Oh ‘Row’ is Me – Inspired by CrossFit Games to Row 21,097m

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I woke up this morning and it was raining! Austin has been in a drought for quite some time and the rare occurrence of precipitation stirred up a feeling that my day wasn’t going to be normal.  Still fuzzy-headed and a little sore from running 400s the day before, the rain was becoming another lame excuse to postpone my planned long(ish) run. My husband convinced me to “just come to the gym” and, just as I predicted, something unusual did happen   – I decided on an impulse to row a half-marathon, 13.1 miles. Hey, if the fittest people on earth had just knocked out this little workout at the 2013 CrossFit Games, then there was no keeping me from giving it a go.

Feeling confident.

Feeling confident.

Even though I really don’t know what all the measurements on the row machine mean and have never finished a workout longer than 3 x 2k, I’ve be strutting around the house since the Women’s Row 1 and Row 2 events announcing that I could totally win or place in the top three at this event. It was all about the strategy; it was all about endurance; it was all about having that ‘eye of the tiger.’ All true but, boy, was I full of it!

As most of you following the CrossFit Games know, the Row 1 event measured the time it took each athlete to cross the 2k mark and the Row 2 event was scored for the entire distance.  This would mean hauling butt right out of the start to finish in the low 7 minutes (winners reporting they went at 90 -95% effort) and then settling into a brisk pace to finish somewhere in the vicinity of 1:27 to 1:29.

I could do this all day (and almost did).

I could do this all day (and almost did).

Well, truth be told, I don’t have the strength and body type to excel at rowing and have been told by a past CrossFit Games superstar that my form stinks. I’ll row a bit if it’s in a WOD and occasionally just for fun, but there were no colleges back in the day knocking on my door with rowing scholarships.  At best, I could hope for a 2k of 8:45 in Row 1. But, what I lack in strength I make up in endurance (so I thought) and I naively extrapolated my 2k to yield me a 1:30 . . . . perhaps a 1:35 due to lack of experience.  So, maybe I wasn’t going to “win,” but I was going to get close! The humbling outcome was a 1:49:53, about 25 minutes SLOWER than it takes me to run a half marathon! And, on top of that, I was a few strokes short due to a mid-row math miscalculation. Oh well, there were no judges around.

Couldn't find "mile" option and had to calculate meters during row -- hence, coming up 92m short.

Couldn’t find “mile” option and had to calculate meters during row — hence, coming up 92m short.

What I didn’t take into account was what a chore it was to be in the saddle for so long!  I never got to that point where I felt like I was giving a max effort or anywhere near it; I was so distracted by how numb my butt was getting, that my knees were starting to feel weird from the unfamiliar deep, repetitive movement, and that (how do I say it politely) exercising on a machine for that long and going nowhere is @#$% boring.  But, I ‘m not playing a poor-me violin here. I’m pretty certain by the grimaced looks on their faces and all the rear-end shifting that the majority of the CrossFit Games competitors were also suffering the side effects of this wicked workout. After the Games are over and everyone has headed home, I seriously doubt if any of the competitors will fondly remember the Row 1 and Row 2 showdown as their favorite event.

I'm not doing that again (famous last words).

I’m not doing that again (famous last words).

It’s pretty safe to say that I won’t be rowing a half-marathon anytime soon – as a “runner,” I’d probably choose to run it. But, I know I COULD row it if I needed to.  What I love about CrossFit is that since supplementing my running routine with WODs about two years ago, I’ve become a stronger, well-rounded athlete who can easily pull off a crazy stunt like this impromptu 21,097 meter row without suffering any serious aches or pains. Even though I was uncomfortable during the 13.1 mile row, I was never so distressed that I wanted or needed to give up, either physically or mentally. CrossFit has prepared me to be ready for anything, at any time. For example, I’m still basking in the afterglow of a recent 50 mile ultra-marathon I ran on a whim my friend, Valerie Hunt.  Never had I run an ultra and never had I planned to before this. With a decision making process of about 2 minutes, I went from “just” being a pacer planning on dropping out at 22 miles to a feel-good, kick-butt  finisher of 50 miles. So, no “woe” is me, it’s all “whoa” is me thanks to CrossFit.

2013 CrossFit Games athletes cheering each other on, even in the heat of battle!

2013 CrossFit Games athletes cheering each other on, even in the heat of battle!

Grilled Fig, Blue Cheese & Prosciutto Pizza – Now That’s Umami!

