines. It was more like a hike. Spread throughout were obstacles of varying difficulty.

Not even 100 feet into the start was a giant pool of muddy water, waist deep. Similar to the start of a triathlon for me, here is where my adrenaline sent me into panic mode as I was sprayed in the face with water while trying to navigate my way through the giant mud puddle. I decided to take things slow from there. We continued on to climb over walls which got higher and higher (up to 8 feet) as the course progressed, crawl under barbed wire rolling through mud and over rocks, climb a rope, carry sandbags, pull a boulder up a muddy hill by a chain and more all while moving up and down steep hills and scrambling over rocks. The course was no joke.

Want to see a clip of us in action? Click to watch what a Spartan Race is like. 

We look like we’re walking, but we’re just exhausted. Swear.

Have I convinced you to try one yet?  Seriously, crossing the finish line was the best feeling ever. David and I finished in just under 2 hours. I’m certain he would have finished faster if he wasn’t waiting for me. He really impressed me.

I totally think this race is within reach to anyone willing to put in the time, dedication and muscle to train for it.

To get the most out of your race, here are some of the tips and lessons I learned as a first-timer.

Would I do it again? Despite being sore for days later, yep. We’ll be back next year to bring home a faster time!

Tips for Surviving an Adventure Race

1. Opt for an early start: Race heats are released at 15 minute intervals throughout the day. Choose an early start time if it’s available to bypass the anticipation of waiting all day to race

2. Fuel your race: Give yourself time to eat (and digest) a healthy, hearty breakfast. You need fuel for this race. Also, hydrate really well the days before and morning of the race

3. Race with a buddy: This is one race I recommend doing with a buddy or a team. It’s definitely a bonding experience and it’s a good feeling knowing somebody else is looking out for you.

4. Train smart: Like the race materials say, this race is “no joke.” The smarter you train and more prepared you feel, the more fun you’ll have.

5. Don’t rush it: There were a few obstacles I didn’t perform well at, simply because I was rushing. If it’s your first time, take things slow. This race is as much mental as it is physical.

6. Wear something comfortable: Wear comfortable clothes and supportive shoes. I’m happy to report all the mud washed out of everything but no guarantees so choose something you’d be ok parting with.

7. Be kind: This is true of any race, but the Spartan prides itself on the supportive and helpful racemanship of the participants. You won’t find people pushing past other racers or plowing over someone just for a better time. People really look out for each other, lend a hand and cheer one another on. Get in the spirit and do the same!

The chocolate coconut water and beer at the finish made the cuts, bumps and bruises well-earned!

Have you done an adventure or obstacle race or do you want to try one? 

Top Tips for Surviving an Adventure Race + Spartan Race Recap is a post from: Where I Need to Be

Lole Women is hosting free workouts at Pier 25 in Hudson River Park every Tuesday this Summer. I’ve had the pleasure of providing vegan, gluten-free, protein-rich post-workout snacks for the past two weeks.

These are a perfect treat to keep on hand for before or after exercise this summer. As always, they’re easy to make and are slightly addictive.

Ingredients: 

3/4 cup raw almonds, chopped
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds, chopped
1/2 cup raw walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries (optional)
1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
1 cup gluten-free oats
1/4 -1/2 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut
1 1/2 cups nut butter (almond butter or smooth or chunky peanut butter is good too)
2 Tbsps. coconut nectar
1 cup almond milk

Directions:

Combine almonds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, cranberries, shredded coconut, chocolate chips and oats in a bowl. Mix well.

Over medium heat, combine nut butter, almond milk and coconut nectar, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens and simmers.

Pour the wet mixture over the dry mixture and stir well to combine.

Either roll the mixture into bite-sized balls or pour and press into a parchment-lined 9×13 brownie pan. Store in the refrigerator or freezer. Once chilled, cut into squares if using the pan.

Make sure to Pin this one!

No Bake Protein Bites is a post from: Where I Need to Be

I’ve written about how to make chia pudding before, but it dawned on me that I’ve never actually shown you how to do it. So here it is.

