tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61263764579599812712024-03-05T16:03:50.845-08:00Foodie Fitness<b>because it's all about balance . . .</b><br>
contemplations on healthful habits for eating, exercising and wellness.H. C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12000908567574418877noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126376457959981271.post-71587637825214055922011-08-10T12:05:00.000-07:002011-08-10T12:36:53.919-07:00My favorite glutes exercise...<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Possibly TMI, but it's not every day that my mom comments on how nice my bun looked... followed by asking me what exercises are best to get hers firm & perky too.
<br />
<br />While <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/squat/MM00724">squats</a> &<a href="http://www.ehow.com/video_2350762_lunge-exercise-tips.html"> lunges</a> are great (especially with added resistance from weights or elastic bands), I think my favorite one to target the glutes is the bun lifter/bun kick (or as my friend put it less eloquently, "dog raising its leg.")</span>
<br />
<br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Pardon the 90s cheese factor of the below video (the music, the outfits, omg!), but it's the best one I found to illustrate the move.</span>
<br /><p align="center"><iframe style="font-family: arial;" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hGiTehgHo9E#t=02m35s" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="308" width="375"></iframe></p><span style="font-family:arial;">A few more tips to this move:</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:arial;">1. Keep your back neutral in its natural arc for stability and to maximize ths move's effectiveness</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:arial;">2. For added resistance, shift your weight to the towards the side of your moving leg</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:arial;">3. And if you got the balance, put a dumbbell on the back of your knee for the working leg (I use 10-12 pounds), of course, keep your knees bent throughout the move - instead of actually kicking - to keep the dumbbell in place.
<br /></span></span>H. C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12000908567574418877noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126376457959981271.post-43088874195436593002011-02-03T11:55:00.000-08:002011-02-03T12:15:03.269-08:00Making the Mind-Body Connection . . .<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/noAq05moAPk" allowfullscreen="" width="390" frameborder="0" height="317"></iframe><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">One of my favorite fitness DVDs to exercise to lately is <a href="http://www.gaiam.com/product/yoga+conditioning+for+weight+loss+dvd.do">Suzanne Deason's <span style="font-style: italic;">Yoga Conditioning for Weight Loss</span></a>. Not because it's burns a lot of calories (if anything, the ~45 minute practice is on the mild side as far as sweat-breaking & muscle-building goes,) but because <span style="font-weight: bold;">it helps (re-)establish what Ms. Deason calls the mind-body connection to wellness and balance</span>.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">While going through a series of yoga postures is not particularly effective in calorie burning (<a href="http://getfitguy.quickanddirtytips.com/does-yoga-burn-calories.aspx">compared to more vigorous cardio workouts</a>) or strength building (<a href="http://life.gaiam.com/article/can-yoga-replace-strength-training">even yoga sites suggest incorporating some [non-yoga] strength-training to build & maintain muscles</a>), what it does well is help the mind focus and concentrate... on holding postures, on clearing the mind, and especially on maintaining the regularity of your breath. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Ok, you might think "Big whoop, I'm aware of my breathing. How does that help me lose weight?" <span style="font-weight: bold;">But by building an awareness to something as basic & involuntary as your inhales and exhales, it also helps build consciousness for other seemingly-automatic behaviors</span>, such what you're putting on your plate at the buffet, or rather to dip into that snack dish at the conference room, or couch potatoing the hours away instead of doing something more active.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">As an added bonus, <span style="font-weight: bold;">what's particularly recommendable about this one is that it's adapted to multiple levels of fitness and flexibility</span>, from a beginning, fully-modified workout for stiffer, less flexible bodies to an advanced, unmodified routine for more limber folks who's used to doing yoga. You can even see all 4 types of modifications at once so you can determine which is best suited for you, as well as exercise together with a friend or a partner of a different flexibility level.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Plus, the whole routine is very soothing with Ms. Deason's gentle voiceover (much more appropriate than having her talk about her postures & movements while she's doing them,) peaceful background music and a serene desert setting -- unlike some yoga DVDs that try to power fast-track you through poses, self-defeating the mind-body connection by inducing, rather than relieving, stress and detracting from the focus on breath, body and posture.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The result, <span style="font-weight: bold;">a workout that's both relaxing and engaging, pushing both the body and mind throughout the routine, as well as a nudge to make better lifestyle choices throughout the day</span>. So give this DVD a check-out, and even if you find it's not for you, hopefully you can incorporate some form of exercise that helps align the mind with the body towards the common goal of better health & better life. That's certainly something I can say <span style="font-style: italic;">Namaste</span> to.</span></span>H. C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12000908567574418877noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126376457959981271.post-47277223469293699842011-01-21T15:22:00.000-08:002011-01-21T15:41:18.844-08:00A Refreshingly Fun Reading List<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Sometimes it just takes a little reading to inspire one back to writing; in my case, that was reading Slate's fantastic "<a href="http://www.blogger.com/Sometimes%20it%20just%20takes%20a%20little%20reading%20to%20inspire%20one%20back%20to%20writing;%20in%20my%20case,%20that%20was%20reading%20Slate%27s%20fantastic%20%22Fitness%20Issue%22%20of%20articles,%20which%20goes%20beyond%20the%20%226%20moves%20to%20a%20better%20bun%22%20and%20into%20the%20business%20and%20culture%20of%20working%20out.%20%20%20The%20quirky%20and%20fun%20stories%20include%20the%20quest%20for%20the%20perfect%20workout%20video%20for%20the%20active,%20if%20slightly%20chubby,%20at-home%20exerciser,%20the%20evolution%20of%20TV%20programs%20from%20the%20Jack%20LaLanne%20days%20%28and%20the%20current%20trend%20of%20%22extreme%22%20workouts%20such%20as%20P90X,%29%20the%20life%20and%20schedule%20of%20a%20fitness%20model,%20and%20even%20the%20weird%20trend%20of%20facercises.%20%20On%20a%20similar%20chord,%20Slate%20also%20started%20a%20weekly%20column%20called%20%22Clean%20Plate%22%20detailing%20one%20person%27s%20candid%20quest%20to%20sensibly%20improve%20her%20diet%20throughout%20the%20year%20%28emphasis%20on%20the%20sensibly.%29%20%20It%27s%20a%20refreshing%20change%20of%20pace%20from%20the%20resolution-obsessed%20fitness%20articles%20that%20have%20popped%20up%20so%20far%20this%20month%20--%20so%20give%20it%20a%20read%21">Fitness Issue</a>" of articles, which goes beyond the "6 moves to a better bun" and into the business and culture of working out, with a good dose of quirk and humor. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The quirky and fun set of stories include the quest for the <a href="http://www.slate.com/id/2281534/">perfect workout video</a> for the active, if slightly chubby, at-home exerciser, <a href="http://www.slate.com/id/2281535/">the evolution of TV programs</a> from the Jack LaLanne days (and the <a href="http://www.slate.com/id/2281700/">current trend of "extreme" regimens</a> such as P90X,) the life and schedule of <a href="http://www.slate.com/id/2281853/">a fitness model</a>, what <a href="http://www.slate.com/id/2280909/pagenum/all/">people outside US do to stay active</a> (gym plays a lot less of a role around the globe, no surprise to me) and even the <a href="http://www.slate.com/id/2281683/">weird world of facercises</a> and its promises of a youthful countenance.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">On a similar chord, Slate also started a "<a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/blogs/cleanplate/">Clean Plate</a>" blog detailing one person's candid quest to sensibly improve her diet throughout the year.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">It's a refreshing change of pace from the resolution-obsessed fitness articles that have popped up so far this month -- so give it a read!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">As for me, now that my life, at home and at work, have lightened up, I look forward to blogging more thoughts of my own on eating well and staying fit. And who knows, maybe I can get back into fitness modeling shape myself, which was indeed both a highpoint (WOW! being paid to show off my bod?!? really?) and a low one (all those retakes in uncomfortable poses meant plenty of soreness the day after!)</span><br /></span>H. C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12000908567574418877noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126376457959981271.post-74042544197407556902010-11-03T09:32:00.000-07:002010-11-03T10:05:40.148-07:00Happy Meals Banned in San Francisco . . .<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/5143380030/" title="McGuilty by LA & OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/5143380030_07b13d2b77.jpg" alt="McGuilty" width="300" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">"McGuilty" by <a href="http://jsalvadordesign.com/">J Salvador</a></span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />. . . and while most healthy eating advocates are rejoicing at </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-happy-meals-20101103,0,5438230.story">this news</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> (which actually won't go into effect until December 2011 -- barring any litigation or appeal,) I personally am feeling a bit more mixed. And not out of nostalgia of Happy Meals in my younger days (though I know better than to </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://books.google.com/books?id=yNFN1OpnkBkC&lpg=PA140&ots=l-lkwv6x8-&dq=mcnuggets%20schlosser&pg=PA140#v=onepage&q&f=false">eat a McNugget</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> now.)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I'm all for eating more healthy and less processed foods <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sallydavies/5130040844/">with a half-year shelf life</a>, but I just don't think enacting citywide bans are the best way to change eating habits, and prefer the carrot rather than the stick approach (no pun intended) as far as public health policy goes.<br /><br />Instead of banning certain foods, why not further incentivize healthy eating? Engage the kids in farmers markets and kitchens, have them meet the people who are raising, growing and preparing healthy foods, </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Chew-This-Everything-Dont-About/dp/0618710310">educate</a><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Chew-This-Everything-Dont-About/dp/0618710310"> them</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> about the ills of junk food.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Besides, I can see all sorts of loopholes and ways this ordinance can backfire . . . toys may be sold separately (further lining fast food companies' coffers) or parents may be buying adult-sized portions for their children since the kids meals are off the menu.</span><br /></span>H. C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12000908567574418877noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126376457959981271.post-58175857151341746472010-11-02T07:47:00.000-07:002010-11-09T11:38:28.990-08:00Lesson & Thoughts As I Gradually Re-embrace Meat . . .<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/5140209890/" title="Nigiri Trio #1 by LA & OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/5140209890_368e4c52be.jpg" alt="Nigiri Trio #1" width="375" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">So, <span>seven months after I <a href="http://la-oc-foodie.blogspot.com/2010/04/going-animal-free-for-april.html">embarked on an animal-free April</a> (which transpired into meatless May, jumping off flesh June and so on...),</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> I finally gently slid off the vegetarian wagon and went back to eating meat</span>, starting with sushi @ <a href="http://la-oc-foodie.blogspot.com/2010/11/no-186-sugarfish-downtown-la.html">SugarFISH</a><a href="http://la-oc-foodie.blogspot.com/2010/11/no-186-sugarfish-downtown-la.html"> Downtown</a>. Was it an epic struggle? A profound epiphany? Not really (and I say the same thing about starting and maintaining my months-long vegetariaism,) I simply craved sushi and decided now was just as good a time as any... it's half a year longer than my planned monthlong experiment, anyways.