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jennifer fisher grilled fig blue cheese prosciutto pizza - title

My mouth is still salivating over this grilled pizza recipe I created for Litehouse Foods. Gourmet enough to serve guests as a prelude to dinner yet simple enough to make for a quick weeknight meal, theses pizzas are seriously scrumptious. The aged artisan blue cheese crumbles, salty proscuitto and sweet fig jam mingle together for a massive explosion of umami flavor. Head over to the Living Litehouse Blog to find out out how salty, sweet, tart and bitter aren’t the only categories of taste — there is also a fifth taste receptor called umami! Translated from Japanese, umami means “delicious essence” and I couldn’t agree more!

jennfer fisher fig blue cheese prosciutto pizza grill on board

Also, if you’re a fig fan like myself, check out my recipe for Fresh Figs with Balsamic Fig Jam — this is a beautiful and simple dish for dessert. Remember, to view the full recipe for the grilled pizzas along with lots of other drool-worthy ideas for healthy living, visit the Living Litehouse Blog. 

living litehouse button

 

Favorite Gear #Giveaway – Fitness Skort, Run Shirt & Fuel Belt

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SAMSUNGMy running swag runneth over and I would like to share some of it with you! There’s nothing like slaying a workout wearing a new piece of fabulous fitness clothing, that’s true for me anyway. I always seem to feel stronger, faster and more motivated when I have a fun, functional and good-fitting outfit on – this may explain why I can’t close the drawers on my dresser!  I’m giving away a few piece of great fitness gear that were given to me, but I just can’t wear for one reason or another. I would LOVE for you to LOVE one of these brands as much as I do. Everything is new, with tags, etc. and so on. Enter for one piece or all of them, just know that I only have the sizes shown (Smalls and a one-size-fits-most) and it is shipping directly from me, so there’s no negotiating on the size. Really sorry that I don’t have a more diverse selection, but it is what it is.  Oh, and by the way, all three pieces look cute together – so if you’re a size Small or have a friend who is, enter for everything! Just add some running shoes, and you’re ready to rock the next race in style!

yellowman ymx tribal running skirt

First up for grabs is a Green Tribal-print Athletic Skort from YMX by Yellowman. I really love this skirt. First, the bold, unique print is sure to get you loads of compliments and, secondly, it’s marvelously flattering and modest enough to wear when you have a workout followed by errands. No one wants to see me in the grocery store reaching for cereal off the bottom shelf wearing my super-tiny running shorts. Here I am rockin’ my YMX skort:

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Here’s the description for the skort from YMX by Yellowman:

“This green tribal-print athletic skort combines the appearance of a skirt with an attached short lining. Features gusset to promote full motion, and a 1 1/4 comfort waistband. Perfect for running, hiking, walking, fitness and workout.”

Please note, I only have size Small – which I would guess, from the looks of it, fits a size 6 – 8.  For a point of reference, I have this skirt in a XS which seems to fit a 2-4. Whoever wins this can be twinsies with me!

mizuno inspire tee light grey

Second up for grabs is a women’s Inspire Tee in grey by Mizuno Running. Features Mizuno DryLite™ moisture management technology to keep your body dry so that you can enjoy running in comfort and style.  Other features include anti-abrasion labeling (also good thing in sweaty weather) and and V-neck.  This photo makes it look like a tight compression shirt; however, it’s not — although it does have a shaped, figure-flattering cut (not super loose and boxy).

Please note, I only have size Small in this shirt.  I have several running shirts in this exact style and size and I feel like it runs a little small to size. But, then again I have medium-ish shoulders.

fuel belt

Third for the taking is a Fuel Belt brand Super-stretch Waist Pack in black.  I don’t see a size on the package, pretty sure it is one-size-fits-most. Package says “lightweight, fully-adjustable stretch mesh pocket.”  The zippered pocket looks plenty big to carry along snacks, gels, salt pills or whatever else you need on a run.

If you’d like to enter, just follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter app below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