The secret with this is making sure the chia seeds don’t stick together in clumps. I’ve got it down to a science so see for yourself by watching the video! This makes 2-3 servings. Keep it tightly sealed in your refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tuesday Tip: How to Make Chia Pudding is a post from: Where I Need to Be

At the launch of Nestle’s new electrolyte-enhanced resource water at NYC’sPier 36 last night, I had the opportunity to catch up with international fitness expert and past trainer on NBC’s The Biggest Loser, Brett Hoebel.

We grabbed the “quietest” spot we could find to chat about insecurities, his fitness philosophy and of course, abs.

Where I Need to Be: You’ve trained everyone from models to celebrities and contestants on The Biggest Loser, is there any one thing they all have in common? An insecurity or something in particular they’re working on?

Brett: “Everybody has insecurities and that’s why people train. But I always ask people, beyond the skinny jeans, what is your “Why”? Why are you here? The dumbbell and diet won’t change you, it’s your accountability and belief in yourself that will.”

Where I Need to Be: Tell me more about your fitness philosophy.

Brett: ”Walk your talk. When you put your mind to something and stick to it, that effects the rest of your life. Choose something that let’s you shine, that expresses yourself. When you do that, you build a fire inside you, an inner strength.”

And the million dollar question … are abs made in the kitchen or the gym? 

Click the video below, turn up your volume and listen closely to what Brett had to say:

If you had a hard time hearing the video, he said, “80 percent kitchen. But if you talk to anybody, when are they best on their nutrition? When they’re working out! So they go very hand in hand. But go beyond the six pack. Nutrition is fuel and training is something that makes mental toughness. You’ve gotta get in there, pay your dues and sweat. So don’t overlook the mental and emotional efforts of training …. It’s ok to focus on the physical to some degree, but that’s the shell of the egg. But the yolk is what do the accountability of the diet and the training do for you.”

I have to say, I couldn’t agree more!

So tell me in the comments, what’s your “why” and how do you “walk your talk”?

How to Get Flat Abs with Celeb Trainer Brett Hoebel is a post from: Where I Need to Be

No, this is not a fitness blog, I promise. But when you’re passionate about fitness, it seems to find its way into many facets of life. Hence, the fitness focus recently. And yes, there will probably be more as I train for a triathlon this summer. More to come on that!

I mentioned in a previous post that I’m taking on a Spartan Challenge, The Reebok Spartan Race. When I decided to do the race, I was lost about how I would train. I figured it out along the way and found workouts that were fun and effective. I even kept up with training during two weeks of crazy travel.

Until last week training was going spectacular aside from the fact I’ve been nursing a knee injury in physical therapy and under strict orders not to run. It was ok because I was doing other forms of cardio, strength and interval training.

I was focusing on my core and arms because I knew I would need that strength for the climbing, crawling and balancing obstacles.

Then I got run down and got sick. I talk about illness and injury and what it means as a message from your body in this post. Bottom line: get rest. I didn’t do it enough which is probably why I got sick.

With the Spartan Race on the horizon, I didn’t feel like I could compete last Saturday. The kind people at Reebok were all too accommodating and let me postpone my race entry to this weekend.

I’m making a slow comeback to exercise so I won’t bore you with the details of that.

Let’s talk about what things were like when I was in my training zone and feeling like a superstar.

The key to my training has been quality over quantity. I learned this concept working with my personal trainer last year, but it’s taken a while for it to sink in. Staying focused and eating for energy have also been important to me.

Burpees. I did them all the time. On strength days, interval days and cardio days. Burpees were the exercise I loved to hate because I knew that if I couldn’t complete an obstacle, 30 burpees would get me past it and onto the next.

I was especially fond of the Spartan Meet-ups held at Reebok CrossFit Fifth Avenue every Tuesday at Noon. These workouts were no longer than 30 minutes and really helped with some of the strength training I’ll need for the race besides being a great introduction to CrossFit. David came with me for one and was also pleased with the quality over quantity aspect. We were in and out in a lunch hour.

