Here's a Real Shocker.

So, let's think back to a time long ago when I mentioned I had some news to share.  I'll start at the beginning.

I left my job at NYU back in July and have been doing a lot of soul searching and actual researching trying to decide which direction my next step should fall in.  I am not ready for graduate school just yet for a number of reasons.  We can strike that plan.  Getting hired in a major recession within an HOUR radius of your home?  Damn near impossible.  So now what?  I am lucky enough to have parents that are incredibly supportive of my return home and are allowing me time to sort myself out. 

I think it's pretty apparent where this is headed.  What things in my life do I have a true passion for?  What is it that I'm willing to read about all day, perform at any time, and teach every day?  Oh yea, and write about in a blog...

FITNESS!

To be more specific, I've actually begun the incredibly intense process of studying for my Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam.  If you're unfamiliar with what that means, crack open any magazine with an article that is written by or references a trainer.  Odds are, they're certified with a CSCS.  The difference between the CSCS and a CPT (Certified Personal Trainer) is the level of understanding required, and therefore the athletic level of clients they tend to work with.  I'm required to know muscle anatomy, neuro/cardio/skeletal structure and function, biochemistry (college wasn't worthless!), nutrition, program development and more.  This isn't your run of the mill "do bicep curls till it hurts" kind of stuff.

Now it's nose to the grindstone for me for the next few weeks.  With any luck I'll be finished by January (studying 5-6 hours a day) and ready to rock.  If you're interested in being a guinea pig for me to practice my program design skills (I'm talking to you, Miss Barca), send me an e-mail!  :)

E-mail Me:  fitcookiemonster@gmail.com

The Globe Trotting Winds Down

It's been a few months, so it's more than time for a new post!  It's been so long, so this is sure to be a doozy.

Since my last post, I completed a 100 mile bike ride (and signed up for next year! Visit BikeMS City to Shore to join).  The training was just as much mental as physical.  It took every last shred of determination I had to convince myself that it's possible to complete 100 miles, especially after all of the mishaps our training has delivered.

What was intended to be our first 20 mile ride was reduced to about 12 miles after an unfortunate wildlife related incident.  Our second ride was brought to an abrupt halt about 2 miles from home when my handlebars separated from my bike.  This resulted in a trip to the bike shop, where I learned that my brakes were permanently in contact with the wheel - no wonder I was struggling so much!  New bike acquired.  We didn't hit a solid stride until we started biking the Great Swamp - 24 miles of gargantuan hills.  Luckily, both Leor and I rode like champions (thanks to all those pre-ride pancakes) and celebrated with sandwiches.  Training = eats!  Race day alone burned almost 5000 calories :) Overall, one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had and am more than looking forward to next year. 

WEEEEEEE!!! We're finished!

Rookie Century Finishers - Team Amandas

After that, both Leor and I turned 25.  This obviously means it was time to celebrate - a LOT.  All over America.  We spent a week in Orlando visiting family, Mickey, and of course, Hogwarts.  Let me tell you, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the best thing to hit Universal since GUTS.  And thank goodness we are in good shape because we hustled through those parks like Olympic speed walkers.

YAY! I'm going to Hogwarts!!  If only NJ Transit was so fun...

Then the celebration moved to the Poconos for a weekend in the woods with some great friends.  An accidental 7 mile hike ensued in less than stellar weather, but we scored the chance to feed a giraffe.  Fair trade?  I say yes.

Giraffe time.

Finally, the quarter century celebrations are wrapping up with...drum roll, please...skydiving!!  So far, Mother Nature has been very much against this venture.  Every time we schedule, the weather jumps ship and we get October snow or 40mph gusts of wind.  Here's hoping we get to jump before 2012 :) At least we had a great time in Atlantic City at the Chelsea!

Stay tuned for some major news dropping this week!  I'm back for good this time :)

The Perks of Pumpkin

Everyone knows the Pumpkin Spice Latte has made its seasonal comeback (I've already had 4 and it's only been out for a week), which makes us think about how early is too early to let go of Summer?  It's the times when you see Christmas trees in stores in August that make you think about it - why do we want to rush everything (more importantly, the most fun season) every year?  I want to savor the last few days of weather that makes you sweat, beautiful days at the beach that don't require a sweatshirt, and the best food of the year...but luckily, that means I can start to think about Autumn harvest type foods!!  

With that said, all this thinking about Autumn flavors (since it IS my favorite season) has got me assembling pumpkin yogurt, baking pumpkin bread, eating pumpkin seeds, and anything else that has the word pumpkin in it.  Just remember - pumpkin is actually healthy and tastes great when it is NOT in pie form!

I personally LOVE to keep at least a can or two of Libby's Pumpkin Puree on hand (make sure it's not the pie filling!!) to mix into everything and anything.  It's massively nutritious since it's loaded with fiber, Vitamin A, and tons of antioxidants.  You can use it for everything from reducing fat/calories in a spice cake mix (similar to using applesauce for replacing oil and eggs) or making Fall-festive brownies.  I've been mixing it into my plain greek yogurt with a big dash of pumpkin pie spice for a happy treat!

Now, I'm just waiting for it to be an acceptable time to start drinking hot apple cider...tick tock!

ALSO - In just over a week, I will be participating in the National MS Society's Bike MS: City to Shore Century Ride.  This means I will be biking 100 miles in ONE DAY to help raise funds for finding a cure.  Please help support my efforts by donating, volunteering, or if you're feeling brave...participating!
For more information - check here.  Every single dollar adds up to real change. 

Follow me on Twitter: @fitcookiemonstr
E-mail me: fitcookiemonster@gmail.com