To-Go Thai Peanut Chicken Jar Salads & Tips on Salad Layering

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jennifer fisher - thai peanut chicken salad - main option 1 When stuff starts flying at you fast, don’t fuel your life with fast food. While it may seem convenient or comforting to scarf up a meal that comes in a grease-stained bag; trust me, you’ll regret it by the end of your busy day. Energy will tank, headaches will take hold, workouts will suffer, cravings will activate and by 8pm you will have devoured every treat set aside in your pantry for occasional cheats. When I know the week is going to busy, I plan ahead and make jar salads that can be kept fresh in the fridge and on call whenever hunger strikes. In just one session, I can make lunches (or dinners) for a week in just a tad bit more time than it takes to prepare a single salad.  If you have a big appetite, you might think the jar salads look modest; but it’s amazing how much lettuce, produce and proteins a motivated person can pack into a standard 2-cup canning jar. In the past, I’ve shared a recipe for Ancho Chopped Chicken Salad in a Jar, but today I’m showing everyone how to make a To-Go Thai Chicken Jar Salad over at the Litehouse Living Blog. Not only is this recipe packed with good-for-you ingredients, the Thai Peanut salad dressing by Litehouse Foods, is tasty beyond description and is actually made without peanuts making it lower calorie and fine for folks with nut allergies. how to layer jar salads   Dressing Layer: Salad dressing should always be the first ingredient poured into the bottom of a jar salad. Let your taste buds be your guide. Choose from basic homemade oil and vinegar or one of the many delicious salad dressing options from Litehouse Foods such as Lite Honey Dijon Vinaigrette or Sesame Ginger. Simply changing the dressing along with a few key ingredients can give your jar salad a whole new flavor personality. Grains and Protein Layer:  The key to choosing the best ingredients for this layer (you might have several) is to understand that those nearest the bottom will be marinating in the dressing until you are ready to unscrew the lid and dig in. Toss in some quinoa, brown rice or whole grain noodles to sop up the sauce and then top with some muscle-making meat, poultry, tofu chunks or even hard-boiled eggs. Hearty Produce Layer: Choose any combination of veggies that won’t get soggy or limp if the dressing sloshes up prematurely. Cherry tomatoes, artichokes hearts, cucumber slices, radishes, mushrooms, broccoli florets and other non-leafy veggies are tasteful additions. Get creative and experiment with non-oxidizing fruits such as grapes, mandarin orange segments and berries. This is also a great time to add Litehouse Foods Instantly Fresh Herbs; the proximity to the dressing combined with the moisture from the produce seems to bring these freeze-dried herbs back to life. Leafy Delicate Layer: Add your favorite lettuces, greens and delicate items near the top. Spinach, arugula, romaine, kale, cabbage are all winners and along with unexpected ingredients, such as alfalfa sprouts, give your jar salad lots of crispy crunch. Amazing Extras Layer: Give your jar salad an extra pop of yum with a thin layer of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, crumbled bacon (gasp) or scrumptious cheeses. Litehouse Foods has a delicious selection of handcrafted cheeses perfect for sprinkling atop any salad including rich and creamy Blue Cheese Crumbles  and tarty and salty Feta Cheese Crumbles.

Living Litehouse

Melon with Serrano Mint Syrup Recipe & How to Pick a Ripe Watermelon

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Yes, I know –another watermelon recipe. But ‘tis the season for watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew and all other delicious, juicy fruits of summer. Hurray!

melon mint and serrano salad

A reader (and husband) favorite was the Spicy Sesame Salmon on Seared Watermelon I posted last month. I just have to post the picture again because it was THAT good.

jennifer fisher - thefitfork.com - spicy sesame salmon seared watermelon

Oh, and I haven’t yet forgotten this Watermelon at Heirloom Tomato Salad.

watermelon heirloom tomato salad

Yesterday, I rehydrated from my 9 mile run in 90-percent humidity with a glass of real watermelon juice. While watermelon is loaded with potassium, I stilled kicked up my drink with even more electrolytes thanks to a grape Nuun Hydration tablet. So crisp and refreshing; it was a runner-friendly aqua fresca!

nuun watermelon juice with grape

Wondering how to pick a good watermelon? I know all the tricks. First, look for a yellow, creamy spot on the bottom-side, this means it’s been ripening in the, as it should be! The deeper this “field spot,” the sweeter the melon. Second, a watermelon should have a dull finish (honeydews, too); if it’s super shiny, it won’t be ready to eat. Third, it should feel heavier than it looks.  Watermelons are over 90 percent water, and the ripest ones are the juiciest and, therefore, pack the most pounds. This watermelon I’m holding below weighed more than 35 pounds (even though it doesn’t really look like it) and it was the best one I’ve had this summer!

watermelon should feel heavy

This Melon with Serrano-Mint Syrup Recipe is a recipe I created that ran in Taste of Home magazine way back in May of 2008. At the time, I was growing a mountain of mint and was looking for creative ways to use it. The spicy-sweet syrup was my solution!

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Melon with Serrano-Mint Syrup Recipe

Prep: 30 min. + chilling

  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon minced serrano pepper
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh mint
  • 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
  • 4 cups each cubed watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew

In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, lemon juice, honey and serrano pepper. Bring to a boil; cook for 3-5 minutes or until slightly thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in mint and lemon peel. Cool to room temperature.

Strain syrup; discard pepper, mint and lemon peel. In a large bowl, combine the melons. Add syrup; gently toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, stirring several times. Serve with a slotted spoon. Yield: 12 servings.

Nutritional Facts1 cup equals 92 calories, trace fat (trace saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 13 mg sodium, 25 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 1 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1/2 starch.