How Stress Affects Running and Workouts plus Mood-Boosting WOD

Stress Relief and Exercise - TheFitFork.com

Regardless of your life stage or what precautions you take, stress can pile up with an assortment of family, work, school, health and money issues.  That’s just life. Over the years, I’ve managed my stress through running, working out and, more recently, yoga. Exercise helps me take my mind off problems (most of which are out of my control anyway) and focus on living in the moment. Plus, the physical aspect of exercise creates endorphins and other happy hormones that help the brain and body cope better with stress. Research has shown that physically active people have lowered levels stress, anxiety and depression –even just a brisk 10 minute walk can alter your attitude.

Bloody Knees - TheFitFork.com

Bloody knees after box jumping while grumpy and distracted.

So, while it is a GOOD THING to exercise in the name of stress management, there are certain things to look for and precautions to take to ensure that you remain safe and injury free.  The British Journal of Sports Medicine reported that elite athletes were more likely to get hurt if they competed while angry, confused, fatigued, tense, or depressed.  This translates to use everyday athletes as well – goodness knows I’ve been tired, used bad form, tripped and fallen resulting in tweaked muscles, bloody body parts, several bad cases of road burn, contusions,a concussion, gashes requiring stitches and just plain turning up sick a few days later.

Are you wondering why? Well, when cortisol levels are elevated for too long, putting you in a state of chronic stress, your muscles and immune system won’t function at their best. You also won’t sleep well, creating day-in and day-out fatigue that can negatively impact exercise and performance.  So, before I hit the trail or the gym, I like to get myself into a ready-to-workout mode with a bit of calming yoga, taking deep breaths, and engaging in a little positive visualization of how great my workout out or run will be.  I also make sure I’m eating well and getting as much quality sleep as I can – people who know me well are probably tsk-tsking right now, because sleeping is one of my biggest challenges

Stress Less to Be My Best - RESCUE

RESCUE Pastilles are another little trick I have in my tool kit for stress relief.  Completely natural and homeopathic, RESCUE Pastilles help me to stress less, stay calm and, ultimately, sleep better. I don’t take them before a workout, but rather during the late afternoon or early evening when all my little life stressors are peaking – the pastilles combined with the five minute time-out I take to suck on them helps me get back into that happy place I need to be. There’s nothing habit-forming or concerning about these doctor-developed candies that have been around for nearly a century – they are alcohol-free, sugar-free and the ingredients are a gentle and safe blend of flower and plant remedies.

rescue tinI also love the apothecary-like tin of the RESCUE Pastilles– it has vintage charm and is convenient to stick in my purse or gym bag. You can find these at Walgreens, CVS, Sprouts, Whole Foods and other find retailers – along with other forms of the product like RESCUE Sleep Liquid Melts and RESCUE Pearls.  You really need to try RESCUE out, here’s a coupon to get you started.

 

I’ve also put together a stress relieving workout that will help you keep everything that life throws your way in happy balance.  Enjoy!

Stress Relief Workout - TheFitFork.com

 

What do YOU do to manage your stress? Please share in the comments.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

 

6 Soups for Runners and Spartans

Even though I’ve been running and working out in the beautiful warm weather that’s been gracing Austin for the last several days, the chill of winter is expected to return over weekend – it’s my guess that Jack Frost is moseying over from the Snowpocolypse on the East coast. Although, we won’t get mountains of snow (actually, not even a freeze at all), this cold-weather wimp will be tempted to stay under the blankets and skip even her civilized late-morning run.   That is, unless I know I have soup waiting for lunch!

Soups and Stews for Runners - TheFitFork.com

After a long run in cold weather, nothing warms up my body and nourishes my soul more than a big bowl of soup.  Who wants to think about making a complicated meal when road weary, starving and chilled to the bone? That’s why I like to have a big batch of homemade soup waiting in the slow cooker or ready to simmer on the stovetop the minute I walk in the door.  Warmth and convenience aren’t the only reason why soup is great for runners — soup is also an easy, one-dish recovery meal that features the right mix of carbohydrates, protein, and healing vitamins and minerals. Eating soup after a workout refuels your tank with healthy food and the extra liquid helps restore hydration!  I’m sharing six soup and stew recipes that are in constant rotation at my house during the cold-weather running seasons — each is easy to make and tastes just as good (if not better) as leftovers.

  1. Wilted Greens, Beans & Beef Meatball Stew
  2. Black Bean & Pumpkin Soup
  3. Chipotle Squash & Chickpea Soup
  4. Southwestern Sweet Potato Soup
  5. Hatch Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup
  6. Lightened Yet Still  “Loaded” Baked Potato Soup
This is my favorite race photo ever - Zooma Half Marathon 2013 -
This is my favorite race photo ever – Zooma Half Marathon 2013 – I WON! !

