Sunday was such an incredible day! I went on one of those epic bike rides that reminds you why you pay an unfathomable amount of rent to live in San Francisco.  It's worth every penny and let me show you why.  Be prepared to fall in love with my city and try not to be too jealous!

The Marin Headlands Loop-This is one of my favorite rides because in just a matter of miles you are surrounded by mountains, trees and crisp, clean ocean air.  After riding through the Presido (which in itself is breathtaking) you are on the Golden Gate Bridge! You would never know it but there is a slight incline that is just enough to get those legs warm and the heart pumping.  To your left is the Pacific in all it's glory and you get a panoramic view like no other.  You can also see the Marin Headlands jutting into the bay which is our next destination. From this perspective it's a bit intimidating but nothing a mildly conditioned cyclist can't handle.

As soon as you make it across the Golden Gate the climb is there waiting for you. No time to hesitate now, shift gears and get ready! It's a steady climb until you hit the summit called Hawk Hill.  There are 3 spots where the grade declines enough to catch your breath and gain some speed.  All said and done this is about a 20 minute climb(depending on how fast you are of course).  I took the "slow and steady" approach today because my legs were burning! Once you reach the top you have to stop because the view is incredible and a highlight of the ride.

I had a nice tourist take my pic:)

What goes up must come down! So down the backside of the headlands I go, flying around the S turns (always a bit faster than I'd like).  I almost crashed on this stretch in October and it still freaks me out! You get up to 30+ so good brakes are a must. But who doesn't love to go fast, that's what road cycling is all about! Once you get to the bottom of the decent there are so many options but I decided to head to Rodeo Beach.  It's an avid surf spot and it has a great little bench to take in the scenery.

I have no idea how to surf but I want to try!

After daydreaming about surfing it's time to pedal on.  This part of the ride is relatively flat and fast and about 1 mile away is one of my favorite parts of the ride-ok you're right I can't pick! But really this makes me squeal like I'm 10 again, HORSES! The Presidio Horse Stables just melt my heart and I love stopping to give them some love. (Note to self-bring carrots next time).
Once I pry myself away from these adorable guys it's time to head to Sausalito(yes, this is real life).  It's such a charming little town.  Early in the day the tourist are still sparse enough that it's manageable and the views(did I mention the views) are so serene.  I had a little espresso and pinched myself- I can't believe this is my life! Time to make my way towards home.
No trip over the bridge would be complete without stopping by Cavallo Point. It's an Army Base turned resort that boasts a restaurant and covered porches-so charming.  This is also where my best friend is getting married later this year so I like to check in!

Back over the bridge I went feeling happier than I have in a long time.  I'm not sure what it is about cycling but it's so freeing, relaxing and rejuvenating.  I'm sure you all have that activity that you resonate with and makes you feel whole again. I just can't help but feel so grateful for the lifestyle I have.  I am going to try and do a better job of riding my little Felt bike more often to stay more connected with what brings me so much joy.

Dating is an interesting adventure especially when you're a fIT girl.  I figured with Valentine's Day  tomorrow this was the perfect time to provide some coaching for the men out there! To put it simply, guys like to say and do the most asinine things when really they need to just put a sock in it.  So, let me enlighten you men on what to NOT say or do when you go out with a Devious fIT girl.

1. Ask me how many times I worked out today-
Really? You know I workout and I'm not sure if you are trying to make small talk or are feeling insecure about how you sat on your ass but just don't make this comment.  Maybe I worked out twice, or maybe not at all but don't mock me.  Just enjoy the results of my hard work(if you even get to first base that is).

2. "Are you eating a carb!?"
Look, I know you are trying to be funny but calling me out when I have one piece of bread does not make me laugh.  Us fIT girls are well aware of everything we eat, so if we choose to reward ourselves with you take it as a compliment.  Putting me on blast about it makes me want to throw the bread AT your face.

3. Ask me to flex my "guns"
UGH! This embarrasses me so much.  We are on a date so I'm guessing you like my arms and fIT bod but please don't make me flex and/or feel up my bicep.  Nothing makes me feel less feminine! I am still a GIRL dumb ass, not a bro.  Make me feel like the sexy woman I am-

4. Encourage me to lift or curl random objects for a "quick workout"
Just so you know, I'm not constantly trying to get a pump on.  Do not tease me about wanting to curl the grocery bag on the way home to get in a "quick set".  NO! You carry the bag, you're the GUY, act like one! So annoying-

5. I think you can lift more than me!
Again, I am fIT but I'm still a girl and I don't lift to become a man! Obviously you are trying to pay me some sort of compliment but it just makes me feel like a beastly she-man.  I personally don't care if you lift or not but it's a turn off not a compliment when you say this.

So there you have it guys-sorry if it was a little harsh but it needed to be said! Take notes and study up so that maybe you can land yourself a Devious fIT Girl.  Admire, compliment and encourage the hot fIT chicks in your life and check your insecurities at the door.  I don't expect you to have the same passion or drive for fitness(or 8% body fat). I'm on a date with you so clearly I like you and your passion for something else is attractive!  Bottom line is be yourself.  You don't have to be a ripped gym junkie for me to be in to you.  Conversely, there is more to me than just working out...much more! So change the subject and get to know about my mind and soul-that's the ticket to a fIT girls heart.

I made these on Superbowl Sunday and they were delicious! Jaime Eason always has great recipes that are healthy and full of flavor.  I substituted 99% Ground Turkey but I'm sure buffalo is great. I also added WAY more hot sauce because I love everything spicy!