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">No surprise to anyone,<span style="font-weight: bold;"> during the veg-stint most people asked me "WHY?"</span> And as I've replied numerous times before, the short answer is really "no reason in particular" or "to see if I can do it and for how long." The slightly longer answer involves animal-eating's impact on health, the environment and humane treatment of animals. Now, I'm not PETA vigilant about any of those aspects (but I do give them kudos for their <a href="http://www.peta.org/living/vegetarian-living/default.aspx">very helpful online resource</a> on transitioning into & maintaining an animal-free diet,) but those factors combined did make me want to rethink my relationship with meat (and the quantities I, and everyone else in the U.S., get served of it nowadays.)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">According to <a href="http://www.mypyramid.gov/">MyPyramid</a>, someone of my height (5' 5.5"), weight (145) & age (28) <span style="font-weight: bold;">should be eating around six ounces of protein a day (in meat portions, that's about two decks of playing cards worth, before cooking.) </span>And note that I said protein, since <a href="http://www.mypyramid.gov/pyramid/meat.html">that category</a> (and my recommended 6 ounces a day) includes meat (land, sea or airborne), beans, eggs, nuts and seeds.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Speaking of nutrition and health, for most part my body didn't change -- I didn't drop any weight (thanks my love of dairy and desserts) and I didn't take on a sickly pallor or lose muscle mass, though my blood-iron has been on the low side (always just a bit under the requirement to donate blood) despite my regular consumption of <a href="http://www.vegsoc.org/info/iron.html#diet">iron-rich plant-based foods</a>. So, in returning to meat-eating (and <a href="http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/iron/">its easier-to-absorb heme-iron</a>,) I look forward to making my regular pint donations again.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Having read and watched a good deal of books, essays and documentaries about the food industry, which usually pays special attention to how animals are raised, farmed, caught and slaughtered, I definitely want to be more conscientious about the meat that I do consume, and going vegetarian for this length of time helped recalibrate my food mentality; namely, <span style="font-weight: bold;">that I don't need a dead animal on my plate to consider it a real meal</span>. Heck, moving forward I may even be a "<a href="http://foodie-fitness.blogspot.com/2010/05/vegetarianism-doesnt-have-to-be-full.html">weekday vegetarian</a>" (though unlikely to label myself as such.)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Of course, <span style="font-weight: bold;">re-embracing meat in a humane, healthful and planet-friendly way is gonna be a learning process</span> (for example, at the SUGARFISH dinner I found out towards the end of the meal that the featured seafood came from all over the world; not exactly eco-friendly in terms of carbon footprint; and as divinely delicious as the meal was, this is surely something I'll take into consideration for future sushi outings, which is simple as asking "which seafood on the menu is locally and sustainably caught/farmed?" or keeping a <a href="http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/cr_seafoodwatch/sfw_recommendations.aspx">Seafood Watch</a> pocket guide or smartphone app handy. Or just enjoy in moderation.)<br /><br />But I definitely look forward to sharing those lessons with you here as I gradually and conscientiously step back into an animal-including diet. But in the meantime, I'll follow Michael Pollan's <a href="http://michaelpollan.com/books/in-defense-of-food/">simple, sagely advice</a> to "<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Eat [real] Food. Not Too Much. Mostly Plants.</span>"<br /><br />And in closing this post, my favorite vegetarian meal during this animal-free period -- the chef's tasting @ <a href="http://www.melisse.com/">Melisse</a> (with the omnivorous <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/destruxto/">Mr. Grumpy</a>)<br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/5080703246/" title="Melisse by LA & OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/5080703246_8c3c177054.jpg" alt="Melisse Collage" width="400" /></a></span></span><br /></div>H. C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12000908567574418877noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126376457959981271.post-31578480707138377652010-11-01T09:56:00.000-07:002010-11-01T10:27:24.145-07:00Motivation Monday: Don't 'Phone In' Your Workouts!<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">While I'm pretty vigilant about working out 5-7 days out of the week, there are certainly days when I haven't given it my all. I'm sure everyone has these moments, just slogging through the motions without paying attention to precise positions, proper postures, or a complete follow-through of the movements.</span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/5135252136/" title="DSC03456 by LA & OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/5135252136_3ee96a7ca1.jpg" alt="DSC03456" width="350" /></a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">So, I was rather inspired to hear personal trainer <a href="http://bodyinspiredfitness.com/angelas-corner/">Angela Parker</a> (of <a href="http://www.bodyinspiredfitness.com/">Body Inspired Fitness</a>) to tell me and others to <span style="font-weight: bold;">NOT PHONE IN YOUR WORKOUTS</span>. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">When I did a <a href="http://bodyinspiredfitness.com/about/our-programs/">weekend bootcamp workout</a> with her last week (more on that in a near-future post,) Angela made it loud and clear that she expects 100% participation and focus out of her attendees. And I definitely agree that <span style="font-weight: bold;">the more mentally-engaged I am with my exercise, the more effective it felt and the more satisfied I am</span> after since I *knew* that I did give it my all, pushing through limits I didn't think I could do (this time, it was doing <a href="http://foodie-fitness.blogspot.com/2009/04/bike-two-ways-for-great-abs.html">100 bicycle crunches</a> in one session! Yowza for my obliques!)<br /><br />I do yoga regularly so I'm aware of the mind-body connection (it takes a lot of willpower to maintain those postures!) but I was floored by how that can be channeled into a helluva active interval cardio & strength routine.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">And it's not just all in the head too, if you're not focused on the workout, you're not truly engaging your body in the exercise... which means less effective fat burn & muscle-building and even a greater risk of injury (esp. if you mindlessly let momentum carry you through the motions.)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">So next time you workout, instead of challenging yourself by upping your reps or sets or how many pounds you can lift... <span style="font-weight: bold;">see if you can stay mentally focused on your exercises throughout the whole session</span>. And once you notice how making that 100% effort feels, you may never wanna go back!</span></span>H. C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12000908567574418877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126376457959981271.post-90590312661303170292010-10-11T14:55:00.000-07:002010-10-13T09:31:51.436-07:00Smart Snacking & PopChips Giveaway!<span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://fashionfarai.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/pop.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 385px; height: 183px;" src="http://fashionfarai.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/pop.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">As one of the</span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://articles.latimes.com/2010/oct/10/news/la-heb-obesity-sunday-20101010"> 90% of Americans who snack at least once a day</a><span style="font-family:arial;">, I'm all about picking options that are healthy *and* tasty. Sometimes it can be a sweet, juicy piece of perfectly-ripened fruit, or a crunchy handful of lightly-seasoned nuts, or a decadent piece of antioxidant-rich dark chocolate.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">... and, when I'm craving something crispy and potato-y, I reach for </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://popchips.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">popchips</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">, which strikes a wonderful balance between regular fried chips (which, obviously, isn't healthy at all) and the baked potato chips (which is super bland with an unappealing rice-cake like crunch.) They are </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >incredibly light, crispy and flavorful</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> (the sweet-tangy-spicy barbecue is my favorite, with the zingy salt & pepper being a close runner-up!)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Another plus is that they are sensibly portioned,</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" > the individual sized bags are .8 to 1 ounce so you are only sensibly snacking 100-120 calories</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> (compared that to the 2 oz. "snack sized" bags of regular potato chips that amounts to approximately 300 calories - yikes!)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">So, I was ecstatic when the popchips folks approached me, and having found out I've been a fan of theirs for years, and </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >collaborated on a giveaway for more folks discover its healthy AND tasty snacks</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Without further adieu, here are <span style="font-weight: bold;">the three simple steps to enter</span>:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">1) </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >Comment on this blogpost</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> with your favorite healthy snacks, twitter username and email address (or if you feel sensitive about your e-mail addy, <a href="mailto:foodie.h.c@gmail.com">send it to me via e-mail</a> -- it's just so I have a way of directly contacting you.)</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">2) </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >"Like" popchips</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> on their </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.facebook.com/PopChips/">facebook page</a><span style="font-family:arial;">. (and while you're FBing, might as well check out the newly made </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Foodie-Fitness/155971434433485#%21/pages/Foodie-Fitness/155971434433485">Foodie Fitness page</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> too!)</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">3) </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >Tweet</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> " I'd like to win the </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://twitter.com/foodie_fitness/">@foodie_fitness</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> healthy snacks giveaway w @</span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.twitter.com/popchips">popchips</a><span style="font-family:arial;">! </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://bit.ly/9kgfmH">http://bit.ly/9kgfmH</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> " ~ following is optional but appreciated!</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >I'll pull winners on Friday, Oct. 15, around 10 a.m</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">. and e-mail/DM for mailing information. </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >Five First Prize Winners will get Popchips' coupon booklets</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> with some serious discounts (incl. free bags and 2-for-1) and </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >Two Lucky Grand Prize Winners</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >will get 10-bag sampler</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> showcasing all their current flavors!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">So what are you waiting for? Enter away and good luck!</span></span>H. C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12000908567574418877noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126376457959981271.post-81883221481953711822010-10-07T15:26:00.000-07:002010-10-07T16:00:27.397-07:00My First Trail Race @ Pt. Mugu!<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Since I do enjoy a good run and a trail hike, I figure, why not combine the two loves with a trail run? Which is what I did this past weekend with </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.trailrace.com/ptmugu.html">XTERRA's Trail Race @ Pt. Mugu State Park</a><span style="font-family:arial;">.</span><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.trailrace.com/maps/lajolla_11k_map.