One sample WOD (workout of the day) looked like this:

15 minute AMRAP (As Many Reps as Possible)

.25 mile run

5 push ups

10 burpees

15 sit-ups

10 medicine ball squats

I mixed up my own workouts with daily WOD emails I receive from the Spartan Race. They look like this and I adapt them to my own fitness level.

Now that the race is a few days away, I’m trying to build some strength back, my knee is on the mend and I’m running a little again so we’ll see where it takes me.

Wish me luck! I’ll be back with a race re-cap next week.

How to Train for a Spartan Race : Quality Over Quantity is a post from: Where I Need to Be

Last week my Under Armour clothes and shoes arrived, but I have yet to enjoy anything because I’ve been laid up with a bad cold since after Memorial Day weekend.

Even when you eat for energy, illness happens. This week I’m getting real about the injury and illness that have set my goals back since this challenge started.

As someone who pushes myself to 110 percent at all times, I don’t always take the down time I need. As important as it is to set and achieve goals, you’re only as strong as your rest days. I break it down in the video below.

Here’s where you come in:

1. Anyone can join in on this campaign and I’d love to have you sign up, declare a goal and create your page.

Click here to do that now. 

2. Follow me so we can support each other. I’ll follow you back.

Find my page here. 

3. Everyone competes as individuals but you can join as many teams as you’d like to help you reach your goals.

Join my Team, Eat for Energy!

Under Armour provides challenge prompts to keep you going and motivated along the way. Creating a video like the one I did here is the first challenge so get started!

If you’ve joined the campaign, leave a comment here, share your goal with me and leave a link to your page so we can all follow and support each other!

There are cool prizes involved for the winners like a retreat to Costa Rica with Under Armour so give this your ALL!

Not into declaring your goals publicly? You can do it privately. I’m offering a limited number of free, 30-minute Your Body, Your Life strategy sessions to help you get clarity on your health and wellness goals then tackle them head on. Contact me to claim your free session. 

Under Armour What’s Beautiful Re-defining The Female Athlete: Illness & Injury Edition #IWILL #Whatsbeautiful is a post from: Where I Need to Be

Last month I was invited to the Fitness Magazine Meet & Tweet at the Mercedes Club. Admittedly, I’m long overdue writing this post, so I thought I’d post some quick highlights starting with the healthiest food at any blogger event ever to the ridiculous amounts of generous swag and my favorite and most useful speaker take away from the day followed by a few scenes from my first ever class with the infamous Tara Stiles, yogini extraordinaire. OK, so maybe it won’t be that quick.

On the morning of the meet up, I arrived at the Mercedes Club excited for an inspiring day. The bloggers are hand-picked to attend and I was lucky and grateful to be among them. I grabbed my breakfast which consisted of green juice, a coconut milk yogurt parfait and a gluten-free chocolate chip muffin. Though I didn’t eat it all at once, eventually it was devoured and delicious. Lunch — a kale salad and green smoothie — was also tasty and satisfying.

For the record, there is no reason why food options everywhere cannot be this healthy and delish. 

We spent the morning listening to speakers like celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito, ABC News Senior Medical Contributor Dr. Jennifer Ashton and celebrity fitness trainer Brett Hoebel.

My favorite was Sarah Lucero, a Stila beauty pro, who told us how to go from gym to glam.

While I usually work out in the morning and working from home gives me the luxury of making more time to get ready before a night out, there are many moments when I’m trying out a new fitness class and then heading straight to an event when these tips will come in handy. I only wish I had known about them when I worked in a corporate office (especially on my first date with David which was definitely a gym to drinks and dinner moment).

:: Sarah’s top three summer beauty must-haves include sleep (I’m with her on this one), a tinted moisturizer or balm (she recommends Stila Beauty Balm) and a cheek color that doubles as a lip color like Stila Convertible Color. 

:: For those of you wondering what the hot summer trend in makeup right now is, it’s a bold, vibrant lip or a pastel eye. 

