Ever found yourself in a lucid state, thoughts thoughtless, unable to walk straight, speech slurred, feeling as if you’re drifting away and flying on a high?

 

Well I did after my last run on Saturday. I severely neglected the impact of Massachusetts frost. I ran myself into a small case of hypothermia after a 14 mile run. But I made a couple mistakes that I’m about to tell you right now to help you not make the same mistakes as me. Let me tell you what I did first though.

I wore a pair of running tights with a pair of wicking shorts on over them. I also wore 2 layers of cold gear compression long-sleeve shirts. I accessorized with a pair of gloves, compression skull cap, Robert Belley Fitness winter hat, iPod sleeve and one 16.9 ounce bottle of Poland Springs water.

For a 14.2 mile run along 45 mph routes 27, 106 and 36 through Pembroke, Kingston, Plympton and Halifax, back into Pembroke.

So here’s what happened…

 

After the first 6.4 miles in 18-22 degree temperature I went into a Cumberland Farms on the corner of route 27 and route 106 in Kingston because I was starving from my body working harder in the cold and the last meal I had was about 5 hours prior. Well this store was about 70-75 degrees and walking around soaked from sweat in cold temps I now felt like heaven as I grabbed a Power Bar and Gatorade recovery drink.

Leaving the store I was freezing when I stepped outside, but, I still had nearly 8 miles left to run. It took me about 10 minutes if not more just to feel slightly warmer again during my run. Unfortunately I had already begun creating the damage.

By the time I reached my cool-down I could barely function properly and realized what I accomplished accidently. My body was shutting down and I was struggling making my way back home, walking through people’s yard to pick up fresh snow and eat it for hydration.

 

Now that’s a party!

Maybe not Charlie Sheen, duffle bag of cocaine, porn star, vodka ATV party but a party none the less.

So let’s bullet point my demise:

• Drank too much on Friday night leading to dehydrated state on Saturday
• Ate breakfast of apple sausages (fat and protein are inefficient fuels and require more water than carbs to digest properly)
• Only had one meal, no snacks for 5 hours before run
• Wore only running tights and wicking shorts.
• Forgot lip balm
• Did not moisturize face before run while exposed to elements for 2 full hours
• Walked into a really warm room long enough for heart rate to return to normal
• Only brought 17 ounces of water with me. Body works harder in colder temps thus needing more water to stay hydrated.

 

The entire above was extremely careless and foolish of me. It took about 2-3 hours for me to warm up to normal temp afterwards and my fingers tingled for up to 2 hours after my arrival. First thing I was strip off my wet clothes and jumped into 3 layers of warm clothes and sat under a fleece blanket while drinking a huge recovery shake.

So what did I do right? Bullets please…

• Brought $5 cash with me just in case I needed to buy extra water, GU packets or something to eat
• Brought one of my cell phones with me just in case I needed to call for help because of an injury or accident while running over ice
• Told my roommate the exact route I was running, how long it should take and to come get me if I were more than 30 minutes late
• Listened to kick-ass music to increase motivation and energy while running
• Wore my big boy pants and didn’t give up or give in when things got tough

 

And what should I have done extra to ensure I didn’t hypothermia?

• All of the above 4 bullet points
• Had an snack 30 minutes or more prior to my run of fruit or healthy quick acting carbohydrate
• Hydrated relentlessly the entire morning after a night of drinking, or not drank alcohol at all the night prior
• Put lip balm on, moisturizer for exposed skin and brought lip balm with me
• Had 2-3 times more water during my 2 hour run
• Brought GU packets or other carb-spiking energy chew/shot for every 45 minutes of running
• Wore an extra layer of track pants or similar over my running tights and shorts

 

All of that would have prevented my reaction to cold.

So there’s your New England Winter running survival kit during colder temps.

Live the lucid dream,

Belley

Train Hard? Think You Can Train Harder?

www.MyInsanityWorkout.com

Marshfield, Massachusetts
Robert Belley Fitness

Do you suffer from seated sweating, addictive binge eating, muffin top, barbwire/tribal arm tattoos, inconsistent sexual performances, hooked up big truck/fast furious sports car overcompensation, popped collar syndrome, jersey shore admiration, strange perspiration from Zac Effron movies or an inclination towards diet pills and energy drinks and catch-phrasing your existence with “Oh Yeah!” or “Like my shirt?” or even better yet, “What are you doing?”