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 498px;" src="http://www.trailrace.com/maps/lajolla_11k_map.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Since this was my first trail run ever, I opted for the 11K instead of the 18, and I'm SO thankful I did</span><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.trailrace.com/maps/lajolla_11k_profile.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 385px; height: 91px;" src="http://www.trailrace.com/maps/lajolla_11k_profile.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Check out the incline/decline on that elevation chart (over 1,100 feet!) And despite being less than 7 miles, running this course, with all its hills, rocky trails, and occasional sharp turns, gave my body & legs a half-marathon esque burn.</span><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-family: arial;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1JCnUQNggIwZYZYGu_Z2t_YKuBh4ykYMUAwt7e2F1NRYlCMKlKmIYuVzC_s0NBp1z65bJ8yKK1f84YaUvd2odBp4JszpjJ-ySsFeA_5G2cjp65Pq_OZfbSn05bNQp1cVLpaLlXWD1kA/s1600/Pt+Mugu+1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1JCnUQNggIwZYZYGu_Z2t_YKuBh4ykYMUAwt7e2F1NRYlCMKlKmIYuVzC_s0NBp1z65bJ8yKK1f84YaUvd2odBp4JszpjJ-ySsFeA_5G2cjp65Pq_OZfbSn05bNQp1cVLpaLlXWD1kA/s320/Pt+Mugu+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525434518181541410" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">That being said, I had a fun time running the trails of La Jolla Canyon, even with throngs of people, I felt really calm & serene and just connected to natural landscape (and breathed a lot better too without having worrying to inhaling car exhaust from nearby roads.)<br /><br />And, because of their no headphones rule (really understandable esp. when we were in single-file trails and people wanted to pass,) I actually was more attuned to my body, from the way my legs strided to how my feet hit the dirt and how my upper body is positioned.</span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/5056612240/" title="Marine Layer by LA & OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/5056612240_24500b7b00.jpg" alt="Marine Layer" width="350" /></a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">And while the marine layer gave the whole route a mystical feel, it also made me uncomfortably wet since my sweat isn't evaporating as quickly as it should--so next time I'll be sure to check the weather reports and dress appropriately (i.e. a top that I strip off & can tie around my waist, or at least one that wicks moisture off my body super-fast)</span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/5055995539/" title="sweaty & shirtless by LA & OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/5055995539_638fb7f7e1.jpg" alt="sweaty & shirtless" width="350" /></a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">My pace time wound up being 12-minute mile, not as good as I hoped or as bad as I feared so gonna work on improving that for future trail races, something I look forward to doing again (maybe even as soon as Thanksgiving for XTERRA's next SoCal event, <a href="http://www.trailrace.com/topanga.html">the Topanga Turkey Trot!</a>)</span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/5056000675/" title="Unibroue Apple Ephemere by LA & OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/5056000675_2ff3615522.jpg" alt="Unibroue Apple Ephemere" width="350" /></a></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/5056614052/" title="Let's Be Frank's "Not" Dog by LA & OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/5056614052_4d6344ca8c.jpg" alt="Let's Be Frank's "Not" Dog" width="350" /></a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Last but not least, to celebrate, I met up with blogger-pal <a href="http://www.carolineoncrack.com/">Caroline on Crack</a> where I got a few brews @ <a href="http://www.fathersoffice.com/">Father's Office</a> & a spiced-up Vegetarian "Not" Dog from the nearby <a href="http://www.letsbefrankdogs.com/">Let's Be Frank</a> cart. Probably not the ideal post-race recovery meal, but a well-deserved treat after one of the most strenuous runs I've done lately.</span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/5056613528/" title="Finisher's Medal by LA & OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/5056613528_251a933b5b.jpg" alt="Finisher's Medal" width="350" /></a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Oh yeah, I also called dibs for wearing this swanky medal for the rest of the day--and look forward to collecting more in the future races!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">A few more photos from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/sets/72157625105856674/detail/">my flickr set here</a>, and race map & elevation profile images courtesy of <a href="http://www.trailrace.com/">XTERRA Trail Run's site</a>.<br /></span></span>H. C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12000908567574418877noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126376457959981271.post-80362615706261376472010-10-05T15:34:00.000-07:002010-10-06T10:05:44.065-07:00Refreshingly sensible advice from LA Times Mag . . .<div style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4433354863/" title="Vanity of the Calves... by LA & OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2765/4433354863_f4ec5d8740.jpg" alt="Vanity of the Calves..." width="380" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >Pausing during an Urban Hike to capture a shot of my calves . . .</span><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >In a world full of diet and exercise fads, and a media that continually propagates them with ad-libby headlines "<span style="font-weight: bold;">shed (number) of pounds/inches </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >from (problem area) in (unrealistically low number) days</span><span style="font-family:arial;">," I was surprised to see that this month's LA Times Magazine had a really well-written article on personal trainer </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://tracyandersonmethod.com/index.php/splash/new/">Tracy Anderson</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> and her balanced approach to eating and exercising healthfully.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Her dozen or so tips include the obvious "</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >don't [crash/fad] diet</span><span style="font-family:arial;">" & "</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >trust your body to take out the trash</span><span style="font-family:arial;">" (i.e. no need to detox!) but also a good dose of self- and reality-acceptance advice, like giving yourself the OK to gain the few pounds of "boyfriend/girlfriend" fat when falling in love (due to eating out more frequently than usual,) or maintaining your discretion [and modesty] (which is what I did when I was actively aiming to lose weight, long before I started this blog, I didn't feel the compulsion to broadcast my plans to revamp my habits and have countless eyes watching me onwards -- I just did it solo, and made me my biggest cheereleader & competitor over the last 35-40 pounds.)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Anyhow, check out </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.latimesmagazine.com/2010/10/tracy-anderson.html">the article here</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> and love to hear what you think of her advice.</span><br /></span></div></div>H. C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12000908567574418877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126376457959981271.post-22656981757189135832010-09-14T14:21:00.000-07:002010-09-14T15:45:15.766-07:00Photos & Highlights from the Downtown LA Urban Hike<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4940249093/" title="Downtown LA skyline by LA & OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4940249093_535676b10d.jpg" alt="Downtown LA skyline" width="350" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">The downtown LA skyline</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />The August Urban Hike<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=S+Los+Angeles+St+%26+E+3rd+St,+Los+Angeles,+California+90013&daddr=34.0494809,-118.2458491+to:Nickel+Diner,+Los+Angeles,+CA+to:spring+and+6th,+los+angeles,+ca+to:cesar+chavez+and+alameda,+los+angeles,+ca+to:hill+and+temple,+los+angeles,+ca+to:grand+and+temple,+los+angeles,+ca+to:grand+and+pico,+los+angeles,+ca+to:flower+and+pico,+los+angeles,+ca+to:flower+and+olympic,+los+angeles,+ca+to:34.0448809,-118.2637531+to:figueroa+and+7th,+los+angeles,+ca+to:gram+and+papas,+los+angeles,+ca+to:Syrup+Desserts,+Los+Angeles,+CA+to:34.04876,-118.25179+to:34.0514823,-118.2492394+to:34.05025,-118.24694+to:S+Los+Angeles+St+%26+E+3rd+St,+Los+Angeles,+California+90013&geocode=FQGKBwIdk7rz-Cm1x3K4ScbCgDHPbQZ0rNRcvA%3BFciNBwIdJ7bz-CmhjLqiScbCgDFD0megBT4NSA%3BFS6ABwId0Knz-CF-HXu2eFGq4CkXYrmHNcbCgDEDc-tEBD_d7w%3BFe1_BwIdRqLz-Cn99MieSsbCgDHZAraYbvIDhQ%3BFWqvBwIdb9jz-Ck51nDCRMbCgDHkzxpenx-D2g%3BFTGpBwIdebvz-Cm_tjo3TsbCgDHBVjjx50jH0g%3BFaGvBwIdw7Pz-CmZoIH0UcbCgDHf_aVDLi8QrQ%3BFVxkBwIdD27z-CkhwZKdyMfCgDFaNyoqE4ftDA%3BFQJpBwIdIWTz-CkNYwmkx8fCgDG6cmyHPLc6iA%3BFdh5BwIdGnTz-ClVdci9t8fCgDGGZbO9LIYqdQ%3BFdB7BwIdN3Dz-CnT2cibt8fCgDGbNjR-Ax6_Ug%3BFV6NBwIdcX_z-Ckpmg5HscfCgDFh3mkYBHUGZA%3BFdxpBwIdg5jz-CE7oiypJ8bDESk39Ktby8fCgDEL-u17O3emSw%3BFT5_BwIdgqDz-CHH60NsRNac6imvb1xfNcbCgDE45RPHwQrsfA%3BFfiKBwId8p7z-Ck_JmEjS8bCgDGZH2hbLe1nxg%3BFZqVBwId6ajz-CnPyId_S8bCgDHXgL9L6_SAFQ%3BFcqQBwId5LHz-CkhzhPmS8bCgDGjg_GSYeN13Q%3BFQGKBwIdk7rz-Cm1x3K4ScbCgDHPbQZ0rNRcvA&hl=en&mra=dvme&mrcr=11&mrsp=16&sz=17&via=1,10,14,15,16&dirflg=w&sll=34.048793,-118.248349&sspn=0.00608,0.009645&ie=UTF8&ll=34.048961,-118.250356&spn=0.027842,0.038581&z=15"> criss-crossing downtown LA</a> was my funnest one yet; it was one of my shorter ones (about 6-7 miles) but practically every block had plenty visual appeal, here's some of the amazing stuff I saw during my half-day hike.</span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4940833488/" title="Alexandria Hotel Signage by LA & OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/4940833488_f23177dca9.jpg" alt="Alexandria Hotel Signage" width="350" /></a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Historic buildings such as the <a href="http://www.thealexandria.net/">Alexandria Hotel</a> and <a href="http://www.laorpheum.com/">Orpheum Theater</a></span></span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><p align="center"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" width="400" height="300"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=fee1311562&photo_id=4940261401"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377"> <param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=fee1311562&photo_id=4940261401" width="400" height="300"></embed></object></p><span style="font-family:arial;">Angels Knoll park (where I found out via tweets is where "<a href="http://www.foxsearchlight.com/500daysofsummer">500 Days of Summer</a>" filmed) and the recently restored <a href="http://angelsflight.com/">Angels Flight railway</a> (next time I'm gonna pony up that 50-cent to get that souvenir two-ride ticket)</span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4940312443/" title="Walt Disney Concert Hall by LA & OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4940312443_998e86af6e.jpg" alt="Walt Disney Concert Hall" width="350" /></a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Strolling by the artsy performance centers of the Bunker Hill district, such as the <a href="http://www.laphil.com/">Walt Disney Concert Hall</a></span></span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4940877474/" title="Olvera St. by LA & OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4940877474_1c3cac7bed.jpg" alt="Olvera St." width="350" /></a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Windowshopping the stalls and stores of <a href="http://www.olvera-street.com/">Olvera Street</a>, which happened to be the site of a street carnival that weekend.</span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4940310083/" title=""Peace on Earth" statue by LA & OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4940310083_68d6f18983.jpg" alt=""Peace on Earth" statue" width="350" /></a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">All sorts of fun and eclectic sculptures and murals that are sprinkled throughout the area.</span></span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4940921490/" title="Grand Hope Park by LA & OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4120/4940921490_6031be143e.jpg" alt="Grand Hope Park" width="350" /></a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">The <a href="http://www.publicartinla.com/Downtown/Grandhope/grandhope_history.html">Grand-Hope Park</a>, a little, well-manicured and nicely decorated oasis of green in the urban hustle and bustle.</span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4940941226/" title="Closed off LA Live by LA & OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4940941226_8a006245b8.jpg" alt="Closed off LA Live" width="350" /></a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Checking out the recently developed <a href="http://www.lalive.com/">LA Live complex</a> (though I didn't stay too long.)