Triumph!

Perhaps I'm a little too excited about this, but if you're one of those women (or men) who carts a large bag o' gym stuff around Manhattan, you'll understand. 

I was sitting at work this evening when it occured to me that I hadn't packed a sports bra for the gym.  Usually, if I forget something, it's socks.  A sports bra is a little trickier to replace last minute.  I contemplated going to the City Sports across the street, but they don't carry the brand I like, and I hate to waste the money.  "No problem, " I thought.  "I'll just deal in my regular bra.  No one will know."

And then I remembered that the workout involved handstand pushups, so I'd be upside-down a lot.  Everyone would know.

I was almost ready to scrap my workout plans when I remembered my backup gym outfit.  Ages ago, my sister had signed up for a Physique 57 class after work and, when it was too late to cancel without loosing her money, she realized that she didn't have gym clothes with her.  She ended up buying a whole Lululemon outfit at Physique.  I realized that could easily be me one day, so I threw an old pair of sweats, socks and a tank top in my closet at work.  They've been there for ages now, and I nearly forgot. 

Fortunately, the tank top has a shelf.  Problem solved!

-Gym Belle-

Introducing My New Love

Mom, sit down.  This might be hard for you to hear.  I know how strongly you feel about the subject.  After all, I don't think I've ever heard you say the word "coconut" without making a face.  And I know it's not allowed in the house, but, the thing is, I really love coconut water and I thought you should hear it from me.

It started a few months ago when a friend of a friend mentioned that coconut water is super hydrating.  Being your daughter, I made the obligatory coconut face.  I was curious, though.  The idea of a more natural source of electrolytes was appealing.  I had been drinking a lot of Gatorade.  And while an occasional Gatorade is great, it probably shouldn't be a staple of my diet.  I had looked around for alternatives.  I tried the powdered drinks, Pocari Sweat, but nothing appealed.  So, eventually, I gave coconut water a chance.

I made the mistake of trying one of the flavors first.  That was nasty.  It's a small miracle that I finally tried the plain.  The taste is actually really mild and, since it's basically water, it lacks the piecey texture of coconut (which is definitely what makes coconuts objectionable.)

During my workouts, I tend to stick to water, but before, and sometimes after, coconut water is the way to go.  I hope you understand.

Your loving daughter,

-Gym Belle-

New Training Mix

I'm kicking off training for my April half marathon this week, so I've made myself a new mix that I'm really excited about.  I haven't gotten the chance to try it out yet, but I have high hopes.  Now I just need some new running shoes.

1. What the Hell - Avril Levigne
2. Born This Way - Lady Gaga
3. Right Above It - Lil Wayne
4. F**kin' Perfect - P!nk
5. S&M - Rihanna
6. Live Your Life - T.I. feat. Rihanna
7. More - Usher
8. Whip My Hair - Willow
9. Black and Yellow - Wiz Khalifa
10. Higher - Taio Cruz and Travie McCoy
11. Cry for You - September
12. Hey Baby - Pitbull
13. Stereo Love - Edward Maya and Vika Jigulina
14. Raise Your Glass - P!nk
15. Firework - Katy Perry

-Gym Belle-