2.28.2011
2.24.2011
On My Mind
I had originally planned a running focused post today; I was going to fill you in on my thoughts for Spring training, racing and my goals. But something's on my mind and I've decided that my original post will have to wait.
When did it become ok to openly critique and judge each other's bodies without first considering the feelings of the person you are discussing? I am thin; yes I'm aware. I've always been a relatively small person; it's just the way I was built. But that doesn't mean I don't have feelings, it doesn't mean that you can openly make comments about my body, and it doesn't mean that I don't have my own insecurities. Where is this coming from? Ok, let me back up.
Yesterday, an online magazine posted a story about Cameron Diaz's arms because it seems that there was nothing else more important going on in the world. Hmmm. The title of the story was "Can Arms Be Too Big?" and they posted this picture.
I'm not even going to post a link to this article because it repulsed me and doesn't deserve any additional attention. Readers' comments on the article ranged from cruel and insensitive ones about Cameron, to insecure ones about their own bodies. I read them and I just got sad. Why does it matter to us if Cameron has muscles? If she's happy and healthy with herself, what's it our business?
And then today happened. After a morning of running around the city, to meet up with a friend for a workout and then to a meeting with my accountant, I found myself purchasing gemstones in midtown for some new rings I'm designing. Because I had spent the morning running around, I didn't make time to eat enough which I know was a mistake. I assumed I would grab something on my way to the accountant, but sometimes being gluten free makes that a bit difficult and I didn't plan ahead. My bad. So while I was sorting through some gemstones, I thought out loud "Wow, I'm hungry." It was just a thought, not an invitation for commentary. But I guess the woman helping me thought otherwise because her response to me was "Well of course you're hungry. You're too skinny. Do you even eat enough? You're way too skinny. It's not even attractive." Um, ouch.
First let me say, I'm not too skinny. I don't feel the need to go into any further discussion about my weight, my body size or how much food I eat. And I'm not writing this post for validation from anyone so please don't comment with such. I'm writing this post because this isn't the first time this has happened to me, and it sucks to know that it probably won't be the last. People have been commenting on my body and my weight for as long as I can remember. Back in middle school, one of my teachers actually wrote in my yearbook " you are my inspiration to stay on my diet". Ok, not an insult but not exactly what you should write a 12 year old girl who is just learning about herself and is trying to figure out her place in the world. For many years, comments like that made me think that my body was my most valuable asset and if I didn't look a certain way, people wouldn't like me. It's amazing that I never developed a major eating disorder.
And since I'm on a roll, I'll take a minute to take the rant a bit further. Just because I am thin does NOT mean I do not work hard to stay healthy and in good shape. Thin only goes so far. It doesn't take you 26.2 miles or mean muscles and strength. I've earned those with dedication, training and some major effort. I work my ass off to feel good and strong and it bothers me when I open up to someone about my insecurities and they treat them as insignificant because I'm thin. If you're going to have a conversation with me about your struggles, I'm happy to listen and chances are that I'll chime in with my own thoughts and experiences. Don't blow them off because those challenges are real to me. They matter. And yes, I'm pretty happy with my body and am aware that I'm lucky to have it but I also have goals and things I want to work on. Just because I'm thin doesn't mean that those goals aren't important to me.
People seem to think that because I'm thin, I don't have feelings. So let it be known that when it comes to my body, I do have feelings. Maybe if I put my thoughts out here, someone will think twice the next time they are about to critique someone's body or act like the effort that person puts into staying healthy and in good shape is no big deal, just because they are thin. I'm not telling you not to compliment each other or to totally avoid the body as a conversation topic. I often tell people that they have awesome arms, incredible abs, or that they are beautiful. But I don't send young girls the message that their body is their most valuable asset and I don't say hurtful things to people. If you are concerned about someone you know, say something. But say it in a respectful way expressing concern, not criticism.
I wonder if the woman today would've have commented if I was overweight? Do you think people are more sensitive to those who are overweight because that is accepted as "undesireable"? Any other thoughts you'd like to add to my rant? Go right ahead...