Now that one of my favorite races (3M Half Marathon) has come and gone for the year, I can focus on my upcoming events. Of course, there is the Capitol 10k later this spring (I’m going to try to peak for this one) and the Zooma Women’s Race Series in Austin on March 28th – I’m a Zooma Ambassador again for the 4th year and will be running the half marathon – they also offer a 10k and 5k. This is a fun and supportive race for women of all abilities (and men, you’re invited too) – afterward there is just an awesome party with lots of Texas Hill Country hospitality, including music, wine and massages. Come out and join me – use the discount code JENNIFER15 at registration and get 10% off the fee for any race distance.

Core Power Workout

Oh, and did I tell you that I’m running the Spartan Race in a few months when it comes to Austin. It’s a good thing that the Spartan is in May and it won’t be cold — no soup required afterward, but maybe a cold beer! I better start practicing my obstacles ASAP! Check out the workout —>

Spartan has a ton of stuff going on right now including a newly launched podcast that shares epic stories of success – ‘Spartan Up!’  If you are totally into obstacle racing, you can get hooked up with a Spartan Season Pass that offers unlimited racing, ability to sign up in any heat including elite, special travel discounts and more.   

Save 20% on spartan race code: UBST24-TK88D27
spartan women

{Slow Cooker} Salted Caramel Chocolate Crunch Holiday Gift Recipe

Slow Cooker Salted Caramel Chocolate Crunch - TheFitFork.com

I would be thrilled if you would head over to Love Grown Food’s Facebook and/or Pinterest page and vote for my holiday recipe creation (by “liking” or pinning) – {Slow Cooker} Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Crunch! This scrumptious salty-sweet snack couldn’t be easier to make in the slow cooker . . . . yes, Crock Pot power! Just dump in everything but the chocolate and let it mingle and caramelize together while you tend to other holiday tasks like wrapping gifts, addressing cards and hauling out the holly. Chocolate chips are melted in at the end and then it just cools for a bit on parchment paper. By using Power O’s, a crunchy cereal made from a blend of beans that adds protein, I’m able to bring a little balance to this sweet snack mix.

If you don’t gobble up the entire recipe at once, this Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Crunch makes a nice addition to any holiday party snack lineup or can be packaged up in jars with pretty ribbon for gift-giving.  Remember to go vote through the Facebook or Pinterest links, it’s really easy.  Thank you.

Slow Cooker Salted Caramel Chocolate Crunch - TheFitFork.com

Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Crunch Recipe

  • 3/4 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 4 cups “O’s” cereal like Cheerios or Love Grown Power O’s
  • 2 cups mini pretzels
  • 2 cups oyster crackers
  • 2 cups toasted almonds
  • 2 cups dark chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt

1. Melt butter in a saucepan.
2. Stir in sugar and vanilla until well blended.
3. In a large slow cooker, combine cereal, pretzels, almonds and crackers. Pour in melted butter mixture and stir to coat.
4. Cook on high for 2-3 hours with the LID OFF, stirring occasionally. Mixture will be done when sugar caramelizes to create a glaze over ingredients. Please keep an eye on ingredients, as slow  cooker temperatures can vary from model to model or with age of the appliance.
5. Turn heat to low and stir in chocolate chips. Put lid on slow cooker and let chocolate soften for about 5 minutes.
6. Remove lid and stir mixture to distribute melted chocolate. Do not continue to slow cook after chocolate has melted.
7. Spread mixture on parchment paper and immediately sprinkle with coarse sea salt. After mixture has cooled and hardened, store in an airtight container.

Makes about 10 to 12 cups.

Caramel Crunch Apple Nachos & The Running Revolution

caramel granola apple dessert

Looking for a delicious dessert that celebrates some of the fall season’s favorite flavors without making your clean-eating conscience scream in horror?  My recipe for Caramel Crunch Apple Nachos is an easy-to-make, fun-to-eat sweet treat that is perfect for a Halloween party, harvest hoedown or any autumn-themed entertaining. I’m planning on making this no-cook recipe again soon as a sensible snack for movie night – since it’s October, I’m planning a classic horror movie marathon with my three teenage boys.  With so many apple choices at the market this time of year, this recipe is the perfect time to try that new variety – use just one type of apple or as many kinds of apples as you like in this fruit recipe.

apples granola caramel chocolate

Caramel Crunch Apple Nachos Recipe

  • 4 large apples, any variety (about 2 pounds)
  • 8 oz. light caramel dip from produce section (I used Litehouse brand)
  • 1 cup favorite granola (with or without nuts)
  • ¼ cup mini chocolate chips

 Directions

1. Cut apples crosswise into ¼” slices. Remove seeds and core from center with paring knife.

2. In microwave safe bowl, heat caramel until warmed and easier to drizzle, about 30 – 45 seconds from room temperature.

3. Layer half of apples on a plate and drizzle with 4 oz. of caramel dip. Sprinkle on ½ cup granola and 2 tablespoons chocolate chips.