:: And if you’re pressed for time post-gym and need a quick make-up re-do: don’t re-apply foundation. Instead, pick one feature and play it up, add extra blush,  throw your hair in a cute top-knot and go! 

I know all of our schedules these days are overbooked so I hope y’all all took notes!

All of the vendors had fun little activities for us to partake in. When your audience is social media savvy, the sky’s the limit.

The day ended with an outdoor yoga class given by none other than Tara Stiles.

I was happy to run into an old friend, Fitness Magazine’s Digital Director Christie Griffin before the day was over. Thanks for the pic Christie!

Such a fun day!

Fitness Magazine Meet & Tweet: How to Go from Gym to Glam is a post from: Where I Need to Be

Under Armour’s What’s Beautiful Campaign has me focusing on my goal of eating for energy so of course I have to share what I eat after a workout.

What’s beautiful to me? Using food as fuel to power my workouts, reach my physical goals and see results. What’s not so hot? A great workout followed by crappy food or using food to feed emotions.

Does this mean I do this perfectly? Nope, but I’d like to think I’m pretty good at it most of the time and the better I get, the more results I see. That’s when I reward myself with things like … new bikinis!!!

With my new swimwear on the way, after I finished my workout today, I went straight to the kitchen to make my favorite post-workout green smoothie. While I was there, I figured I’d let you in on how it’s done. Watch the video to get the recipe, but keep in mind, I don’t usually measure anything. I just add ingredients to the blender and it all works out.

Here’s where you come in:

1. Anyone can join in on this campaign and I’d love to have you sign up, declare a goal and create your page.

Click here to do that now. 

2. Follow me so we can support each other. I’ll follow you back.

Find my page here. 

3. Everyone competes as individuals but you can join as many teams as you’d like to help you reach your goals.

Join my Team, Eat for Energy!

Under Armour provides challenge prompts to keep you going and motivated along the way. Creating a video like the one I did here is the first challenge so get started!

If you’ve joined the campaign, leave a comment here, share your goal with me and leave a link to your page so we can all follow and support each other!

There are cool prizes involved for the winners like a retreat to Costa Rica with Under Armour so give this your ALL!

Not into declaring your goals publicly? You can do it privately. I’m offering a limited number of free, 30-minute Your Body, Your Life strategy sessions to help you get clarity on your health and wellness goals then tackle them head on. Contact me to claim your free session. 

Under Armour What’s Beautiful: What I Eat After a Workout #IWILL #Whatsbeautiful is a post from: Where I Need to Be

I spend a lot of time in exercise clothes whether I’m in the gym or my home office so it can’t just be any old spandex. It needs to be stylish, comfortable, wicking, figure-flattering and of course, the brand has to stand for something. These are some of the reasons I love NUX USA.

NUX USA stands for inspired living and has a philosophy they call NUXOLOGY:

To be pro peace and anti nothing.
To lead with my heart and follow with my mind.
To honor humility and be humbled by honorable people.
To choose to dance through life with all of my imperfections.
To cultivate compassion for the world by having compassion for myself.

And there’s more. The clothes are engineered to offer a range of compression options and are a smart choice for any exercise from light to heavy.

Since they sponsored me at Bloggy Boot Camp, NUX sent me a few cute items like the Tava Rouched Tank in Iris, the Ava Legging in Black, the Harper Wrap in black which has the cutest ruffle detail down the back and the Soothe Scarf.

The folks at NUX are so generous that they’re giving away a Soothe Scarf to a lucky reader.  This scarf is the perfect layering piece and a fashionable accessory when going from gym to errands before heading home or stash it in your travel bag for when you need an extra layer on a chilly airplane.

To enter the giveaway,

1. Tweet: I want to win the @Nuxusa Soothe Scarf from @MarissaVicario

2. Leave a comment letting me know where you’ll take your Soothe Scarf this summer

One winner will be selected at random on Monday, June 3.

NUX USA Giveaway is a post from: Where I Need to Be