Esprit de She Katy 5/10K - Fit Foodie Finishers

snapping pics at the stop light and headed to meet the ladies who signed up to brave the Esprit de She 5 & 10K races with me last night! great times.  it did NOT rain on our parade either, thank God.

no sunshine, but it wasn't unbearably humid either as this SOLD OUT crowd of  gorgeous, fit, ladies gathered in anticipation and excitement. just look at that turn out! there was plenty to do, too. Zumba, healthy snack samples, Yoga, and chair massages & manicures were provided by Lifetime Fitness Lifespa.  this event totally catered to the She.

i arrived early, headed to packet pickup, and ran smack into my friend Alexia and her hubby (he came for support, how sweet!). she is 1 week ahead of me @ 36 weeks preggo and was down to pound the pavement regardless. LOVES IT!  the shirts were a gorgeous purple color this year; it's definitely one of my fave race tanks (racerback always rules in my world) that i will be hitting the gym in for sure.  also, because i registered early (big surprise there :o ), i was able to personalize my bib. coolness.

the Esprit de She ambassadors got a group email going a few days before the race and decided to meet up for a pre-race photo under the Athleta tent.  did it happen? i couldn't tell ya lol, but i was there and looking around for the other ladies. Landi found me, and then we somehow found Jennifer.  nice meeting you gals <3

my friend Eshé (top L) has been taking my gym classes since i started teaching at 24 HF eons ago! she is now a Lifetime member and is training for another triathlon later this year.  she showed the 10k who was boss last night!!! so proud of her and she looks fantastic.   Alexia and i (top R) received SO MUCH bump love!! i was truly proud to represent for the fit preggo moms out there with her, you already know.  way to GO, Alexia.  we ran into my crazy-sock wearing fitness buddies Ros (Zumba instructor extraordinaire)and Karen on the way to the start line (bottom L pic) :) lastly, i finally got a pic with my Soror, Ayesha!  she's a fellow Coog, blogger, and Esprit de She Ambassador as well.

before and after!

as Alexia and i wrapped up our final mile, a woman who was driving by in her truck slowed down (and shouted over a/her child in the passenger seat) 'you're pregnant? and running? why??' and sped off! my response? why NOT!? :?: i should have shouted to her to follow me on Instagram. lol. if she only knew :P

i know a lot of mommies-to-be that aren't able to run at this stage of the game as the weight and pressure of the fetus is pretty high.  however, we used common sense, checked on each other constantly, and alternated between jogging (when we felt like it) and power-walking to get through the 5k.  mission accomplished!

post-race, you KNOW what i was lookin' for and where i can always be found- by the fuel!  believe it or not, the line on the right was for the free bubbly LOL!  i was so happy to just walk right up and get my southwest chicken wrap(S) and salad that were provided by the always healthy and delicious Lifetime Cafe.

i had a rockin' time and hope to return next year. with or without a baby bump ;)

HAPPY EARLY MOTHERS' DAY <3

le

beast mode ON

aaaaaggggghh!

i have great news that i received last night just before hitting the sack.

hey now, fit foodie le was selected to be an Athleta Esprit de She Ambassador, :shock: WOWZERS.  what an honor.

'Beyond the finish line, Esprit de She is a community of active women connected by a shared desire to celebrate fitness and fun, sisterhood and strength.'

i love and support their mission and because they are partnered with Lifetime, this deal is that much sweeter!  more details to come as they are rolling out this awesome program as you read this.

class this morning was doooope!  1 hour of HIIT done at the crack of dark.  i am determined to make yoga apart of my normal workout routine, dang it.  one class does WONDERS for my body, immediately.  in addition to increased flexibility (duh), i am calmer, any anxiety is reduced, circulation is increased, and i love that no fancy equipment is needed.  just yo body (ok and a mat, but that's it).  i have always steered clear of yoga cause, well, it's super slow-paced and i'd rather be doing aerial front and back flips or something crazy. but seriously taking your time to stretch is good stuff for your muscles, especially after a great weight workout.   even if you don't take an actual class, don't skip post-workout stretching.  you can't be on 10 all the time!  yoga is physical, mental, & spiritual and just might be the balance you need too.

more news! why? because God is good, that's why.

i received this guy in the mail just this morning from the gorgeous CEO of Fitzee Foods, Michelle Weinstein.

:shock:

i just want to take a bite out of each one all at once!!! thanks a TON, Michelle.

Fitzee foods is based out of San Diego, but they ship all over the US.  they are making big waves in the health and fitness industry, so keep up with 'em:

 Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

you know what's next- product reviews coming your way bay-bay.

never get too comfortable and count your blessings daily, heck, hourly.  every chance you get.

fit foodie LEAN ebook update post to follow as i finally have a solid one to share!  thank you for your patience.

Q: do you practice yoga regularly? what does it do for you?

le

Esprit De She 5k + glute bridges

breakfaaaast this morning!  just an egg white omelette chock-full of kale, roma tomatoes, baby bella mushrooms, mrs. Dash onion & herb seasoning. cheddar almond cheese, sriracha and avo on top. super filling!

let's get physical.

basic glute bridge: with your head on the floor and heels on  the bench or floor, raise your hips off the ground while squeezing your glutes and pressing your heels into the step or floor.  when your glutes are level with your hips, stop. lower and repeat.  mix it up with different counts- singles and pulses set those buns on :shock: FIRE :shock:

leg variations: 

• left foot on your right knee (pictured) 12 x 2
• right foot on your left knee (pictured) 12 x 2
• right leg extended at hip level (pictured) 12 x 2
• right leg straight up in the air 12 x 2
• left leg extended at hip level 12 x 2
• left leg extended up in the air 12 x 2
• heels down, toes up 12 x 2

tips:

• this can be done on the floor without the bench; alway make sure your surface is stable. an elevated surface provides a wider range of motion to perform the exercise.
• keep a neutral chin; slighty tucked in towards your chest
• avoid pushing your hips too high as this can hyperextend your back
• you should feel this primarily in your glutes. if you feel lower back discomfort, try doing them without elevation.

have fun!

i added a new recipe to the ebook today- roasted, curried cauli (as in cauliflower) mash.  i used to eat broccoli and cheese like nobody's business but neither one of them are kind to my tummy. soooo, this was a great, flavorful replacement.  i also had some roasted butternut squash sprinkled with cinnamon, and pan seared lemon pepper tilapia.

are you on IG? of course you are. i'm doing @fitnessfoodandstyle's May Photo A Day challenge this month cause i love me some Dani and it looks fun! you should join me.

'don't copy, compete with or compare yourself to others. their path is not your path, nor should it be. everyone has a unique gift to offer. what is yours?'

-mary frances winters

with that said, this next event is for my fit ladies only. let's finish this race and compete together as a team. the Athleta Esprit de She Houston 5k/10k will be making its debut on May 9th, 2013!  yes, 8 days away!

 

let's make their very first year one to remember.  if you would like to run with the Fit Foodie Finishers, send me an email (le@fitfoodiele.com) so i can send you the link to sign up!   we will be running the 5k, so whether you're a veteran or first timer, come oooooon.

le