<br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4940954620/" title="AUGHHHH! Why? by LA & OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4940954620_5a36f0dfa6.jpg" alt="AUGHHHH! Why?" width="350" /></a></span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">My only sore sight for the day, an Ed Hardy store in downtown - ugh! As if <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4354952413/in/set-72157623306221885/">that entire block on Melrose</a> isn't vomit-inducing enough.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">As always, the other half of the fun is discovering the eats & drinks of the neighborhood, which I'll post about on my other blog, but here's a preview with the delicious grilled cheese from <a href="http://www.corkbar.com/">Corkbar</a>.</span></span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4940935170/" title="Pulling Grilled Cheese Apart by LA & OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4940935170_54b2c9b69c.jpg" alt="Pulling Grilled Cheese Apart" width="350" /></a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">More photos <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/sets/72157624838349894/detail/">on my flickr set here</a>, and as for this month's Urban Hike . . .<br /><p align="center"><iframe marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=veterans+park,+redondo+beach,+ca&daddr=pacific+coast+highway+and+torrance,+redondo+beach,+ca+to:manhattan+beach+blvd+and+valley,+manhattan+beach,+ca+to:live+oak+park,+manhattan+beach,+ca+to:veterans+park,+redondo+beach,+ca&hl=en&geocode=FaJUBAIdhYLx-CE43wAvqWLAwinZ1pSkqLTCgDHOWd0nwWTe1w%3BFWNUBAIdCJXx-CnbQk2MpbTCgDHBuEBw9PDEIw%3BFWQOBQIdvT3x-Cm508v_7LPCgDGHizh6Bg9vAg%3BFcEeBQIdgjPx-CFoiJ5U6mLO_imjK67E7rPCgDHZR4xxSPntmA%3BFaJUBAIdhYLx-CE43wAvqWLAwinZ1pSkqLTCgDHOWd0nwWTe1w&gl=us&mra=ls&dirflg=w&sll=33.864144,-118.39777&sspn=0.097498,0.154324&ie=UTF8&ll=33.864144,-118.399315&spn=0.064143,0.05991&z=13&output=embed" width="350" frameborder="0" height="450" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=veterans+park,+redondo+beach,+ca&daddr=pacific+coast+highway+and+torrance,+redondo+beach,+ca+to:manhattan+beach+blvd+and+valley,+manhattan+beach,+ca+to:live+oak+park,+manhattan+beach,+ca+to:veterans+park,+redondo+beach,+ca&hl=en&geocode=FaJUBAIdhYLx-CE43wAvqWLAwinZ1pSkqLTCgDHOWd0nwWTe1w%3BFWNUBAIdCJXx-CnbQk2MpbTCgDHBuEBw9PDEIw%3BFWQOBQIdvT3x-Cm508v_7LPCgDGHizh6Bg9vAg%3BFcEeBQIdgjPx-CFoiJ5U6mLO_imjK67E7rPCgDHZR4xxSPntmA%3BFaJUBAIdhYLx-CE43wAvqWLAwinZ1pSkqLTCgDHOWd0nwWTe1w&gl=us&mra=ls&dirflg=w&sll=33.864144,-118.39777&sspn=0.097498,0.154324&ie=UTF8&ll=33.864144,-118.399315&spn=0.064143,0.05991&z=13" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></p><br />. . . I plan to soak up the last of the sunny, warmer days in true Southern California style, with <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=veterans+park,+redondo+beach,+ca&daddr=pacific+coast+highway+and+torrance,+redondo+beach,+ca+to:manhattan+beach+blvd+and+valley,+manhattan+beach,+ca+to:live+oak+park,+manhattan+beach,+ca+to:veterans+park,+redondo+beach,+ca&hl=en&geocode=FaJUBAIdhYLx-CE43wAvqWLAwinZ1pSkqLTCgDHOWd0nwWTe1w%3BFWNUBAIdCJXx-CnbQk2MpbTCgDHBuEBw9PDEIw%3BFWQOBQIdvT3x-Cm508v_7LPCgDGHizh6Bg9vAg%3BFcEeBQIdgjPx-CFoiJ5U6mLO_imjK67E7rPCgDHZR4xxSPntmA%3BFaJUBAIdhYLx-CE43wAvqWLAwinZ1pSkqLTCgDHOWd0nwWTe1w&gl=us&mra=ls&dirflg=w&sll=33.864144,-118.39777&sspn=0.097498,0.154324&ie=UTF8&ll=33.864144,-118.399315&spn=0.097498,0.154324&z=13">a 8-mile loop along the beaches of South Bay</a> (Redondo, Hermosa & Manhattan -- which I shortened to "Red Herman") The planned route is below, and I plan on starting around 8 a.m. on September 26. Hope to see you there! </span></span>H. C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12000908567574418877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126376457959981271.post-90635990647918272102010-08-24T13:08:00.000-07:002010-08-27T09:41:22.079-07:00Reminder: Downtown LA Urban Hike this Sunday, 11:45 a.m.<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/3223677741/" title="Spicy BBQ Pork Hash by LA & OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3354/3223677741_7375f0b1d6.jpg" alt="Spicy BBQ Pork Hash" width="350" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Just a quick reminder that this month's Urban Hike, criss-crossing through downtown L.A. on Hope & Spring Streets, will <span style="font-weight: bold;">start this Sunday 11:45 a.m.* with a brunch @ <a href="http://www.5cdiner.com/">Nickel Diner</a></span> (their 5th & Main Spicy BBQ Pork Hash pictured above.) Or, for those who want to opt out of a carb-loading brunch, meet up around 12:30 p.m. outside -- or anywhere along the way as I livetweet from <a href="http://www.twitter.com/LAOCFoodie">@LAOCFoodie</a>.</span><br /><p align="center"><iframe marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=nickel+diner,++los+angeles,+ca&daddr=S+Spring+St+to:W+4th+St+to:W+3rd+St+to:temple+and+spring,+los+angeles,+ca+to:34.056864,-118.238522+to:N+Spring+St+to:N+Grand+Ave+to:hope+and+temple,+los+angeles,+ca+to:W+2nd+St+to:S+Hope+St+to:S+Hope+St+to:W+6th+St+to:hope+and+pico,+los+angeles,+ca+to:S+Figueroa+St+to:8th+and+figueroa,+los+angeles,+ca+to:8th+and+broadway,+los+angeles,+ca+to:spring+and+fifth,+los+angeles,+ca&geocode=FXOABwIdWanz-CF-HXu2eFGq4Cn5WQ2HNcbCgDGtaDbtODlAKg%3BFbCFBwIdt6fz-A%3BFYiQBwIdnqTz-A%3BFfiQBwIdorHz-A%3BFfqiBwId1cLz-ClXSgYNT8bCgDGDOp4nb0SUXg%3B%3BFRqvBwId5s3z-A%3BFdS4BwIdVr3z-A%3BFcOyBwIdFrDz-CkRixQuUsbCgDET5Jlv4xjwDw%3BFTaiBwIddaXz-A%3BFVieBwIdEp3z-A%3BFVSXBwIdR5bz-A%3BFQ6NBwId-43z-A%3BFbBmBwId1mjz-CnP8tjKx8fCgDFDtfPn7VqP8Q%3BFTduBwIdVmLz-A%3BFemHBwIdQ3rz-Ck7qkDUtsfCgDGjxIgX5WGgwA%3BFVh3BwIdZpPz-CnDoyCSysfCgDGtTRrukhZeKg%3BFY-FBwIdoafz-ClzoLNfSsbCgDGRtAGVlkuGPQ&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=1&mrsp=5&sz=17&via=1,2,3,5,6,7,9,10,11,12,14&dirflg=w&sll=34.057646,-118.2385&sspn=0.00608,0.009645&ie=UTF8&ll=34.050455,-118.253231&spn=0.035557,0.032101&z=14&output=embed" width="375" frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=nickel+diner,++los+angeles,+ca&daddr=S+Spring+St+to:W+4th+St+to:W+3rd+St+to:temple+and+spring,+los+angeles,+ca+to:34.056864,-118.238522+to:N+Spring+St+to:N+Grand+Ave+to:hope+and+temple,+los+angeles,+ca+to:W+2nd+St+to:S+Hope+St+to:S+Hope+St+to:W+6th+St+to:hope+and+pico,+los+angeles,+ca+to:S+Figueroa+St+to:8th+and+figueroa,+los+angeles,+ca+to:8th+and+broadway,+los+angeles,+ca+to:spring+and+fifth,+los+angeles,+ca&geocode=FXOABwIdWanz-CF-HXu2eFGq4Cn5WQ2HNcbCgDGtaDbtODlAKg%3BFbCFBwIdt6fz-A%3BFYiQBwIdnqTz-A%3BFfiQBwIdorHz-A%3BFfqiBwId1cLz-ClXSgYNT8bCgDGDOp4nb0SUXg%3B%3BFRqvBwId5s3z-A%3BFdS4BwIdVr3z-A%3BFcOyBwIdFrDz-CkRixQuUsbCgDET5Jlv4xjwDw%3BFTaiBwIddaXz-A%3BFVieBwIdEp3z-A%3BFVSXBwIdR5bz-A%3BFQ6NBwId-43z-A%3BFbBmBwId1mjz-CnP8tjKx8fCgDFDtfPn7VqP8Q%3BFTduBwIdVmLz-A%3BFemHBwIdQ3rz-Ck7qkDUtsfCgDGjxIgX5WGgwA%3BFVh3BwIdZpPz-CnDoyCSysfCgDGtTRrukhZeKg%3BFY-FBwIdoafz-ClzoLNfSsbCgDGRtAGVlkuGPQ&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=1&mrsp=5&sz=17&via=1,2,3,5,6,7,9,10,11,12,14&dirflg=w&sll=34.057646,-118.2385&sspn=0.00608,0.009645&ie=UTF8&ll=34.050455,-118.253231&spn=0.035557,0.032101&z=14" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></p><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This route is gonna be around six miles (considerably shorter than <a href="http://foodie-fitness.blogspot.com/search/label/Urban%20Hike">most of my previous Urban Hikes</a>) but there will be lots to see along the way, from historical landmarks (<a href="http://www.olvera-street.com/">Olvera Street</a>, <a href="http://angelsflight.com/">Angel's Flight Railway</a>) to newer attractions (<a href="http://www.lalive.com/">L.A. Live</a>) to artsy buildings (<a href="http://www.laphil.com/philpedia/wdch-overview.cfm">Walt Disney Concert Hall</a>, <a href="http://www.moca.org/">MOCA</a>) and other fantastic-looking scenery.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">And here are some of the <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&msa=0&msid=106298403535973667184.00048e950a86d4af205d0">fun eating and drinking options</a> I've plotted along the way, mostly low- to mid- end and definitely casual-attire & walk-in friendly. And feel free to recommend more places to stop, asides from Nickel Diner nothing is set in stone.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">As always, all you need to bring is your two feet plus comfortable hiking clothes & shoes, a bottle or two of water, and some cash for whatever you will eat/drink/spend en route. Hope to see you there!<br /><br />P.S. Odd start time, I know -- but Nickel Diner informed me that they stop serving most of their pancakes at noon, so just in case any hikers have a hankering for flapjacks . . .<br /></span></span>H. C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12000908567574418877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126376457959981271.post-22063874492580709462010-08-17T11:14:00.000-07:002010-08-17T11:26:32.592-07:00Quick Yoga Routine to Burn Calories & Build Strength<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">For those who think yoga are a bunch of lengthy, gentle stretches that does nothing for cardiovascular or strength fitness -- check out this fast-yet-effective sequence by </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.tarastiles.com/">Tara Stiles</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> for <a href="http://www.facebook.com/mastertheshift">Master the Shift</a> - with a series of postures that'll burn calories, build core & lower body strength and of course, a great tension-relieving stretch.</span><br /><object style="font-family: arial;" width="400" height="240"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3GiW9mmA4VQ?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3GiW9mmA4VQ?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="240"></embed></object><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">And being a 5 to 10 minute routine that requires almost no equipment (I think even the mat's optional if you have a clean & non-slippery floor,) it's a great way to squeeze in some activity during a short break or to warm up before or cool down after a more vigorous workout.</span></span>H. C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12000908567574418877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126376457959981271.post-69640716044671902582010-08-02T11:15:00.000-07:002010-08-02T11:20:22.274-07:00Motviation Monday - Keeping It Fun<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4851920001/" title="DSC01781 by LA &amp; OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4851920001_2d0465e14c.jpg" alt="Seal Beach pier" width="350" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">Hiking up & down Seal Beach's Main Street and pier and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/sets/72157624512188409/">checking out & tasting the local scene</a></span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Yesterday has been pure bliss, and partly because it felt so effortless and fun having an 'active' day ~ I took in a refreshing 4 mile jog at dawn to wake me up, then played tennis for about an hour and a half with a friend, broke a pretty intense sweat with a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dance_Dance_Revolution_X">spanking new DDR machine</a> for another hour, then took in another hour of scenic hiking at Seal Beach & Culver City.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">It just made think about how getting and staying fit comes in many different forms, but the best way to make it stick is to make it an enjoyable experience. Personally for me, that means I'll never have to see the inside of a gym -- I much rather get my blood pumping & muscle moving with an outdoor run, a yoga or dance class with the community recreational center, laps at a local pool, an interval workout w weights to a DVD at home, the occasional tennis and snowboarding, and of course, <a href="http://foodie-fitness.blogspot.com/search?q=urban+hike">urban hiking</a>.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">So I don't fit in the stereotypical mold of going to a gym several days a week (or even one day a week,) but the regimen I made for myself is still balanced in cardiovascular, strength and flexibility exercises and more importantly, it's a routine I enjoy! And I honestly think that's the secret to getting and staying active, finding activities that you look forward rather than dread. And if you start feeling ho-hum about activities you once enjoyed, take a break and switch it up for something else that's fun or interesting-sounding.<br /><br />And those four hours of "working out" gave me one of the best night's sleep I've had in a while.<br /></span></span>H. C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12000908567574418877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126376457959981271.post-67633398144912282222010-07-28T11:14:00.000-07:002010-07-28T12:00:56.928-07:00Colorado Blvd. Urban Hike - from Glendale to Arcadia.<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/caroscuro/4827760681/" title="The Colorado St bridge is closed for some reason. Taking it anyway #urbanhike by Caroline on Crack, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4827760681_21eb03c3a8.jpg" alt="The Colorado St bridge is closed for some reason. Taking it anyway #urbanhike" width="350" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">On the Colorado St. bridge heading into Old Town Pasadena (photo credit: <a href="http://www.carolineoncrack.com/">Caroline on Crack</a>)</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Once again, this month's Urban Hike was a hit - this time traversing most of Colorado St./Blvd. from Glendale to Arcadia. And even though I cheated a bit with a Metro Gold Line ride following <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4831178780/in/set-72157624462014559/">a pitcher of sangrias @ La Grande Orange</a> -- with all the side street twists & turns I still logged about 14 miles that day (Here are the maps for my hike <a href="http://bit.ly/aDMH0P">before</a> & <a href="http://bit.ly/abhiEq">after</a> Metro-ing.)