Jamie’s Buffalo Sloppy Joe's (yield: 6)
2 lbs. extra lean buffalo
 ½ small white onion, finely chopped
½ small green pepper, finely chopped
1 8 oz. can no salt added tomato sauce with basil, garlic & oregano
2 Tbsp low sugar ketchup
1 Tbsp white vinegar
1 ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp no calorie sweetener
¼ tsp hot sauce
¼ - ½ tsp salt & pepper to taste
6 Ezekiel English muffins

In a large skillet crumble buffalo and add chopped onions and peppers, cooking on medium heat for about 7-8 minutes. Add tomato sauce, ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire, sweetener and hot sauce. Stir together and simmer on low for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Toast the Ezekiel muffins and spoon equal amounts onto each one. Serve immediately. Yields: 6

 Follow Jaime on Facebook for all her latest updates! https://www.facebook.com/OfficialJamieEason

Is it already the second week of February!? This month is flying by and my race on the 22nd is quickly approaching, eek! It's been rainy all week so I'm slacking on running and honestly nervous about it.  On the plus side my cross training is in full swing. Here's how last week shaped up-

Sunday
Superbowl! Although the Niners were out of the running it would be un-American of me not to watch the game.  It ended up being a complete cheat day.  I knew I would eat some treats I normally don't but things took a turn when I tasted my friends Spinach and Cheese dip, YUM! I cooked Jaime Eason's Sloppy Joe's and everyone loved them (I used 99% Ground Turkey instead of Buffalo).

Monday
I loved this WOD! It was a full body workout that tested strength and endurance.  I tweaked my shoulder last week so I taped it with Rock Tape which worked great. I'm still not able to do kipping pull ups so I used a green band to help me out. I can't wait until I don't need the band!
20 Minutes-As many rounds as possible(AMRAP).
10-Box Jumps
5-Push Press
10-Pull Ups

Tuesday
I got my butt out of bed at 4:30 and made it to the 6am CrossFit class.  I set a PR on the Power Snatch and then got my ass kicked by the Metcon(Metobolic Conditioning. Think less weight driven and more cardio).

10 Rounds-30 Seconds on, 30 Seconds Rest
Alternating between Burpees and Toes to Bar


My hands ripped after Monday's pull up marathon so the toes to bar hurt(suck it up, I know).  I switched to knees to elbows after the first round.  I opted for K2E for more reps instead of sticking to the prescribed workout.  I think I need to switch up my strategy with this because my performance isn't rated as high if I don't do the "prescribed or Rx" workout. I do not like seeing my name at the bottom of the list!

Wednesday
I switched up my strategy a bit and decided to stack a majority of my carbs pre and post workout. I normally try to spread them out evenly through the day but why not try something new, you never know. I worked out in the afternoon and ate 25 grams of Oats 1 hour before my workout and another 25 grams right after(along with my protein shake).  I don't think this method was very effective. I felt weak and even a bit light headed during the WOD.  Won't be doing that again!

I love TJ's Rolled Oats!

Thursday
High Carb Day! I actually used to love it more than I do lately.  I keep my fat super low on high carb days and it's tough.  But the trade off is that I got to eat the Chili I made last week and damn it's good.  I portioned out servings and froze them for an easy meal anytime.  This was the perfect dinner for such a cold and rainy night.

The WOD was a killer. We are gearing up for the CrossFit Games so we did an old workout from 2012.  7 minutes of burpees-as many as possible...I managed to do 90- not too shabby.

Friday
Another early morning to end the week strong- gotta love that 6am class.  Squats were on the docket which is one of my favs. The MetCon today ROCKED! I felt full of energy after carbing up and my hamstrings got some love.  I still haven't gotten the double-unders down but I also haven't practiced, so what do I expect! Adding that to my To Do list:)
12 Minutes-AMRAP
3 Power Cleans-6 Deadlifts-30 Double Unders

Saturday
REST! Rest days are very important to give your body a chance to recover and grow.  I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel a bit guilt taking a day off which is completely ridiculous but true.  I try to lower my calories on rest days by about 100-200.

My perfect rest day would be laying out at the beach like this! (Is it time for a vacation yet?)

Want to know what all the crazy CrossFit workout definitions are? Click Here
Want to know more about the benefits of rest days? Click Here

I hope you all have a wonderful week full of great workouts and healthy eats!

My mind was just blown by this Chocolate Cake recipe.  Not only is it guilt free but it taste AMAZING! I don't get to enjoy sweets much these days and it sucks(I'm keeping it real). But I have to say this recipe satisfied my sweet tooth and barely made a dent in my macros, WIN. I will be eating this cake with 0% guilt...this is proof that you can have your cake and eat it too.

100% of the credit goes to Cassie from Back to Her Roots blog.  This Midwestern gal is my new hero!
130 Calorie Chocolate Peanut Butter Microwave Cake


Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons powdered peanut butter(I used Chocolate Peanut Butter PB2)
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (I substituted Oat Flour and only used 1/2 Tbs)
• 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar (I substituted Stevia)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 tablespoons liquid egg whites
• 1 tablespoon water

January was a great month...running, biking, yoga, a race, crossfit, cooking and lots of football! Surprisingly, it went by slow and I love that. So, here is a photo recap of January(or should I say Juan-uary-I love the Bachelor). This is also fun because I added some of my favorite photos from my personal Instagram account as well. Hopefully this will show you that my life isn't always about working out, I like to have fun outside the gym too! I got the idea for this post from my friend and fellow blogger Theresa. Be sure to check out her photo recap on From Foothills to Fog.















I took steps towards some big goals for 2014 this month.  The thing I'm most excited about is that I'm studying to become a Certified Personal Trainer! In 9 short weeks I will be official and ready to really kick your ass! Cheers to February...what wonderful things will this month bring!?
XO,
Kristin