(Too-Tight T-Shirt)
“Nothing. What are you doing?”

(ManGina) “Nothing. Like my tips?”

(Too-Tight T-Shirt)
“They’re banging. Like my pecs?”

(ManGina)
“They’re rocking. Like my scent? Axe…”

(Too-Tight T-Shirt)
“Straight Up Playa.”

If so this may not be the post for you.

This 2011 I’ve put in a good means of decency in 2010, and a few sweet whispers into the jolly good guy for a swift and sincere hope to an end of Jersey Shore and associated styling’s for 2012.

It’s an ambitious goal but you have to aim big in Boston.

After all, Boston metropolis is a fantastic area to easily solve the contagious New Year resolution adequacy of all sorts.

First, you could turn off your television and walk the almond and vanilla pastry scented streets of the North End… both fitness and meal preparation. Kobayashi would do it for about 57 Klondike’s.

Second, you could ditch those sunglasses at night for some inspiring red visor ski goggles to whisk to the summit of Blue Hills or Wachusett Mountain and enjoy some fresh air while learning to snowboard, ski or just good old’ fashion igloo making.

Third, imagine covering your situation-al abs (although a recent cover issue seemed flabby) with a firm layer of “gotta have it” at your local New England Cold Stone Creamery.  Okay that’s not so much a goal as it is a muse to inspire curled up grown man crying on the couch while falling short another sports season since 2008 and 2004; with all due respect. This transcends the fallen to number four…

Fourth, since the Bruins haven’t won a championship since before my conception (1971 was a bit before me) why not practice trying out for the team skating at Boston Common or your backyard pond or lake in and around metro Boston. Who knows you may make it. Stay positive. Replace the hair paste with skates. Be a go-getter this 2011.

Fifth, take in the scenic summer splash of Cape Cod beaches. There’s dozens of them and quite honestly, I believe if you find a corn ear or turkey buried in the sand you can populate the entire region legally. So use the fun of sun to showcase your best beach body yet and claim some land for yourself.

Sixth, just saying sixth is awkward. So practice your ability to distinguish face painted females with drunken-perspirant of the lower Mid-Atlantic from New England gals with this handy app:
DrunkFit© Is she too fit to drunk? Or are you too drunk to fit? (A Robert Belley Fitness, LLC™2011 app)

You can explore the many sides of your 2011 fitness female hunting quest. With a ‘capture shot’ you can enter the profile into the matrix and discover whether or not you’ve found a real Jersey Gem… wink, wink.

So there you have it, six fun resolutions to kick off your reality series New Year.

Now, if you want to see some very good reality programming…

Catch HEAVY on A&E. Real world struggle and no one’s showing off in front of the camera.

Also, I suggest if you’re interested in working out but afraid to go to a gym begin with your On Demand menu on your television set. There are plenty of excellent exercise routines on there to help you begin making strides towards a better fitter you.

Till then, keep the girls normal and cool and the guys out of mirrors and singing idiotic songs about their ridiculous sense of style,

Live the dream my friends,

Rob

Check out www.RBfit.com for the latest in studio resolution opportunities
Robert Belley Fitness | Marshfield, Massachusetts

Oscar-winner Mo’Nique (Precious) joined Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences president Tom Sherak in announcing this year’s Oscar nominees. The 83rd ceremony is set for February 27th in Los Angeles, co-hosted by James Franco and Anne Hathaway.

I will place my prediction for who will win in bold.  My sole judgment is based on which Movie poster I liked the best.  Here they are and if you want to see them larger, just click on the poster.  I am no web genius so I couldn’t figure out how to do it like they do on E! so work with me here.  Feel free to comment at the end and share your thoughts and make your picks.