P.S. Thanks for letting me get that off my chest
When did it become ok to openly critique and judge each other's bodies without first considering the feelings of the person you are discussing? I am thin; yes I'm aware. I've always been a relatively small person; it's just the way I was built. But that doesn't mean I don't have feelings, it doesn't mean that you can openly make comments about my body, and it doesn't mean that I don't have my own insecurities. Where is this coming from? Ok, let me back up.
Yesterday, an online magazine posted a story about Cameron Diaz's arms because it seems that there was nothing else more important going on in the world. Hmmm. The title of the story was "Can Arms Be Too Big?" and they posted this picture.
And then today happened. After a morning of running around the city, to meet up with a friend for a workout and then to a meeting with my accountant, I found myself purchasing gemstones in midtown for some new rings I'm designing. Because I had spent the morning running around, I didn't make time to eat enough which I know was a mistake. I assumed I would grab something on my way to the accountant, but sometimes being gluten free makes that a bit difficult and I didn't plan ahead. My bad. So while I was sorting through some gemstones, I thought out loud "Wow, I'm hungry." It was just a thought, not an invitation for commentary. But I guess the woman helping me thought otherwise because her response to me was "Well of course you're hungry. You're too skinny. Do you even eat enough? You're way too skinny. It's not even attractive." Um, ouch.
First let me say, I'm not too skinny. I don't feel the need to go into any further discussion about my weight, my body size or how much food I eat. And I'm not writing this post for validation from anyone so please don't comment with such. I'm writing this post because this isn't the first time this has happened to me, and it sucks to know that it probably won't be the last. People have been commenting on my body and my weight for as long as I can remember. Back in middle school, one of my teachers actually wrote in my yearbook " you are my inspiration to stay on my diet". Ok, not an insult but not exactly what you should write a 12 year old girl who is just learning about herself and is trying to figure out her place in the world. For many years, comments like that made me think that my body was my most valuable asset and if I didn't look a certain way, people wouldn't like me. It's amazing that I never developed a major eating disorder.
And since I'm on a roll, I'll take a minute to take the rant a bit further. Just because I am thin does NOT mean I do not work hard to stay healthy and in good shape. Thin only goes so far. It doesn't take you 26.2 miles or mean muscles and strength. I've earned those with dedication, training and some major effort. I work my ass off to feel good and strong and it bothers me when I open up to someone about my insecurities and they treat them as insignificant because I'm thin. If you're going to have a conversation with me about your struggles, I'm happy to listen and chances are that I'll chime in with my own thoughts and experiences. Don't blow them off because those challenges are real to me. They matter. And yes, I'm pretty happy with my body and am aware that I'm lucky to have it but I also have goals and things I want to work on. Just because I'm thin doesn't mean that those goals aren't important to me.
People seem to think that because I'm thin, I don't have feelings. So let it be known that when it comes to my body, I do have feelings. Maybe if I put my thoughts out here, someone will think twice the next time they are about to critique someone's body or act like the effort that person puts into staying healthy and in good shape is no big deal, just because they are thin. I'm not telling you not to compliment each other or to totally avoid the body as a conversation topic. I often tell people that they have awesome arms, incredible abs, or that they are beautiful. But I don't send young girls the message that their body is their most valuable asset and I don't say hurtful things to people. If you are concerned about someone you know, say something. But say it in a respectful way expressing concern, not criticism.
I wonder if the woman today would've have commented if I was overweight? Do you think people are more sensitive to those who are overweight because that is accepted as "undesireable"? Any other thoughts you'd like to add to my rant? Go right ahead...
P.S. Thanks for letting me get that off my chest
2.21.2011
2.20.2011
365: Week 7
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| Where's the cover that says "You are perfect! Don't change!" ??? |
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| Fashion Week NYC |
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| New York Life |
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| The making of a ring |
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| Modified Downward Dog |
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| Sweet |
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| Blue Skies |
2.18.2011
Recovery Yoga (Part 1)
Wow! I just realize I haven't blogged since Monday! Sorry folks... it's been an insane week. But now I'm back so here goes....
