Full-Time Bloggin’

Yippee, it’s Friday!

It’s exciting times over here. I’m venturing into ultra marathons and my first half Ironman (this May). I’m also working to maintain a healthy vegan diet as I approach my one year anniversary since I made the change (July 5th). Aaaand I’m really exploring how I make money since I want to be passionate about my career.

Through all of this you guys are a big support. I love sharing everything that’s going on. It’s your support that pushes me through the toughest miles!

So, I’m going to start blogging (almost) every day. I am going to include more of my workouts and my regular meals. To keep in line with this change, healthy ashley is getting a big makeover! The whole blog is getting completely revamped with the help of Ryan!

 

What do you like most about healthy ashley? What should I change/add as I move forward with a revamped blog?

To answer some questions:

On most races I bring my Canon SD750. It is small enough to fit in my hand or even in the pockets of my lululemon gear. It has recorded all of my videos, too!

To edit the video I used Picasa. I use Picasa for all my video/picture editing. It is really simple to edit videos with the program if you’re just putting together clips, but I feel limited when trying to do anything else (such as add music). If you know of any other PC programs, please share in the comments!

Croom 50k: The Video

Your comments on my Croom 50k Race Recap are incredible! Your support is honestly huge motivation for me when I’m in the tough points of runs. Thank you!

Here’s the video!

Two comments:

1. Why is my face so filthy the first half of the video!?

2. I  sound like a Canadian with my o’s. Thanks, lululemon.

 

To answer a few questions:

I outlined the differences between trail and road races here. I suggest everyone try at least one trail race! They’re so laid back and fun!

I do run with my point and shoot camera. Having photos/video to look at later definitely inspires me after the run.

Do you bring a camera or phone on your races?

Video: Marathon Reflections

Wow! I’m blown away by your comments about my first marathon. It’s easy to lose track of the significance of 26.2 when I’ve been wrapped up in long runs for so long, but your comments make me feel on top of the world!

I did take this video during the race and am just posting it now. Enjoy! (video: 2 minutes 6 seconds) LOL- Sorry my face is sideways!!

 

Vegan/GF Bake Sale for TnT

I’m excited to announce we have lots of bakers signed up for the vegan/gluten-free bake sale! Don’t forget I still need bakers (email healthyashley at gmail dot com) to donate goods.. and all you bidders stay tuned for the bake sale Tuesday Dec. 1st!

 Julie from Savvy Eats is making a vegan Sea Salt & Dark Chocolate Cherry Scone!

 

 Angela from Oh She Glows is baking up some of her fabulous Glo Bars!

 

Do you dread or look forward to Thanksgiving dinner?

I love spending time with my family, but sometimes the issue of food can be overwhelming! This year will be interesting as my first as a vegan :)

Cookies, Twilight and a BIG PR

What a weekend! This weekend has been all about my two favorite things: food and fitness. Oh yeah, I had great company, too ;)

In the name of shameless Sunday, I’m going to go ahead and admit all photos (except for the crappy ones- those are MINE!) were stolen from Ryan. It sure is nice to have a photographer friend nearby! Thanks, Ryan!

Katy and Ryan came over last night to test out Lindsey’s top secret vegan chocolate chip cookie recipe and watch Twilight again. (I was converted into a Twilight addict when I watched it for the first time last weekend. Now, I am obsessed. Consider yourself warned.)

Ryan was the boss lady/photographer while Katy and I goofed off and attempted to follow directions :)

Everything was going really well until we realized we should have greased the cookie sheets. So instead of the delicious batter coming out in actual cookie form, it was more like a second layer to my baking sheets. The result was still tasty… and hilarious.

Check out these videos for a taste :-)

 

 

It’s okay, the cookies are still beautiful :-)    What a fun night! Twilight left my heart beating out of my chest and I was so sad when it finally ended at 2 a.m. and I had to send the girls home….

 

….only to wake up at 5 a.m. to head to the Founder’s Day 10K in Celebration, Fl with Caitlin and Kelly! Caitlin was sweet enough to give me an abandoned race packet so I was able to run for free!

I started the very early morning with my standard pre-race breakfast: naner oats with PB!

Dixie had a late night, too, so she hung out on the big chair while I got ready. Look at the sleepy puppy!

