Tag Archives: challenge

What I Ate at Chipotle for Lunch

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I was out with my wife Angela and step-daughter Raeann last Saturday and we decided on Chipotle for lunch.  Chipotle is a favorite of mine because I can choose a burrito bowl which is sans tortilla and feel like I have made a great nutrition decision.  Or have I?

When we entered the restaraunt, Raeann noticed a brown card with nutritional information on it.  I scanned down the list of ingredients and started adding up calories in my head.  Wow.  For someone my size with my height, weight and activity level, my calorie intake per meal should be around 550 calories with a couple of snacks during the day of about 200 calories.  I know 550 sounds like a lot but when you start adding up the contents of a burrito bowl, it is small by comparison.  Some interesting items that I found are:

  • The chicken, beef and carnitas all have the same number of calories for the same portion size (190 calories per 4oz.).  How can that be?
  • The 120 calories for brown-rice doesn’t sound bad until you realize it is only 3 ounces.  I’m just guessing but I would say they are probably putting about 5 times that in the buttito bowl.
  • Guacamole is a good fat to choose but again, it is 150 calories for 3.5 oz.  The big spoonful they give you when you request guacamole is way more than 3.5 oz.

While I applaud Chipotle for supplying this information, the problem is that there is no serving size.  The oz. they have chosen are just random numbers and not actual serving sizes. 

So as I stood in line, I had to do some fast thinking and calculating.  First, I decided to forego any kind of meat (even though I love meat) because I was still wondering how chicken and beef can have the same number of calories.  I decided instead on the vegetarian bowl because I figured I would still get my protein from the black beans and cheese.  So, I had my brown rice, my black beans and the fajita veggies (onions and peppers) along with green-chili salsa (less calories and fortunately is my favorite anyway), lettuce, cheese and guacamole. 

My vegetarian burrito bowl with unsweet tea

Now since they put a ton of rice in the bowl and it was on the bottom, I creatively ate everything off the top and just grazed the rice.  That way, I left probably more than half of the rice in the bottom of the bowl and didn’t eat it.  I also moved about half of the guacamole to one side.  I found that even with the rice and guac that I didn’t eat, I was very satisfied by the end of the meal.  It was an eye opening experience and really shows how vigilant you must be to make sure you don’t sabotage yourself!

Inspriration Behind “Roll Them Bones”

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It’s always a challenge to come up with something interesting in a routine where you basically want boot campers to run and do exercise.  Run and exercise are the basic components and then there should be an infinite number of combinations to put together to make it interesting.  However, it can be hard to think outside the box when you have been doing this for a long time.

The instructors of Kick In The Fit spent some time coming up with new routines last year and the first one I came up with was “Roll Them Bones”.  Since I work at Agnes Scott, sometimes I will just stop as I am walking around campus and look at a particular area and see if something comes to me.  For this workout, I kept coming back to the Science Quad.  The area around the Science Quad is so perfect for working out; it’s hard not to think of it when coming up with something new. 

My plan was to incorporate a lot of different exercises so it would be a full body workout and I wanted to use different components such as PVC pipe, different forms of cardio to move around the quad and utilization of the middle of the quad.  I thought all of these items would help to keep the workout fresh even when doing multiple laps through the 1st and 2nd rounds. 

I also wanted to add a fun element to the workout and it took me a while to think of it. Then it came to me:  Dice!  I was downstairs in my basement looking through some of the things we have on our shelves and I came across several board games.  When my eyes settled on Yahtzee, the dice idea struck me.  I opened up the box and there were enough dice to make 4 pair.  

I spent the next couple of days putting together the routines for each round, thinking through the exercise, the cardio used between stations and what to do regarding the middle of the quad.  It seemed natural to do something with doubles so I came up with six different side adventures to use when doubles were rolled.  This enabled me to incorporate the PVC pipe and the middle of the field.  

I think the idea that as boot campers come to each station that they have no idea what will happen next keeps the workout challenging, exciting and fun!

What I Eat

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Though I am usually a creature of habit at lunch and regularly stick with a sandwich and big salad, today was jerk pork loin day!

Jerk Pork Loin, Stuffed Pepper and Green Beans!

I headed to the dining hall with every intention of getting my usual but then the aroma of the pork loin hit me!  The woman who usually makes my sandwich on Tuesday was shocked to see me in another line!  She feigned having a heart attack and asked me what I was doing.  I told her it was jerk pork loin and she replied that she could make me a pork loin sandwich!  We laughed and I went through the line. 

 
The great thing about pork loin day is they also usually have stuffed peppers as a vegetarian alternative.  I am far from being a vegetarian but I really like their stuffed peppers.  They contain black beans, rice and tomato sauce and are really delicious!  Next, I went for the green beans.  I like the way they are cooked as they have just the right consistency.  I don’t like green beans that dangle off my fork!
 