I'm never really sure if I want to post my yoga practice on Daily Mile. Some days, my yoga is about working out, strengthening my body and stretching my sore muscles. But on other days, it's much of a meditation practice, a way for me to work on myself in a more private way. It's personal and internal. I came to the conclusion that I'm going to take it day by day and post as I feel. And today, I feel like discussing what I like to call Recovery Yoga.
Please note that I am not a licensed yoga instructor. I am just a woman who has been practicing for many years and wants to share her experiences with you. Just last week, a Daily Mile friend contacted me for some advice about his yoga practice. He wanted to love it but was struggling with his practice and wanted some advice. I asked him about his teacher and he replied that he didn't have one, he was practicing on his own. I loved that he was taking the initiative to learn on his own but suggested that as a beginner, he should really consider some classes to learn proper alignment to not only help his practice, but to prevent injury. So on that note, please do not consider my posts a substitute for proper yoga instruction!
A few weeks ago, I was trying classes at a new studio, and was having a particularly difficult time. I used to be the girl who could bend herself into a pretzel and do splits in mid air. All of a sudden, bending to touch my toes caused sharp pains to pierce my hamstrings and glutes. My once steady legs were shaking in deep lung positions and my ankles hurt and felt weak. I took a few moments after class to introduce myself to the teacher and told her how frustrated I was and my running routine came up. The teacher suggested that my running routine was to blame for my yoga frustration; she felt that a runner couldn't be a "successful yogi", whatever the heck that means, and that I would just have to accept the fact that if I were to continue running, my yoga practice would suffer. I left the studio upset but couldn't ignore what the teacher had said. And the more I thought about it, the more I accepted the fact that running had changed my body and the way it moved, stretched, bent and felt in general. But I refused to even acknowledge that there is such a thing as "successful yoga" since I've always believed that your practice is what you make of it. Some people can lift their legs to their head while others can lift them knee high but each person's practice is their own and as long as they move in a way that benefits their body and forwards their practice, they are successful. That's one of the reasons I've always loved yoga!
So instead of giving up, I decided to change my practice and the next day, I took a restorative yoga class. It was just what my body needed. The poses were as challenging as my body needed them to be and I felt my muscles stretching and opening each time I moved deeper into a pose. The class was packed with both men and women of all ages and weights and everyone moved into the poses as best as they could. It was great! And of course, I was excited to write about it because as you might already realize from my earlier posts, I believe that anyone can do anything as long as they try. It bothers me when people find yoga intimidating because I know how much it can benefit all of us, especially us runners with tight muscles. I learned several modified poses in class that I'm excited to share with you because those of you who are new to yoga, or those who aren't but could use some restorative poses on days when your muscles are too tight to move into deeper poses, might find them useful.
Here's the first of several poses I'll be posting in the coming weeks. Hope they help you as much as they've helped me!
I'm happy to report that even though I'm back in training for my next half marathon, my yoga practice is still going strong. I just pay particular attention to certain muscles and modify poses as necessary. Using these restorative poses as recovery yoga on days after challenging runs has helped, and now I'm able to add my pre-running practice back to my schedule on other days. Yes, maybe my yoga practice is different now that I'm a runner but I can honestly say that I'm not sure I'd still be a runner if it weren't for my yoga practice.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on running and yoga. Do you run? Do you practice yoga? Do you feel like they compliment or contradict each other? And if you don't practice yoga... would you?
Happy Friday! I hope you have a beautiful weekend.
I'm never really sure if I want to post my yoga practice on Daily Mile. Some days, my yoga is about working out, strengthening my body and stretching my sore muscles. But on other days, it's much of a meditation practice, a way for me to work on myself in a more private way. It's personal and internal. I came to the conclusion that I'm going to take it day by day and post as I feel. And today, I feel like discussing what I like to call Recovery Yoga.