4. Layer remaining apple slices on top of caramel-granola-chocolate mixture and then add on remaining toppings.

running revolution text I also wanted to share with you a book that I’ve been reading – in fact, my running testimonial is featured! The just-published book is called The Running Revolution (How to Run Faster and Farther for Life) and is written by Dr. Nicholas Romanov, a two-time Olympic coach and world-renowned sports scientist known for the Pose Method.  When applied to running, the Pose Method® marries gravity, key body position (pose), body weight, support, and change of support into a comprehensive technique that maximizes natural body mechanics, increases performance and reduces risk for injury. I’ve blogged a bit before about what Pose Method has done for me in the last five years and I’m admittedly lucky to have Dr. Romanov’s coaching protégé, Valerie Hunt, as my long-time running partner.  I’d chomping at the bits to share more about foot strike, pulling not pushing, “falling” and more, but I also want you to check out the book and come to your own conclusions.

Paperback Version:

Kindle Version:

What is your favorite fall time dessert? 

Are you a heel-striker, mid-foot striker  or forefoot striker when it comes to running?

 

Watermelon, Running & Hydration – Day 4 #LivingOnTheWedge

watermelon running hydration

First of all, happy Independence Day! I’ll be celebrating the Fourth of July by running one of my favorite races in town, the Freedom 5000.  All I’ll be thinking about while zooming through the forecasted 90 degree heat is grabbing a big slice (or two) of watermelon that is waiting at the finish line. There will be hundreds of cold, crisp watermelons served up for rehydrating refreshment – it’s pure heaven and perfect for the patriotic, post-race party. Check back tomorrow to find out if I won and how much watermelon I ate when I was done!

Jennifer Fisher watermelon selfie

I will definitely run for watermelon, any time any place! The natural carbohydrates give me plenty of energy to hit the road, take on the trail or tackle the treadmill. Because watermelon is 92% water, it is also a super way to keep my hydration levels in check before, during and after a run.

will run for watermelon

Eating 8-ounces of watermelon is like drinking almost that same amount of water – but in addition, you get natural sugars, some electrolytes, vitamin A, vitamin C, and lycopene. Research has shown that drinking watermelon juice (simply pureed watermelon flesh) aids in athletic performance just as much as consuming a sports drink like Gatorade but you also get the benefits provided by powerful antioxidents. Also, as I mention on Day 2 of #LivingOnTheWedge, the L-citrulline amino acid found abundantly in watermelon juice can also lower an athlete’s heart rate and instance of delayed-onset muscle fatigue. So, drink up!

In the heat of summer, a runner can become dehydrated easily, losing quarts of water through sweat. If not replaced adequately, you’ll suffer from fatigue, decreased performance, muscle cramping and worse. However, it is just as dangerous to drink too much fluid as too little. Determining your personal fluid replacement rate is a proactive way to stay hydrated and healthy. Runner’s World has a Hydration Calculator that will give you a rough estimate based on weight, temperature and pace. However, I would also suggest performing a “sweat test” for a baseline personal estimate. Before a timed run, weigh yourself with the full water you plan to carry along. Afterward, note the length of time you ran and then get back on the scale with the remaining contents of the water bottle. The weight lost is how much MORE fluid needs to be consumed during runs of the same duration in similar conditions.

So, it’s time to get juicing – I think you’ll love these ways to incorporate watermelon juice into your running routine. 

watermelon juice

Watermelon Agua Fresca – Carry along some of this refreshing watermelon goodness in your water bottle! I’ve also done a version where I added a Nuun Hydration Electrolyte Tab (they make a watermelon flavor!) for an extra boost.

 

 

 

 

 

watermelon beverageWatermelon Pomegranate Green Tea – This drink is perfect if you need a pick-me-up before or during your run. Swap the green tea for caffeinated black tea as a bit of caffeine can actually help improve sports performance. Plus, other research indicates that the bioactive compounds in pomegranate juice help reduce muscle soreness – just as watermelon juice does!

 

Come back tomorrow to check out my Creamy Watermelon Smoothie recipe, it’s so delicious and nutritious and perfect post-run or just hanging out by the pool. You don’t want to miss this one!

How are you celebrating the 4th of July, will you run or eat watermelon?  Please share in the comments below and/or join my group #LivingOnTheWedge Pinterest board to share your love for watermelon.

watermelon prize packAlso, check out all the other posts on watermelon I’m featuring all week and don’t forget to enter the giveaway for a great Watermelon Prize Pack!

The National Watermelon Promotion Board is providing me with compensation to share my love of watermelon. However, the opinions and content (unless otherwise noted) shared are my own and NWPB did not tell me what to say or how to say it.