Finally I was at the pork.  I asked for two slices which I figured was about 4 ounces and an acceptable quantity for me.  The jerk spice is really flavorful and the pork is nice and tender so you can cut it with a fork. 
 
This meal had it all…protein from the pork and black beans, carbs from the rice and also from the black beans and a healthy portion of veggies from the pepper, green beans and tomato!  The only thing that would have made it better would have been if the rice was brown but as it was a small amount, it did the trick! 

What I Am Eating

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From time to time, we will take a picture of what we are eating and explain the good, the why and sometimes the bad.  In honor of today’s workout, I would like to share my lunch, which of course contains a sandwich along with a side salad.

My lunch!

We have lots to choose from in Evans Dining Hall but I am a creature of habit and usually go for a sandwich and salad; not always but most of the time. 

As I enter the dining hall, I first ignore the scent of warm brownies or cookie bars baking and refuse to even let my head look to the left at the dessert station.  After all, I worked out hard this morning and need to fuel my recovery! 

Next I take a look at the table that holds the samples of what you can choose at each station.  Usually I head to the deli but every once in a while I make my way to the hot bar. 

Today it was the deli for a turkey sandwich.  I start with either whole wheat or mixed grain bread for the higher fiber content and get a swipe of yellow mustard.  Mustard is a much healthier option than mayo as it is low in saturated fat, contains no cholesterol and is high in fiber.  For the insides of the sandwich, I go for turkey with a slice of swiss or cheddar (depending on my mood) and some tomato slices.  Like this mornings “Sandwich” workout which was a great combination of cardio and exercise, my sandwich is a great combination of carbs and protein.  The carbs help fuel the body during the day and the protein helps rebuild sore muscles! 

Finally I do my circuit of the salad bar.  I go for a combination of spinach and assorted greens or romaine for a base.  I always like to add some spinach for the Popeye factor!  Popeye knew it was a superfood way back when and you never know when you are going to come across Bluto! 

On top of my base I add any of the following:  shredded carrot, cucumber, tomato, onion, broccoli, olives, etc.  The more colorful your salad, the better it is!  Sometimes I will put a small amount of blue cheese or boiled egg on the top.  Finally, I bypass the heavy, creamy dressings and go for the vinaigrette dressings that are much lower in fat and cholesterol.  Todays selection was a delicious redwine vinaigrette.  A little goes a long way as two tablespoons does the trick!

At this point I did catch the chocolate frosted brownies out of the corner of my eye but at the same moment, one of our awesome Agnes Scott students came up to me and said “You know, I really want pizza…but I’m not going to.  It’s not worth it!”  As I left the dining hall, I told her she was my inspiration not to eat a brownie. 

You just never know where that boot camp support is going to come from! 

 

 

 

 

 

Plank Challenge!!!

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How long can you plank? It’s time for another boot camp challenge!  During the month of April we will have a Plank Challenge.  There will be lots of opportunity throughout the month to practice your plank during boot camp, and  why not plank during your favorite TV show, or on your lunch break?  You can plank anywhere!  On Monday, April 9 we will have our first plank-off.  Then, we will do it again at the end of the month.   There will be prizes.  You will have killer abs and a super strong core.  Your friends will be amazed!

Show us where you like to plank!  Send pictures to info@kickinthefit.com showing us where you like to plank and we will post our favorites!

Who’s ready?

Plank: It's not just for boot camp anymore!

Rumor has it Janice has a personal record plank time of 7:20 and a goal of 10 minutes.  Who will take her down???

HIGH 5!

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To EVERYONE who kicked Arse yesterday! I am hearing that a lot of you LOVED the tuff workout because it really gave you a since of accomplishment!  AWESOME!  We LOVE feedback, good or bad, so always feel free to SHARE with us please.

So here is your “off day” challenge:  STRETCH those arms today AND remind yourself of that sense you felt yesterday by sharing a HIGH 5 with someone today, and make sure you give a smile with it.

Remember, you should be inspired by your own actions!

 

Solidarity

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This morning brought the beginning of April boot camp.  We had a great mix of new campers and solid vets to get “Kick in the Fit” started off with a bang this month! 

During the orientation period, Paige talked about expectations and specifically what boot campers could expect from the instructors.  Paige talked about pushing boot campers past their comfort zone and that in the group setting where everyone supports each other, there is a greater possibility of achieving it.  This morning ended up being a great example of that. 