</span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4831168380/" title="Colorado St. Bridge by LA &amp; OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4831168380_1ef84cd889.jpg" alt="Colorado St. Bridge" width="350" /></a></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">Overlooking Arroyo Seco & Colorado Street Bridge</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />Of course, making this hike even more fun was the company this time, from <a href="http://www.thewanderkind.com/">Nancy</a> who joined me for the first half (before her legs gave out from a hill-run in flip-flops incident the day before,) to <a href="http://gourmetpigs.blogspot.com/">Gourmet Pigs</a> who did a brief stroll with us through Eagle Rock, to <a href="http://www.carolineoncrack.com/">Caroline on Crack</a> who accompanied me for the final stretch through Pasadena and Arcadia.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">As always, despite a few boring blocks, there were plenty of interesting sights and finds, such as:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">1. Some <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4831082402/in/set-72157624462014559/">funny</a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4830518309/in/set-72157624462014559/">signage</a>, not that they got us into <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">church for Sundays... or </span><a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4831129924/in/set-72157624462014559/">the dental exam chair</a>.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">2. <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Finding a </span><a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4830549443/in/set-72157624462014559/">seed bomb dispenser machine</a> outside <a href="http://www.littleflowercandyco.com/">Little Flower Candy Co</a>. (to which Caroline and I first thought were some funky, beyond-expired gumballs;) Caroline and I both <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4830552039/in/set-72157624462014559/">bought one</a> and used them on the grounds outside <a href="http://eaglerockbrewery.ning.com/">Eagle Rock Brewery</a>. Here's hoping there'll be some wildlflowers there next time we go.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">3. <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Discovering that Eagle Rock has a </span><a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4831095786/in/set-72157624462014559/">Sunday farmer's market</a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> at its mall parking lot</span>, though I found its <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4831119790/in/set-72157624462014559/">music choices</a> (Lady Gaga, Ke$ha) questionable, or as Nancy puts it "<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">someone isn't letting go of their Saturday night!</span>"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">4. Learning from Nancy <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">how Eagle Rock has become a Filipinotown of sorts</span>, exemplified by the businesses in the mall, including a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4831122696/in/set-72157624462014559/">Seafood City supermarket</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4830512377/in/set-72157624462014559/">Jollibee & Goldilocks</a> and even a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4831126878/in/set-72157624462014559/">Pinoy Blockbuster</a>.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">5. The <a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4831184268/in/set-72157624462014559/">number of rampant peafowl</a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> that escapes the </span><a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://www.arboretum.org/">LA County Arboretum</a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>and into the surrounding residential area of Arcadia ~ <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">enough to warrant </span><a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4830569161/in/set-72157624462014559/">a "do not feed" sign</a>.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Like previous hikes, I'll post about my eats & drinks along the way on the <a href="http://la-oc-foodie.blogspot.com/">foodventures blog</a>. In the meantime, if you want to join next month, it'll be an easy <span style="font-weight: bold;">afternoon five-miler criss-crossing downtown LA via Hope & Spring, starting with Aug. 29 noon-ish brunch @ <a href="http://nickeldiner.com/">Nickel Diner</a></span> and hopefully ending with a fun downtown-area Happy Hour with a good dose of fun sights & stops along the way -- from <a href="http://www.olvera-street.com/">Olvera Street</a> to all the live venue spaces along Hope & Grand to <a href="http://www.grandcentralsquare.com/">Grand Central Market</a> and maybe a swing by of <a href="http://www.lalive.com/">L.A. Live</a> too.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Here's the route for your preview, hope you can make it:<br /><p align="center"><br /><iframe marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=nickel+diner,++los+angeles,+ca&daddr=S+Spring+St+to:temple+and+spring,+los+angeles,+ca+to:N+Spring+St+to:N+Grand+Ave+to:hope+and+temple,+los+angeles,+ca+to:34.054811,-118.250034+to:S+Hope+St+to:S+Hope+St+to:W+6th+St+to:hope+and+pico,+los+angeles,+ca+to:S+Figueroa+St+to:8th+and+figueroa,+los+angeles,+ca+to:8th+and+broadway,+los+angeles,+ca+to:spring+and+fifth,+los+angeles,+ca&geocode=FXOABwIdWanz-CF-HXu2eFGq4Cn5WQ2HNcbCgDGtaDbtODlAKg%3BFbCFBwIdt6fz-A%3BFfqiBwId1cLz-ClXSgYNT8bCgDGDOp4nb0SUXg%3BFRqvBwId5s3z-A%3BFdS4BwIdVr3z-A%3BFcOyBwIdFrDz-CkRixQuUsbCgDET5Jlv4xjwDw%3B%3BFVieBwIdEp3z-A%3BFVSXBwIdR5bz-A%3BFQ6NBwId-43z-A%3BFbBmBwId1mjz-CnP8tjKx8fCgDFDtfPn7VqP8Q%3BFTduBwIdVmLz-A%3BFemHBwIdQ3rz-Ck7qkDUtsfCgDGjxIgX5WGgwA%3BFVh3BwIdZpPz-CnDoyCSysfCgDGtTRrukhZeKg%3BFY-FBwIdoafz-ClzoLNfSsbCgDGRtAGVlkuGPQ&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=2&mrsp=6&sz=16&via=1,3,4,6,7,8,9,11&dirflg=w&sll=34.052286,-118.251665&sspn=0.01168,0.01929&ie=UTF8&ll=34.052286,-118.251665&spn=0.01168,0.01929&output=embed" width="350" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=nickel+diner,++los+angeles,+ca&daddr=S+Spring+St+to:temple+and+spring,+los+angeles,+ca+to:N+Spring+St+to:N+Grand+Ave+to:hope+and+temple,+los+angeles,+ca+to:34.054811,-118.250034+to:S+Hope+St+to:S+Hope+St+to:W+6th+St+to:hope+and+pico,+los+angeles,+ca+to:S+Figueroa+St+to:8th+and+figueroa,+los+angeles,+ca+to:8th+and+broadway,+los+angeles,+ca+to:spring+and+fifth,+los+angeles,+ca&geocode=FXOABwIdWanz-CF-HXu2eFGq4Cn5WQ2HNcbCgDGtaDbtODlAKg%3BFbCFBwIdt6fz-A%3BFfqiBwId1cLz-ClXSgYNT8bCgDGDOp4nb0SUXg%3BFRqvBwId5s3z-A%3BFdS4BwIdVr3z-A%3BFcOyBwIdFrDz-CkRixQuUsbCgDET5Jlv4xjwDw%3B%3BFVieBwIdEp3z-A%3BFVSXBwIdR5bz-A%3BFQ6NBwId-43z-A%3BFbBmBwId1mjz-CnP8tjKx8fCgDFDtfPn7VqP8Q%3BFTduBwIdVmLz-A%3BFemHBwIdQ3rz-Ck7qkDUtsfCgDGjxIgX5WGgwA%3BFVh3BwIdZpPz-CnDoyCSysfCgDGtTRrukhZeKg%3BFY-FBwIdoafz-ClzoLNfSsbCgDGRtAGVlkuGPQ&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=2&mrsp=6&sz=16&via=1,3,4,6,7,8,9,11&dirflg=w&sll=34.052286,-118.251665&sspn=0.01168,0.01929&ie=UTF8&ll=34.052286,-118.251665&spn=0.01168,0.01929" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></p>Here are <a href="http://www.carolineoncrack.com/2010/07/27/urban-hike-colorado-boulevard-from-eagle-rock-arcadia/">Caroline</a> & <a href="http://www.thewanderkind.com/2010/07/25/hiking-in-my-hood-urban-hike-down-colorado-blvd/">Nancy's</a> posts on the hike; and the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/sets/72157624462014559/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">more photos on </span>my flickr set here</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/sets/72157624462014559/">.</a><br /></span><br /></span>H. C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12000908567574418877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126376457959981271.post-61344707500008154552010-07-20T12:44:00.000-07:002010-07-20T15:23:40.602-07:00Colorado Blvd. Urban Hike this Sunday!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4742186085/" title="Huntington Beach by LA &amp; OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4742186085_7b5ba48101.jpg" alt="Huntington Beach" width="350" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >Huntington Beach, finish line for my <a href="http://foodie-fitness.blogspot.com/2010/06/laoc-beach-blvd-urban-hike-627.html">Beach Blvd. Urban Hike </a>last month</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Just a reminder for those interested in joining, my Colorado Blvd./St. Urban Hike will start<span style="font-weight: bold;"> 8 a.m. this Sunday at </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Colorado & Kenilworth</span> in Glendale; approximately 14 miles long, it'll go from Glendale to Arcadia, hitting Eagle Rock and Pasadena along the way.<br /><br />As far as landmarks go, we'll be skimming by the downtown Glendale (maybe a sidetrip to <a href="http://www.portosbakery.com/">Porto's</a> is in order?) the main drag of Eagle Rock and <a href="http://www.oldpasadena.org/">Old Town Pasadena</a>, wrapping up with a swing-by of <a href="http://www.arboretum.org/">LA County Arboretum</a> and <a href="http://www.santaanita.com/">Santa Anita Park & Racetrack</a>.<br /><br />I've pasted a map of the route below & here are some <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?source=embed&saddr=colorado+st.+and+kenilworth,+glendale,+ca&daddr=34.149033,-118.046722+to:W+Huntington+Dr+%26+Colorado+Pl,+Arcadia,+CA+91007&hl=en&geocode=FV35CAIdy2Lz-Cm_c6Sz98DCgDEqNVnwKk9UWg%3B%3BFVPvCAIdLOj2-CmZV0cH6tvCgDHI_VgjYXrPFw&gl=us&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=12&via=1&dirflg=w&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106298403535973667184.00048a44260c0bdada8e0&z=12">eats and drinks options along the way</a>. Hope you can join! If you have questions regarding logistics, parking, etc. feel free to <a href="mailto:foodie.h.c@gmail.com">e-mail me</a> or <a href="http://www.twitter.com/foodie_fitness/">send a tweet over</a>.<br /><br />And as always, I'll be live-tweeting along the route <a href="http://www.twitter.com/LAOCFoodie/">on my @LAOCFoodie account</a> so feel free to join for even a part of the hike.<br /></span></span><p align="center"><iframe marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=colorado+st.+and+kenilworth,+glendale,+ca&daddr=34.149033,-118.046722+to:W+Huntington+Dr+%26+Colorado+Pl,+Arcadia,+CA+91007&hl=en&geocode=FV35CAIdy2Lz-Cm_c6Sz98DCgDEqNVnwKk9UWg%3B%3BFVPvCAIdLOj2-CmZV0cH6tvCgDHI_VgjYXrPFw&gl=us&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=12&via=1&dirflg=w&sll=34.136885,-118.151815&sspn=0.194371,0.308647&ie=UTF8&ll=34.136885,-118.151815&spn=0.194371,0.308647&output=embed" width="350" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=colorado+st.+and+kenilworth,+glendale,+ca&daddr=34.149033,-118.046722+to:W+Huntington+Dr+%26+Colorado+Pl,+Arcadia,+CA+91007&hl=en&geocode=FV35CAIdy2Lz-Cm_c6Sz98DCgDEqNVnwKk9UWg%3B%3BFVPvCAIdLOj2-CmZV0cH6tvCgDHI_VgjYXrPFw&gl=us&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=12&via=1&dirflg=w&sll=34.136885,-118.151815&sspn=0.194371,0.308647&ie=UTF8&ll=34.136885,-118.151815&spn=0.194371,0.308647" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></p>H. C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12000908567574418877noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126376457959981271.post-14661726480946040322010-06-28T07:55:00.000-07:002010-06-28T12:42:24.528-07:00The LA/OC Beach Blvd. Urban Hike - 6/27<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4742827254/" title="At the Ocean by LA & OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/4742827254_1681ae218b.jpg" alt="At the Ocean" width="350" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">Touching the ocean at the finish point</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />This month, the Urban Hike goes long... really long! <a href="http://bit.ly/dsW8BO">Almost 23 miles covering L.A. & O.C.</a> as I tackle the entire length of Beach Blvd. from La Habra to Huntington Beach, and visiting La Mirada, Buena Park, Anaheim, Stanton, Garden Grove and Westminster along the way.</span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4742771004/" title="Stanton Park by LA & OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/4742771004_0c54b6391d.jpg" alt="Stanton Park" width="350" /></a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Unlike previous hikes which tackled more visually-appealing parts of town, the Beach Blvd. one has quite a few long stretches of nada. Nonetheless, I had a pretty fun time -- thanks a pretty bumping hiking playlist (of GreeeeN, Funky Monkey Babys and Lisa Loeb.)