Please note that I am not a licensed yoga instructor. I am just a woman who has been practicing for many years and wants to share her experiences with you. Just last week, a Daily Mile friend contacted me for some advice about his yoga practice. He wanted to love it but was struggling with his practice and wanted some advice. I asked him about his teacher and he replied that he didn't have one, he was practicing on his own. I loved that he was taking the initiative to learn on his own but suggested that as a beginner, he should really consider some classes to learn proper alignment to not only help his practice, but to prevent injury. So on that note, please do not consider my posts a substitute for proper yoga instruction!
A few weeks ago, I was trying classes at a new studio, and was having a particularly difficult time. I used to be the girl who could bend herself into a pretzel and do splits in mid air. All of a sudden, bending to touch my toes caused sharp pains to pierce my hamstrings and glutes. My once steady legs were shaking in deep lung positions and my ankles hurt and felt weak. I took a few moments after class to introduce myself to the teacher and told her how frustrated I was and my running routine came up. The teacher suggested that my running routine was to blame for my yoga frustration; she felt that a runner couldn't be a "successful yogi", whatever the heck that means, and that I would just have to accept the fact that if I were to continue running, my yoga practice would suffer. I left the studio upset but couldn't ignore what the teacher had said. And the more I thought about it, the more I accepted the fact that running had changed my body and the way it moved, stretched, bent and felt in general. But I refused to even acknowledge that there is such a thing as "successful yoga" since I've always believed that your practice is what you make of it. Some people can lift their legs to their head while others can lift them knee high but each person's practice is their own and as long as they move in a way that benefits their body and forwards their practice, they are successful. That's one of the reasons I've always loved yoga!
So instead of giving up, I decided to change my practice and the next day, I took a restorative yoga class. It was just what my body needed. The poses were as challenging as my body needed them to be and I felt my muscles stretching and opening each time I moved deeper into a pose. The class was packed with both men and women of all ages and weights and everyone moved into the poses as best as they could. It was great! And of course, I was excited to write about it because as you might already realize from my earlier posts, I believe that anyone can do anything as long as they try. It bothers me when people find yoga intimidating because I know how much it can benefit all of us, especially us runners with tight muscles. I learned several modified poses in class that I'm excited to share with you because those of you who are new to yoga, or those who aren't but could use some restorative poses on days when your muscles are too tight to move into deeper poses, might find them useful.
Here's the first of several poses I'll be posting in the coming weeks. Hope they help you as much as they've helped me!
- Stand facing a study chair, feet hip width apart, shoulders relaxed and with a natural curve in your lower back
- Keeping your shoulders down & relaxed, slowly lift your arms overhead, breathing in
- Step back with your right leg
- Keeping your hips square and even, twist your body to your left (facing in the direction opposite your back leg), moving from your waist. This movement may be as small or as large as your body allows so don't push it.
- Maintaining the twist in your waist and keeping your hips square, bend from your waist and rest your right elbow on the chair.
- Bring you left hand to your hip and open your hips, aiming your left hip to the ceiling. You can stay in this position if you prefer, breathing deeply and feeling a great stretch in your left hip and IT band. You may also feel a slight stretch in your lower back.
- If you'd like to go deeper into the pose, stretch your left arm up to the sky, rotating your waist and opening your hips further. To keep your shoulders down and relaxed, roll your left shoulder slightly into your back.
- For a more advanced pose, roll your left shoulder back, open your chest and wrap your left arm around your back waist.
I'm happy to report that even though I'm back in training for my next half marathon, my yoga practice is still going strong. I just pay particular attention to certain muscles and modify poses as necessary. Using these restorative poses as recovery yoga on days after challenging runs has helped, and now I'm able to add my pre-running practice back to my schedule on other days. Yes, maybe my yoga practice is different now that I'm a runner but I can honestly say that I'm not sure I'd still be a runner if it weren't for my yoga practice.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on running and yoga. Do you run? Do you practice yoga? Do you feel like they compliment or contradict each other? And if you don't practice yoga... would you?
