road warrior

Spent the weekend in

Indiana

for my nephew's graduation

with Mom and the two boys.
Hubby stayed home. 

Enjoyed some fun family time

with hikes

good food

parties

and

a bike ride

that took us (me & my bro-in-law, Ed) through

Indianapolis.

The day was rainy and cool

the trails were wet and muddy...

(who ever decided that

back fenders were a bad thing?

we need to talk!)

 I felt every bit

the road warrior

at the finish line.

I have always been an advocate

of what I call

functional fitness.

Basically 

having the necessary strength to

haul mulch

run across the street

carry in groceries

get up those flights of stairs...

completing with ease those daily activities that

cross your path...

and when all is said and done

you aren't left huffing and puffing

as you try to recuperate.

Functional Fitness

means keeping your body well tuned

well fed

and ready for just about anything.

To achieve that

it is key to

include activities

that you enjoy...

not just those that you 

think you should do
(aka...going to the gym)

but those that call you from bed

and you can't wait to get at.

Mine change with the seasons.

Right now I am walking/jogging

with James

who has started a fitness and nutrition plan
all on his own accord...
the best/only/successful way
  if you think about it.

I keep free weights handy

for when I'm just

sitting around

and I can bust out a few

curls.

Followed by some crunches

push-ups

squats.

I have stopped by

Tone it Up!

with Karena and Katrina

who offer fun encouragement

with videos

and nutrition tips.

I was there yesterday and found

last night's dinner.

Bikini Taco Bites.

Loved this idea.

Serving taco "stuff" in lettuce leaves.

First make
 quinoa taco filling

Mine included cooked quinoa

sauteed mushrooms and onions

black beans

cilantro

taco seasoning

Offered traditional toppings

which included

tomatoes

avacadoes

black olives

"vegan" nacho cheese sauce (PPK)

chunky salsa

The first "taco"

got a bit messy since I was

using romaine.

The solution

to put all your fillings in a bowl

and place spoonfuls in the leaves...

as-you-go style.

Had to post this one

because of its rave reviews.

Go visit

Tone it Up!

for the full recipe

and while you're there

get in a quick arm workout

for the

tank top days ahead.

(you'll find more on You Tube)

Because you never know

when you'll be required

to bike 21 miles...

hike hilly terrain

or 

scrub a deck!

So 

you better be ready.

Stay Strong.

:)