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Some of my more interesting discoveries during the hike:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">- Buena Park is O.C.'s Koreatown, spotted numerous restaurants, shops and oddly enough, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4742094977/in/set-72157624252425635/">a sushi academy</a> (huh?) . . . plus <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4742080385/in/set-72157624252425635/">a Pub that opens at 7 a.m.</a> -- guess it's never too early to get your drink on!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">- Knott's Berry Farm's <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4742749892/in/set-72157624252425635/">free-to-public Independence Hall</a>, a replica of the building where the declaration is signed. And also <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4742110841/in/set-72157624252425635/">a lot of free-roaming chickens and ducks</a>!<br /><br />- The <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4742173505/in/set-72157624252425635/">Old World German Village</a> in Huntington Beach, a very cute mini-mall of assorted shops, bakeries and of course, pub & restaurant - where I enjoyed a few refreshing drinks and some pastries while watching football fans go World Cup crazy.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">- Coming upon <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4742129195/in/set-72157624252425635/">Adventure City</a> in Anaheim, which basically looks like a traveling carnival... but permanent, along with a sprinkling of ghost towny hobby shops and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4742130433/in/set-72157624252425635/">a miniature replica of the White House</a>.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">- The <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4742177477/in/set-72157624252425635/">Sea Breeze pet cemetery</a> that's unusually full of flowers, even moreso than an actual cemetery... I was wondering whether there was a Pet Memorial Day of some sort recently but upon closer inspection, <a href="http://www.carolineoncrack.com/">Caroline on Crack </a>and I discovered most of the flowers were fake.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">- The traffic lights in O.C. (or at least those along Beach Blvd.) take a loooong time to change, even when there are no cars on the green.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4742797080/in/set-72157624252425635/">DDR X</a>! Finally had a chance to play the latest version at Huntington Beach's Century 20 cinema in Bella Terra. Wicked cool.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">- Sun protection -- which I woefully neglected and regretted once the day got really sunny, thankfully I tend to tan versus burn, but I'm sure the two shades darker by the end of the day isn't doing my skin any favors in the long run.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Of course, I had my fair share of eating & drinking revelations too, will post on that soon on my other blog. But here's a preview shot of the tasty & healthy Som Tam (spicy papaya salad) I had at Thai Nakorn in Stanton.<br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4742142307/" title="Som Tam by LA & OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4742142307_f0f72d485d.jpg" alt="Som Tam" width="350" /></a></span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/sets/72157624252425635/">More photos from flickr set here.</a><br /><br />P.S. For the July Urban Hike on Sunday the 25, I'll be tackling the length of Colorado Blvd./St. from Glendale to Arcadia -- a considerably shorter 14 miles, and one that should include some more scenic attractions such as the Arboretum, Old Town Pasadena and main drag of Eagle Rock. Here's the route and hope you can join:<br /><p align="center"><iframe marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=colorado+st.+and+kenilworth,+glendale,+ca&daddr=34.149033,-118.046722+to:W+Huntington+Dr+%26+Colorado+Pl,+Arcadia,+CA+91007&hl=en&geocode=FV35CAIdy2Lz-Cm_c6Sz98DCgDEqNVnwKk9UWg%3B%3BFVPvCAIdLOj2-CmZV0cH6tvCgDHI_VgjYXrPFw&gl=us&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=12&via=1&dirflg=w&sll=34.136885,-118.151815&sspn=0.194371,0.308647&ie=UTF8&ll=34.136885,-118.151815&spn=0.194371,0.308647&output=embed" width="350" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=colorado+st.+and+kenilworth,+glendale,+ca&daddr=34.149033,-118.046722+to:W+Huntington+Dr+%26+Colorado+Pl,+Arcadia,+CA+91007&hl=en&geocode=FV35CAIdy2Lz-Cm_c6Sz98DCgDEqNVnwKk9UWg%3B%3BFVPvCAIdLOj2-CmZV0cH6tvCgDHI_VgjYXrPFw&gl=us&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=12&via=1&dirflg=w&sll=34.136885,-118.151815&sspn=0.194371,0.308647&ie=UTF8&ll=34.136885,-118.151815&spn=0.194371,0.308647" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></p><br /></span></span>H. C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12000908567574418877noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126376457959981271.post-31683313520002533112010-06-23T10:36:00.000-07:002010-06-23T11:02:28.027-07:00Urban Hike this Sunday - LA/OC edition<div style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4354981991/" title="Almost sunset @ Pier by LA & OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4354981991_253d8cac0a.jpg" alt="Almost sunset @ Pier" width="350" /></a><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >Hitting the beach in time for sunset in my </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;" href="http://la-oc-foodie.blogspot.com/2010/02/special-foodventures-153-urban-hike-and.html">February Urban Hike</a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Keeping with my (almost) monthly urban hike ritual, this Sunday I'm tackling the Orange Curtain and walking down the entire length of Beach Blvd. from La Habra to Huntington Beach.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Here's the route:</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=W+Whittier+Blvd+%26+N+Beach+Blvd,+La+Habra,+CA+90631&daddr=Beach+Blvd+%26+Pacific+Coast+Highway,+Huntington+Beach,+CA&hl=en&geocode=FbfhBQIdavP3-CnPZBztKNXCgDE8PUuKwd7r6w%3BFYRvAQIdL6T3-CkD7rLlESHdgDGKkUbgBIQK2A&gl=us&mra=ls&dirflg=w&sll=33.794205,-117.98317&sspn=0.38974,0.617294&ie=UTF8&ll=33.794205,-117.98317&spn=0.29137,0.03064&output=embed" width="350" frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=W+Whittier+Blvd+%26+N+Beach+Blvd,+La+Habra,+CA+90631&daddr=Beach+Blvd+%26+Pacific+Coast+Highway,+Huntington+Beach,+CA&hl=en&geocode=FbfhBQIdavP3-CnPZBztKNXCgDE8PUuKwd7r6w%3BFYRvAQIdL6T3-CkD7rLlESHdgDGKkUbgBIQK2A&gl=us&mra=ls&dirflg=w&sll=33.794205,-117.98317&sspn=0.38974,0.617294&ie=UTF8&ll=33.794205,-117.98317&spn=0.29137,0.03064" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Plan on starting at 7 a.m. and hope to make it to the beach before sunset (and even better yet, get to </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.donthebeachcomber.com/">Don the Beachcomber</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> to sneak in a drink before their happy hour ends at 7 p.m.) And here are some of the other <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=106298403535973667184.000489ac4f4166be5797c&z=11">interesting eats I've plotted along the way</a>.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">As always, feel free to join for all or part of the hike! I'll be livetweeting <a href="http://www.twitter.com/LAOCFoodie/">@LAOCFoodie</a> along the way so feel free to catch up for even a portion of the hike.</span></div></div></span>H. C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12000908567574418877noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126376457959981271.post-65833533180515827022010-06-01T11:32:00.000-07:002010-06-01T11:43:23.341-07:00Laguna Hills Half-Marathon<span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.lagunahillshalfmarathon.com/images/LHHM.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 241px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.lagunahillshalfmarathon.com/images/LHHM.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It's been a while since I signed up for a running event (<a href="http://inside.nike.com/blogs/nikerunning_humanrace-en_US/">Nike's Human Race in October 2009</a> was my last one) but the <a href="http://www.lagunahillshalfmarathon.com/">Laguna Hills 1/2 Marathon</a> is quickly becoming a tradition for me. It's my third year participating in this event, and for good reason, great route (a mix of road and trails) with good scenery and generally mild weather.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">As for my performance, I ran an 11 minute per mile pace (primarily because I ran-walk the last three miles) which I feel ambivalent about. The pace is better than expected considering my short training period this time around... but definitely nowhere near my P.R. for this race (when I paced 8' 31" in 2008) so definitely gonna train a little better and try a little harder next time around. And get some more ZZZs in the night before too (unexpectedly woke up in middle of night and opted to stay awake, another running boo boo.)</span><br /></span>H. C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12000908567574418877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126376457959981271.post-69055905243487538302010-05-18T08:01:00.000-07:002010-05-18T14:50:26.885-07:00Vegetarianism Doesn't Have to be a Full-Time Job<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Right now, I'm still running strong in my </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://la-oc-foodie.blogspot.com/2010/04/halfway-update-through-animal-free.html">full-time vegetarianism</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> (with no immediate plans to stop) but I just across this recent </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.ted.com/">TED lecture</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> by Graham Hill (founder of </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.treehugger.com/">TreeHugger.com</a><span style="font-family:arial;">) giving an illuminating speech on being a "weekday vegetarian"</span><br /><br /><object width="400" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="bgColor" value="#ffffff"> <param name="flashvars" value="vu=http://video.ted.com/talks/dynamic/GrahamHill_2010-medium.flv&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/GrahamHill-2010.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=375&vh=220&ap=0&ti=860&introDuration=16500&adDuration=4000&postAdDuration=2000&adKeys=talk=graham_hill_weekday_vegetarian;year=2010;theme=new_on_ted_com;theme=a_taste_of_ted2010;event=TED2010;&preAdTag=tconf.ted/embed;tile=1;sz=512x288;"><embed src="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf" pluginspace="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" bgcolor="#ffffff" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" flashvars="vu=http://video.ted.com/talks/dynamic/GrahamHill_2010-medium.flv&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/GrahamHill-2010.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=375&vh=220&ap=0&ti=860&introDuration=16500&adDuration=4000&postAdDuration=2000&adKeys=talk=graham_hill_weekday_vegetarian;year=2010;theme=new_on_ted_com;theme=a_taste_of_ted2010;event=TED2010;" width="400" height="300"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">For the most part, I agree -- the choice to eat meat vs. not to eat meat shouldn't be so mutually exclusive, and the choice of what to put on your plate doesn't have to be a full-on battle between the tastebuds and the environment/animal rights/good health every single time. Nonetheless, it is worth the effort to make better choices whenever possible--whether eating less meat overall, choosing meats from sustainably-raised sources and/or favoring the generally healthier white meats of fowls and seafood over red mammalian variants.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">As for me, I'm taking my everyday-vegetarianism one day at a time, but I'm leaving the possibility open for eating animals should the craving strike (it hasn't yet.) And if and when I ever get back into omnivore mode--I'll know I can consume meat without feeling guilty over my body or my planet.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">And I love Graham Hill's parting final food for thought... "if all of us ate half as much meat, it would be like half of us becoming vegetarians."</span></span>H. C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12000908567574418877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126376457959981271.post-27365672744332636722010-04-27T11:02:00.001-07:002010-04-27T11:11:30.920-07:00Back on the 'board at Baldy<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Thanks to the El Nino weather, the slopes and lifts were still operational last weekend -- so I decided to get back on the horse again and give one final go at snowboarding before the thaw, hopefully ending my season on a good note and not with the painful memories of a <a href="http://foodie-fitness.blogspot.com/2010/03/putting-rice-on-my-bun.html">swollen and bruised bum</a> from Mammothing.</span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4557049892/" title="Mt. Baldy at Dawn by LA & OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3337/4557049892_5c2779206e.jpg" alt="Mt. Baldy at Dawn" width="350" /></a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Since Groupon offered reduced price lift tickets for <a href="http://www.mtbaldy.com/">Mt. Baldy</a>, that's where I went. And I was surprised by the quality of the snow for late April, not nearly as slushy/icy/compacted as I would've expected -- though that could've been attributed to the recent storms that probably laid down some fresh powder.