My first 10k was last November. It was the first time I had gone such a long distance and I actually had to use my inhaler multiple times! For that race I finished in 1:13:18. I told Ryan and Katy (our cheerleaders/photographers) to expect me plenty after the one hour mark today.

Don’t worry- I represented some Twilight love.

As I started running I thought about my plan of attack and my recent accomplishments. Just a few weeks ago I ran a hard 12 miles without any stops and two days ago I completed a solid 20 mile run… it was those accomplishments that led me to decide that this was a race and I was going to push hard to finish it fast!

I picked one person to stick with but I ended up passing her and finding someone else :) I pushed hard, ran faster than normal and earned a new pr with a finishing time of 58:39. That’s about 15 minutes faster than last year… that’s something I can be proud of!Congrats to Caitlin and Kelly for blowing me out of the water and to Ryan and Katy for waking up so early to show their support.  It was a fantastic morning. I’m so lucky to have friends like these girls! :)

Have you ever had an unexpected PR (personal record)?

Inspiration: Aimee Mullins

I stumbled upon this video and was inspired. And I was challenged.

This post isn’t just about how Aimee Mullins was born without fibulae in both legs and had a double amputation below both knees on her first birthday with a prognosis to never walk.

Instead this is about how Aimee Mullins took what is a nightmare for most and found the beauty in the obstacle, pushed herself in every way and challenged everyone around her on what is normal and what is beautiful.

My words can’t really do justice. Watch the video below to hear this inspirational athlete, actress, fashion model and speaker’s message in her own words.

I promise it’s worth all 10 minutes!

Have you overcome any obstacles in your life? (Remember obstacles aren’t just physical!) Please share in the comments!

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Healthy Ashley has a very new look! Notice all the fun sections at the top! A huge thanks! to my Love, David, who stayed up with me very late last night helping me make everything just right. I'm kind of one of those !RIGHT! NOW! people when I want to try something!

What do you think of the new look?

Loco

Full post coming tonight, but here is a clip from Saturday's karaoke party to tide you over!

Sorry my recording is so shaky! I couldn't keep from laughing!

Spring Rolls!

David and I made our first batch of spring rolls last night along with some fried rice and ginger salad. It was a lot of work but everything turned out so well!

All ingredients were found at Whole Foods. It was the only place I could find the paper.

In our spring rolls: tofu, red bell pepper, avocado, mango, baby spinach

tofu included some Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce. I swear this sauce makes everything better!

13 papers = 1 serving according to the package (350cal.) If you eat 13 you are crazy! I calculated the paper to be about 27 calories each..

Here's a fun little video demo for you! (just over 1 minute):


Dipped in Veri Veri Teryaki (the best sauce ever!) and peanut sauce.
Served with David's fried rice (his had shrimp) and a ginger salad of baby spinach, peanuts, red bell pepper and ginger dressing.


They certainly didn't turn out perfect, but they were pretty good for first-timers! Next time we will let the wet paper sit a bit longer and roll the paper tighter when making the roll. Tight!
I definitely suggest making your own spring rolls. They are highly customizable and pretty easy. Oh yeah- and they're reallllyy tasty!

Is there any dish you were hesitant to try but loved once you finally tackled it? Anything that went drastically wrong?

Goodbye to Yesterday's Habits

Dear Self:

Yes, tomorrow is a new day, a new chance. But tomorrow will not be a day you lose weight if you continue yesterday's habits.

Forget the stress-eating. Food will not take away the emotions or the stress- and your body would rather you didn't try anyway! Enjoy every bite.

Stop the 'poor me' excuses. You can stay between 1,400-1,600 calories and still live. Really.

-Ashley

ps- Have you seen this?

So What Did YOU See on Your Drive Home?

Yes, this is a camel dancing down the road in a multi-colored school bus. Can you believe it!? This changed the mood of my commute entirely. I was laughing for the rest of the night. Watch to believe.

*******
In other news, I'm going through a tough relationship issue. I'm really struggling. I'm eating EVERYTHING and have zero motivation to work out or do anything at all. Any tips on how to not gain 10 pounds in one day?

Trunk Monkey

Do you have a Trunk Monkey? David showed this to me and it is FUNNY! Video is under 6 minutes. You'll wish it was longer!

Love/Hate Running

How's your relationship doing?

I'm an Asics girl, but this video is awesome!