Happy Friday! I hope you have a beautiful weekend.
2.14.2011
2.13.2011
2.10.2011
Cookies. Yum.
So, last week was crazy but awesome. In case you missed this post, there were lots of things that made me go :), one of which was my trunk show at Exhale Spa! This was to be my first show in a store and I went a bit kookoo trying to make sure everything was perfect. There were some all-nighters and jewelry making marathons; my apartment looked like a tornado of semi precious stones hit. There were also many more takeout meals than there were home cooked meals. Once the storm was over, all I wanted to do was spend some time in my kitchen and I knew exactly what I wanted to make: Chocolate Chip Cookies!!! But of course, I hadn't food shopped in a while and was almost all out of gluten free flours. I should point out that the sudden baking inspiration hit at 10pm so running out to buy flour was not an option.
Lucky for me, I had discovered The Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook by Elana Amsterdam a few weeks ago and knew that Elana must have some cookie recipes using almond flour, which I just happened to have on hand. It took me less than five minutes to find a Double Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe on her website that looked so easy and delicious. I adjusted a few of the ingredients to reduce the oil a bit and removed the almond slivers since I didn't have any. I also added cinnamon just because I love it. And wallah! Easy, yummy and gluten free cookies in a matter of minutes. These cookies are also so easy to make vegan as long as you use vegan chocolate chips. So perfect for all you peeps on a "Vegan for a Week" challenge!
Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies
adapted from Elana's Pantry
makes 2 dozen cookies (I must make them larger than Elana)
2 1/2 cups of Blanched Almond Flour
1/2 tsp Sea Salt
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1/4 cup Grapeseed Oil
1/4 cup Unsweetened Applesauce
1/2 cup Agave
1 tbsp Vanilla Extract
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2-3/4 cup Chocolate Chips (depending on how chocolaty you want your cookies)
Preheat your oven to 350 F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Combine the almond flour, sea salt and baking soda in a large bowl and set aside. In a separate bowl, combine the oil, applesauce, agave, vanilla extract and cinnamon. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, combine well, and then mix in the chocolate chips.
Place heaping tablespoons of the batter at least an inch apart (they will spread) on your prepared cookie sheet and flatten each slightly. Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool at least 20 minutes before removing from the cookie shit.
As my grandfather, Zadi Moshe, used to say "May you have a hearty appetite!"
2.08.2011
Oscar Worthy?
About a week ago, I noticed this little message on my Daily Mile home page:
So I clicked on it, and was directed to this page:
A video? Well sure, I could do that! So I made this:
For better quality, feel free to check it out here. Always so much fun to see yourself in video isn't it? And yes, that is sarcasm you detect ;) Let the fun poking begin!!!
Now for some thoughts after the fact:
Now for some thoughts after the fact:
- A special thanks to the two runner girls behind me in the beginning of the video. Such a nice guest appearance.
- How awesome was my Bat Mitzvah dress? I think it was custom designed to match my perm.
- Yes, that is a red scrunchi in my mother's hair in my Bat Mitzvah picture!
- Weren't the early 90's glorious?
- No wonder people think I'm 16. My voice sounds like a child's!
- I can't marry Federer because Daily Mile holds the key to my heart. But also, cause he's not Jewish. But Noah Puckerman is a member of the tribe! Call me Puck ;)
- Before he gave me a hug, Busta Rhymes called me "white girl" and I couldn't stop laughing. I kid you not.
- It's very difficult to run downhill when the hill is covered in ice. Just saying.
- Do I really flare my nostrils that much when I speak? Hmmm...I need to work on that
2.07.2011
365: Week 5
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| 1/31 Taking Pics of New Jewelry |
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| 2/1 The Not So Pretty Part of Snow in NYC |
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| 2/2 Snack Time |
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| 2/3 Fabulous |
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| 2/4 Trunk Show |
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| 2/5 Even in the Rain, NYC is Beautiful |
|
| 2/6 Perfect Night to Bake Cookies |
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