<br /><br />And I definitely love how uncrowded this mountain is, definitely a great place to learn without worries of being run over or barked at by the more experienced.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">As for the run itself, I finally re-taught myself how to <a href="http://www.abc-of-snowboarding.com/learn-snowboarding/linking-turns.asp">link turns and carve</a> (albeit with all the grace and speed of a turkey.) And I still took a few tumbles and falls but they're nowhere as hard as ones at Mammoth. But at least I ended this season on a positive note.</span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4556423135/" title="Snowboarding passes by LA & OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3509/4556423135_a6ae644704.jpg" alt="Snowboarding passes" width="350" /></a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Let's see how much I retain come next season . . . in the meantime, I'm definitely looking forward to hitting those end-of-season sales for some protective padded gear and, if the prices are good enough, my own board and bindings!</span><br /><br /></span>H. C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12000908567574418877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126376457959981271.post-50772507584078960772010-03-25T15:23:00.000-07:002010-03-25T15:31:22.527-07:00Maybe, Possibly Another Hike This Weekend?<div style="text-align: center; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4433322923/" title="Still OK to Hike on this? by LA & OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4005/4433322923_e82dfb83b7.jpg" alt="Still OK to Hike on this?" width="350" /></a><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">And this time I got more than </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://foodie-fitness.blogspot.com/2010/03/four-lessons-from-la-brea-urban-hike.html">lack of trails</a><span style="font-family: arial;"> to worry about!</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Still recovering from <a href="http://foodie-fitness.blogspot.com/2010/03/putting-rice-on-my-bun.html">my snowboarding injuries</a> of this past week (where my red and swollen buttock is now bruised and swollen) but I'm pondering on whether to join my friends for a<a href="http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/15art3.htm"> 22-mile hike at the Monrovia Peaks</a> this weekend. One part of my brain is craving for some real activity, and another part is telling me not to be a dumbass and exert so much energy when I'm still very visibly injured.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">One one hand, I can walk OK, even though I've given up double-stepping when going up the stairs. On the other, my buttocks and hamstrings is not a <span style="font-weight: bold;">big melon-sized blotch of black and blue</span> -- and I don't have complete range-of-motion in my right leg yet (putting on socks is still quite a feat every morning!)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">And while I am hiking with friends at a steady, leisurely pace this time around, goodness knows how much help they can offer should I become incapacitated in the wild.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">So... to hike, or not to hike? That is the question (and let's hope for the former that I don't wound up like Yorick!)<br /></span></span>H. C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12000908567574418877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126376457959981271.post-84005819987082994172010-03-23T15:26:00.000-07:002010-03-23T15:46:11.477-07:00Putting RICE on my bun . . .<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwsFhvSX75yfQtnpsNSLE2giwGDj85x5ZZE0sf66KFdBwexFxuSi9KIAtjf7-RdcFpXpoWXzfArjpvI_G0DIb5cqHd7WEv4JJxudz22hKZB2Y-l553DsY6MsA3Brohn6DmiJsiwE0BxrE/s1600-h/snowboarding.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwsFhvSX75yfQtnpsNSLE2giwGDj85x5ZZE0sf66KFdBwexFxuSi9KIAtjf7-RdcFpXpoWXzfArjpvI_G0DIb5cqHd7WEv4JJxudz22hKZB2Y-l553DsY6MsA3Brohn6DmiJsiwE0BxrE/s320/snowboarding.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451959696555513890" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >Icing down my bruised, swollen butt on the Mammoth slopes; </span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >photos on this post courtesy of <a href="http://www.hungryhungryhanh.com/">Hungry Hungry Hanh</a> (<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11345551@N03/">her flickr here</a>)</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This weekend I had an amazing trip up to Mammoth Mountains (my first time there), long slopes, cool little village and, of course, great company in the form of fellow blogger/twitter folks <a href="http://www.hungryhungryhanh.com/">Hanh</a>, <a href="http://www.carolineoncrack.com/">Caroline on Crack</a>, <a href="http://estar.la/">e*star LA</a>, <a href="http://www.mattatouille.com/">Mattatouille</a>, <a href="http://gourmetpigs.blogspot.com/">Gourmet Pigs</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/samkimsamkim">Sam Kim</a>, <a href="http://www.roycifer.com/">Roycifer</a> and others.</span><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">The not so good news, while practicing/relearning my toe-turns and edges, I fell on my <span style="font-weight: bold;">right butt cheek quite hard -- repeatedly</span>. The result, <span style="font-weight: bold;">a bowling-ball sized glute that makes me look like Beyonce or J Lo from one side</span>.</span><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qkUVU7VNrb3IgEK_g28g8b64eFn24ghqLqZ55ncjOYtWJzwPTzQgJsf0XBj69X3thplepLTEBV-pIaHCJxWuJiz9vp-ALsDYVkgXpYFVYI7X8JC04z7vPe-FdGVnhVYzmwNIRjjjKTQ/s1600-h/Both+cheeks.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qkUVU7VNrb3IgEK_g28g8b64eFn24ghqLqZ55ncjOYtWJzwPTzQgJsf0XBj69X3thplepLTEBV-pIaHCJxWuJiz9vp-ALsDYVkgXpYFVYI7X8JC04z7vPe-FdGVnhVYzmwNIRjjjKTQ/s320/Both+cheeks.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451959702330206514" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Note the two buns for comparison, I can't even snap the button shut on the right back pocket of my pants! (and I've been asked, repeatedly, whether I stuffed anything into my back pocket-- nope, that's all me!)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">As such, I figured it's a good a time as any to talk about recuperating after injury. Being no stranger to bruises, cuts and scrapes - I'm well acquainted with the <a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_5967114_heal-injury-using-r_i_c_e.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">R.I.C.E. </span>method of recovery</a>. Namely:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">1) Rest (which, of course, means no exercises that requires glute work)</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">2) Ice (applying cold packs or chilly ointments to reduce pain)</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">3) Compress (to reduce inflammation and promote healing)</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">4) Elevation (also to reduce swelling)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">It's no surprise that #4 is the hardest to do around-the-clock (imagine someone walking into my office and I'm at the computer or on the phone with my butt hiked up in the air!) but I do keep my behind slightly elevated, and sleep backside up, when I go to bed. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">And of course, when my butt recovers enough to exercise, I'll ease back into my routine gently with yoga and some pilates work before going for the likes of cardio-kickboxing, plyometrics and running.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">In the meantime, I'm being a bit more vigilant about my food intake since I'm not as physically active, and focusing my workouts on upper body exercise that wouldn't put strain on my glutes (e.g. seated bicep curls,<a href="http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/detail/view/name/decline-dumbbell-triceps-extension"> tricep extensions</a>, push-ups, <a href="http://exercise.about.com/od/exerciseworkouts/ss/chestexercises_8.htm">chest fly</a>, <a href="http://www.changingshape.com/exercise/strengthtraining/gym/dumbbellshoulderpress.asp">shoulder press</a>/<a href="http://www.changingshape.com/exercise/strengthtraining/gym/dumbbellsideshoulderraise.asp">raise</a>.)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">And while I don't think this is a serious injury (already the swelling and soreness went down a little) if I don't recover in a few more days I'll definitely get an appointment with my physician. And if you're ever in doubt about the severity of your injury, do go to the doc first and let the expert decide.</span><br /></span>H. C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12000908567574418877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126376457959981271.post-3153706306459689202010-03-18T09:58:00.000-07:002010-03-18T10:31:05.515-07:00Four lessons from La Brea Urban Hike and Eat . . .<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4434161158/" title="Shadow of Self at Gold Line Terminal by LA & OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4434161158_4e608fb7e2.jpg" alt="Shadow of Self at Gold Line Terminal" width="350" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />Even if my Urban Hike and Eat didn't go as planned, I'd still consider it a fun success; but did learn a few takeaways for next month's walk.</span><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><iframe marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=6801+Hollywood+Boulevard,+Los+Angeles,+CA+90028-6128+%28Hollywood+%26+Highland%29&daddr=la+brea+and+hillside+los+angeles,+ca+to:34.093042,-118.344212+to:7253+Santa+Monica+Boulevard,+West+Hollywood,+CA+90046+%28Food+Lab+Cafe+%26+Marketplace%29+to:jim+gilliam+park+los+angeles,+ca+to:7253+Santa+Monica+Boulevard,+West+Hollywood,+CA+90046+%28Food+Lab+Cafe+%26+Marketplace%29+to:Historic+U.S.+66+E%2FSanta+Monica+Blvd+to:la+brea+and+hollywood+blvd.,+los+angeles,+ca+to:hollywood+and+western+los+angeles,+ca&hl=en&geocode=FYldCAIdZ0Xy-CEawPfrMe3R3SlFgTfVI7_CgDF3FTfLGPw17g%3BFSZlCAIdbS7y-CntFWTiH7_CgDGPRO_P0hZ2-A%3B%3BFeguCAIdLify-CnPSmy1177CgDH6DAEetW684Q%3BFWv_BgIdXA3y-Cm5Hi6HzrnCgDF1Lk1xLj-sJw%3BFeguCAIdLyfy-CEtC3Q8T4KTQinPSmy1177CgDH6DAEetW684Q%3BFcIuCAIdODLy-A%3BFT1ZCAId8jHy-CkVDCSLIL_CgDHDUSCsOp9Mmw%3BFexZCAIdjr7y-CnxmmlpUL_CgDHZYC88U4JcxQ&mra=dpe&mrcr=1&mrsp=2&sz=13&via=2,6&dirflg=w&sll=34.078967,-118.32653&sspn=0.079053,0.110378&ie=UTF8&ll=34.078967,-118.32653&spn=0.079053,0.110378&output=embed" width="350" frameborder="0" height="450" scrolling="no"></iframe></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=6801+Hollywood+Boulevard,+Los+Angeles,+CA+90028-6128+%28Hollywood+%26+Highland%29&daddr=la+brea+and+hillside+los+angeles,+ca+to:34.093042,-118.344212+to:7253+Santa+Monica+Boulevard,+West+Hollywood,+CA+90046+%28Food+Lab+Cafe+%26+Marketplace%29+to:jim+gilliam+park+los+angeles,+ca+to:7253+Santa+Monica+Boulevard,+West+Hollywood,+CA+90046+%28Food+Lab+Cafe+%26+Marketplace%29+to:Historic+U.S.+66+E%2FSanta+Monica+Blvd+to:la+brea+and+hollywood+blvd.,+los+angeles,+ca+to:hollywood+and+western+los+angeles,+ca&hl=en&geocode=FYldCAIdZ0Xy-CEawPfrMe3R3SlFgTfVI7_CgDF3FTfLGPw17g%3BFSZlCAIdbS7y-CntFWTiH7_CgDGPRO_P0hZ2-A%3B%3BFeguCAIdLify-CnPSmy1177CgDH6DAEetW684Q%3BFWv_BgIdXA3y-Cm5Hi6HzrnCgDF1Lk1xLj-sJw%3BFeguCAIdLyfy-CEtC3Q8T4KTQinPSmy1177CgDH6DAEetW684Q%3BFcIuCAIdODLy-A%3BFT1ZCAId8jHy-CkVDCSLIL_CgDHDUSCsOp9Mmw%3BFexZCAIdjr7y-CnxmmlpUL_CgDHZYC88U4JcxQ&mra=dpe&mrcr=1&mrsp=2&sz=13&via=2,6&dirflg=w&sll=34.078967,-118.32653&sspn=0.079053,0.110378&ie=UTF8&ll=34.078967,-118.32653&spn=0.079053,0.110378" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">1. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Checking the route beforehand</span>! Alas, I entrusted my hike path to Google Maps, only to discover that a stretch of La Brea along Baldwin Hills is not made for pedestrians. And so, my <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=La+Brea+Avenue+and+La+Brea+Terrace&daddr=La+Brea+Avenue+and+W+Century+Ave&hl=en&geocode=FdJnCAIdlS3y-CmxkdAg4L7CgDEfhPh8-yGOXg%3BFWT3BQIdeBXy-CkjFq4v8bbCgDGrBiAWuyj7wA&mra=ls&dirflg=w&sll=34.015165,-118.30109&sspn=0.194366,0.308647&ie=UTF8&ll=34.025348,-118.35125&spn=0.194342,0.308647&z=12">almost-12-mile affair</a> turned into a 16-mile roundtrip hike (noted in above map) as I made my way back to the starting point (and beyond)</span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4434105356/" title="Back through the Freeway by LA & OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4434105356_d4af390091.jpg" alt="Back through the Freeway" width="350" /></a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">2. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Being flexible</span> - of course, I could've easily cut my hike short and just bussed my way back after ~7 miles. But since I had the time and energy, I decided to hike my way back. On a similar note, I gave myself lots of eating/drinking options and set a pretty loose, open-ended schedule -- which worked in my favor when I found out my 1st and 2nd breakfast options were not opened yet, and I still got very delicious nosh at my 3rd stop. And of course, the choice of always hopping on a bus if I feel too exhausted, which leads to...