We broke into two groups this morning with group one taking the PT test and group two doing the “Grinder” workout since they had completed the PT test Friday.  I was with the PT group and we started our first test which is the 2 lap run around the track.  Gary had asked me to stop at the lantern at the three-quarter mark to motivate boot campers as they completed their laps.  I looked forward to motivating the runners as they came around the final turn for each lap.    

As we began the run, I edged up near the front so I could get to my “cheering” spot before the other runners.  As we came around the opposite side of the track, we started hearing cheers from the “Grinders”.  As we came nearer to their workout area, they were going nuts cheering us on!  It was awesome!  Talk about having a little ”get up and go” added to our step!

By the time I reached my spot, and thanks to group two, I was fired up and ready to motivate!  Everyone had a great pace going and I had a great time cheering everyone on as they came around their last turn!  I think the spark we all got from group two really gave us a push!

As we began our final test, the “Grinders” ran over and joined us so we could all do the plank together.  This really energized the group again and we had some good plank times!

Solidarity is one of the factors that makes boot camp great.  Working out in a group setting, everyone pulling for everyone else, really allows the individual to push past their limits.  Push yourselves and each other and you will reach those goals! 

 

The Europeans

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In honor of today’s workout, a little history on where it came from.

Michelle and Lisa were two of our most popular boot campers last fall.  We affectionately referred to them “The Europeans” since they were studying at Agnes Scott as exchange students and they were both from Europe.

All of our student boot campers really push it during boot camp and we have had some great and memorable Scotties join us each semester but Michelle and Lisa took it to another level. 

From day one, they were usually the first boot campers to show up and often arrived earlier than the instructors.  They were both very disciplined in filling out their log books and following the program; almost to the point of being competitive.  The both always pushed it during the workouts and shared a great attitude.  You would often hear then cheering on and motivating the other campers.  When they traveled to Miami for a week during fall break, they did their own boot camp workouts each morning! 

Neither Michelle nor Lisa had ever run a race before starting boot camp but you wouldn’t have known it during our long runs.  When Michael Babcock came to do a run clinic and talked about the Serenbe 5K-15K Trail Run that takes place each November, the Europeans immediately set this race as a goal.  And not the 5K…the 15K! 

They both started running outside of boot camp and would run with instructors on the weekends to increase their miles.  On race day, my wife and I drove Michelle and Lisa to Serenbe and they were very excited and enthusiastic about tackling this challenge. Paige Stanley,Susan Ray and I also ran the race and I think we would all agree that their energy was infectious. 

The Europeans ran a fantastic race as Michelle placed 2nd in her age group and Lisa was not far behind.  The best part was seeing how thrilled they were after the race.  It was very gratifying to the instructors to see the Europeans embrace our program and meet such a challenging goal in the process. 

Lisa and Michelle at Serenbe

Later, when boot camp was almost over for the year, Michelle and Lisa led the charge for the students to come up with their own workouts and extend boot camp another week.  They were going to be leaving soon and wanted to continue working out until the very last day.  The workout they came up with was dubbed “The European Invasion” and it was a doozy!  The instructors immediately added it our repertoire and will always think fondly of Michelle and Lisa when we perform this workout.

Born to Run

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We did our first long run of boot camp yesterday and you guys rocked it! I suspect many of you surprised yourselves. What was no surprise, however, was our warm up phrase, born to run, because that’s exactly what we, as humans, are built to do. Unlike most other mammals, humans have a physiological design perfectly suited for running long distances at pace, Did you know it’s possible for a person to beat a horse in a race? Or for indigenous hunters to actually run down an antelope until it collapses from exhaustion?

There’s a wonderful book, “Born To Run; A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen”, by Christopher McDougall that lays out a compelling case as to why and how we are all runners by nature. It has got to be the best book on running ever written, with all the gonzo characters, mind-blowing races and humorous writing style. It started the barefoot running craze that sucked me in as well as thousands of others and definitely ranks as one of the most entertaining and inspiring books I’ve ever read. If someone can run 135 miles through Death Valley in 120 degree heat at the Badwater Ultra-marathon, then there’s really no reason I shouldn’t be able to run a few miles here in Decatur, is there?!?! I highly recommend you give it a look and see if you can find some inspiration of your own.

Keep on running!!!

July Challenge • Perfect attendance!

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This month we decided to initiate a new challenge half way through the month. Starting on Tuesday, July 19th, we will begin
THE KITF PERFECT ATTENDANCE CHALLENGE.
All you have to is show up! No extra workouts, we just want you to come out and enjoy every single day of bootcamp left in July. If you achieve perfect attendance, we will have a special reward/prize on the last day of bootcamp.

Thanks to Gary for leading us in a hot, humid, but fun fartlek!

Hope everyone has a good weekend-remember we are off on monday, so see you tuesday the 19th for some bootcamp fun.