</span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4433322923/" title="Still OK to Hike on this? by LA & OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4005/4433322923_e82dfb83b7.jpg" alt="Still OK to Hike on this?" width="350" /></a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">3. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Being safe</span> - especially important when hiking alone. On Urban Hikes, I try to pick routes where I'm always within a few blocks of a busstop, so just in case I can't hike anymore (either out of exhaustion, dehydration, or even plain ole laziness.) On this particular La Brea hike, I was intent on paving through Baldwin Hills on an improvised hiking path after the sidewalks have ended, but quickly turned around upon observing broken beer/wine bottles, used syringes and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4433327905/in/set-72157623622364340/">a vial of testosterone</a> along that "trail."</span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4433353303/" title="My meaty legs... by LA & OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4433353303_0ea9dabc3e.jpg" alt="My meaty legs..." width="350" /></a></span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">4. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Have fun & relax</span> - In a recent <a href="http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-marathon-20100315,0,3212427.story">LA Times article about marathon motivation</a>, they found that people with intrinsic reasons for running (inner sense of accomplishment, reveling in the sheer joy of activity) are more likely to complete the entire 26.2 miles than those with extrinsic motivators (weight loss, getting a medal, etc.) In many ways I feel the same way during my urban hikes, it's a time for me to de-stress, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4434030390/in/set-72157623622364340/">observe</a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4433324613/in/set-72157623622364340/">the</a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4433388567/in/set-72157623622364340/">scenery</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4434152876/in/set-72157623622364340/">check</a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4434135710/in/set-72157623622364340/">out</a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4433364889/in/set-72157623622364340/">interesting</a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4434124208/in/set-72157623622364340/">sights</a>... and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4433354863/in/set-72157623622364340/">even check myself out</a>! And taking pleasure in the journey itself means the time and distance flies that much faster to get to the destination, if it even matters at all.<br /></span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><iframe marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=W+Whittier+Blvd+%26+N+Beach+Blvd,+La+Habra,+CA+90631&daddr=Beach+Blvd+%26+Pacific+Coast+Highway,+Huntington+Beach,+CA&hl=en&geocode=FbfhBQIdavP3-CnPZBztKNXCgDE8PUuKwd7r6w%3BFYRvAQIdL6T3-CkD7rLlESHdgDGKkUbgBIQK2A&gl=us&mra=ls&dirflg=w&sll=33.794205,-117.98317&sspn=0.38974,0.617294&ie=UTF8&ll=33.794205,-117.98317&spn=0.29137,0.03064&output=embed" width="350" frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no"></iframe></span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=W+Whittier+Blvd+%26+N+Beach+Blvd,+La+Habra,+CA+90631&daddr=Beach+Blvd+%26+Pacific+Coast+Highway,+Huntington+Beach,+CA&hl=en&geocode=FbfhBQIdavP3-CnPZBztKNXCgDE8PUuKwd7r6w%3BFYRvAQIdL6T3-CkD7rLlESHdgDGKkUbgBIQK2A&gl=us&mra=ls&dirflg=w&sll=33.794205,-117.98317&sspn=0.38974,0.617294&ie=UTF8&ll=33.794205,-117.98317&spn=0.29137,0.03064" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></span><br /></div><span style="font-family:arial;">And, on that note, I've already decided on the route for my<span style="font-weight: bold;"> third Urban Hike and Eat slated for April 18</span>, going past the Orange Curtain via the<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=W+Whittier+Blvd+%26+N+Beach+Blvd,+La+Habra,+CA+90631&daddr=Beach+Blvd+%26+Pacific+Coast+Highway,+Huntington+Beach,+CA&hl=en&geocode=FbfhBQIdavP3-CnPZBztKNXCgDE8PUuKwd7r6w%3BFYRvAQIdL6T3-CkD7rLlESHdgDGKkUbgBIQK2A&gl=us&mra=ls&dirflg=w&sll=33.794205,-117.98317&sspn=0.38974,0.617294&ie=UTF8&z=11"> entire length of Beach Blvd. from La Habra to Huntington Beach</a>. It comes out a little over 20 miles so it will be a full-day affair, but I'm really looking forward to the sights and sounds I'll encounter (and of course, the eats and drinks too!) Hope you can join me!<br /><br />And <a href="http://la-oc-foodie.blogspot.com/2010/03/special-foodventure-158-la-brea-urban.html">here's the post on the eats I had on my La Brea Urban Hike and Eat</a>, or <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/sets/72157623622364340/detail/">click here for more photos</a>.<br /></span></span>H. C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12000908567574418877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126376457959981271.post-28589115082958729192010-03-11T07:59:00.000-08:002010-03-11T12:48:09.397-08:00Urban Hike and Eat this Sunday: from Hollywood to Inglewood!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-oc-foodventures/4354981991/" title="Almost sunset @ Pier by LA & OC Foodventures, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4354981991_253d8cac0a.jpg" alt="Almost sunset @ Pier" width="350" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">End of the hike from Union Station to Santa Monica Pier last month</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />Given how happy I was with last month's <a href="http://la-oc-foodie.blogspot.com/2010/02/special-foodventures-153-urban-hike-and.html">Urban Hike and Eat Street Foodventure</a>, I decided to make this a recurring (hopefully monthly) affair, discovering Southern California on foot, checking out sights and scenes I would usually miss behind the wheel - and grabbing some interesting bites and sips along the way too.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This Sunday, I'll be tackling the <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=La+Brea+Avenue+and+La+Brea+Terrace&daddr=La+Brea+Avenue+and+W+Century+Ave&hl=en&geocode=FdJnCAIdlS3y-CmxkdAg4L7CgDEfhPh8-yGOXg%3BFWT3BQIdeBXy-CkjFq4v8bbCgDGrBiAWuyj7wA&mra=ls&dirflg=w&sll=34.015165,-118.30109&sspn=0.194366,0.308647&ie=UTF8&ll=34.025348,-118.35125&spn=0.194342,0.308647&z=12"><span style="font-weight: bold;">entire length of La Brea Avenue, from Hollywood to Inglewood</span></a>. This urban hike clocks in a little under 12 miles, and with <span style="font-weight: bold;">my planned start time of 7:30 a.m.</span>--I expect to the hike to conclude by 3 p.m.-ish at La Brea & W Century - after which <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=La+Brea+Avenue+and+W+Century+Ave&daddr=La+Brea+Avenue+and+La+Brea+Terrace&geocode=FWT3BQIdeBXy-CkjFq4v8bbCgDGrBiAWuyj7wA%3BFdJnCAIdlS3y-CmxkdAg4L7CgDEfhPh8-yGOXg&hl=en&mra=ls&dirflg=r&ttype=dep&date=03%2F14%2F10&time=3:18pm&noexp=0&noal=0&sort=&sll=34.025632,-118.35125&sspn=0.194341,0.308647&ie=UTF8&ll=34.025348,-118.35125&spn=0.194342,0.308647&z=12&start=0">we can ride the bus back up to the starting point</a> for a cool $1.25.</span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><iframe marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=106298403535973667184.00047fa7a7208af9e0a63&ll=34.023064,-118.350135&spn=0.155444,0.015914&output=embed" width="350" height="450" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=106298403535973667184.00047fa7a7208af9e0a63&ll=34.023064,-118.350135&spn=0.155444,0.015914&source=embed" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); text-align: left;">La Brea restaurants</a> in a larger map</small></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">As for the eats along the route, I've <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=106298403535973667184.00047fa7a7208af9e0a63&z=12">chosen a <span style="font-weight: bold;">sundry of places on or near La Brea</span></a>: some ethnic finds (<a href="http://manbitesworld.com/articles/59/day-49-nicaragua">El Nido</a> for Nicaraguan, <a href="http://www.ngomarestaurant.com/">Ngoma</a> for "Pan-African",) healthy joints (<a href="http://www.stuffieat.com/">Stuff I Eat</a>, <a href="http://www.mcafedechaya.com/">M Cafe de Chaya</a>) classic favorites (<a href="http://www.susinabakery.com/">Susina Bakery</a>, <a href="http://www.campanilerestaurant.com/">Campanile</a>) and some meaning-to-trys (<a href="http://www.foodlabcatering.com/">Food Lab Cafe</a>, <a href="http://www.soulfoodkitchenla.com/">Soul Food Kitchen</a>.)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Of course, I don't intend on stopping and eating at every stop cited on this map -- but these are just some fun options to consider along the way (and almost all of them are cheap-moderate price eateries) and there probably will be a lot more cool, funky joints to check out once we hit the streets (which is the beauty of the hike, we can stop whereever and whenever) If it's anything like my last Urban Hike and Eat, I don't expect the day's food bill to run more than $35.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">So that being said, if you care to join me on this Urban Hike and Eat (the more the merrier, and the more grub we can try and share!) <a href="mailto:foodie.h.c@gmail.com">contact me</a>! But I'm planning to be at the start of the hike by 7:15 a.m.-ish; hope you can make it too!</span></span>H. C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12000908567574418877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126376457959981271.post-28731972092246653712010-03-09T07:39:00.000-08:002010-03-09T09:59:38.585-08:00Don't Ignore Flexibility!<p align="center"><object width="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/sK9GSzgww8s&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/sK9GSzgww8s&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="350"></embed></object></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">One of my favorite stretches after a cardio or lowerbody strength workout -- great for hip, butt and thigh muscle groups.</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">In the three primary areas of fitness, flexibility is often the most overlooked aspect; I see it all the time from observing and hearing about my friends' routines, they may pump some major iron or go on uber-lengthy running/cycling sessions, but when I inquire about their warm-up/cool-downs or any flexibility-related component, more often than not I get a blank stare or a quick "that's for sissies" brush off. Oh, what a big mistake.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">On the surface, stretching and flexibility exercises aren't as outwardly sexy as muscle-building strength workouts, nor does it compare to the calorie burn of a cardio session, but it definitely has its own benefits that makes it an important part of any well-rounded exercise regimen. <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stretching/HQ01447">Experts agree</a> <a href="http://www.active.com/story.cfm?CATEGORY=swimming&CHECKSSO=0&STORY_ID=12397&SIDEBAR=14">that it</a> <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/69420-massage-stretching-benefits-after/">helps with</a>:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">- muscles' range of motion</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">- injury prevention and recovery</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">- reducing post-workout soreness</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">- stress relief</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">And most importantly, <span style="font-weight: bold;">being flexible actually improves your ability with strength and cardio workouts</span>, since your body is less likely to be fatigued, better able to stay in proper form and recover faster afterwards, letting you work harder and longer without setbacks such as lactic acid buildup, muscle tightness and injuries, not to mention gently setting a positive mood in preparation for, and recovering from, a session too!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Personally, I do a combination of yoga, pilates and <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/video/3959-do-active-stretching/">active stretches</a> (the last is particularly great for Type A folks too impatient to stay in one posture for an extended period of time.) Sometimes it's a simple 5-minute warmup and cooldown around my usual workout, other times it may be a 30-60 minute routine dedicated to improving flexibility, but I try to incorporate it in at least three times a week.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I may not be a human pretzel anytime soon, but I'll at least be happily finding my calm in a <a href="http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/yogapractice/sunsalutation.asp">sun salutation</a> instead of limping around looking for ice, pain cream or pills after a race or a game.<br /><br />P.S. Of course, it should be noted that if you have already strained/pulled/injured a muscle, do check with your doctor before stretching it since that may aggravate the injury -- and when it is OK to engage that body part again, just like all other workouts, ease into it progressively and with caution rather than immediately doing the "regular" full load.<br /></span></span>H. C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12000908567574418877noreply@blogger.com1