BEST PICTURE
127 Hours
Black Swan
The Fighter
Inception
The Kids Are All Right
The King’s Speech
The Social Network
Toy Story 3
True Grit
Winter’s Bone

BEST ACTOR
Javier Bardem (Biutiful)
Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network)
Colin Firth (The King’s Speech)
James Franco (127 Hours)
Jeff Bridges (True Grit)

BEST ACTRESS
Annette Bening (The Kids Are All Right)
Nicole Kidman (Rabbit Hole)
Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone)
Natalie Portman (Black Swan)
Michelle Williams (Blue Valentine)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Christian Bale (The Fighter)
Jeremy Renner (The Town)
Mark Ruffalo (The Kids Are All Right)
Geoffrey Rush (The King’s Speech)
John Hawkes (Winter’s Bone)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Amy Adams (The Fighter)
Helena Bonham Carter (The King’s Speech)
Melissa Leo (The Fighter)
Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit)
Jacki Weaver (Animal Kingdom)

BEST DIRECTOR
Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan)
Joel and Ethan Coen (True Grit)
Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech)
David Fincher (The Social Network)
David O. Russell (The Fighter)

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
How to Train Your Dragon
The Illusionist
Toy Story 3

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Another Year
The Fighter
Inception
The Kids Are All Right
The King’s Speech

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
127 Hours
The Social Network
Toy Story 3
True Grit
Winter’s Bone

BEST SONG
“Coming Home” (Country Strong) – Gwyneth Paltrow
“I See the Light” (Tangled) – Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi
“If I Rise” (127 Hours) – A R Rahman and Dido
“We Belong Together” (Toy Story 3) – Randy Newman

Fajitas and ‘Ritas

Hidden on West Street by the Boston Common, “Fajitas and ‘Ritas” has long been a favorite of the college crowd.  However it’s not just for those matriculating in Boston.  With their cheap prices, fun atmosphere and variety of Mexican food it’s a winner for anyone looking to get something to eat before hitting the bars on a weekend night.

The tables have rolls of paper towels already on them for the mess you will inevitably make.  So I don’t recommend this as a date restaurant, at least not a first date restaurant.  You also receive a basket of fresh chips and salsa from the moment you sit down, which is never a bad thing.  Once perusing the menu you don’t have to worry about shouting your order to the wait staff because you just check off what you want on the additional paper menu they give you.   This place is loud, colorful, fun and delicious.

Food
While there are many choices on the menu, it would be a mistake to at least not try the fajitas.  You can order them steak, chicken, vegetable, shrimp, scallop or a combination of any of those options.  They come fast and hot, served with guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream and flour tortillas.  From there you pick how many people it’s for.  So if you and another person are ordering the same thing, make sure you sit next to each other because both orders will come out on one sizzling skillet.

Aside from sharing the dishes, you should also look into sharing pitchers of margaritas with your co-dinners.  I’ve been to “Fajitas and ‘Ritas” a few times, and I’ve never had anything to drink except the margaritas because they are fantastic.  My suggestion is to get one mango and one raspberry (my favorites) and half a glass of half of each.   You can also order original, strawberry, or one of their nightly special flavors.  About $5.00 for a glass and $13.00 for a pitcher it’s a (tasty) steal.

If you are like my friends and I, you sometimes want to make small adjustments to the dishes but feel bad asking to do so.  The way you order nachos at “Fajitas and ‘Ritas” eliminates that problem.  You start with a platter of chips and cheese, and then just build from there, adding whatever you want for set prices.  We went with chili, refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, tomatoes, salsa and jalapenos.  But you can also add extra cheese, cucumbers, steak, black olives, or a variety of other toppings.

Complaints

One of the reasons we came here was because a friend of mine has a gluten allergy.  Typically she does well with Mexican restaurants because of the corn tortillas, chips and rice.  However, they unfortunately didn’t have corn tortillas, only flour.  This lead to much fewer options for her to chose from.  Eventually she decided on the Tequila Wings, which weren’t terrible but weren’t great.  They were relatively bland and dry. Not bad enough to send back, but not good enough to order again.  So if you are also Gluten-free, this probably isn’t the best place for you.

For a large restaurant, the wait time always seems like it’s much longer than it should be.  This is partially because they don’t take reservations for small groups of people (yet another reason to go with a big group).  If there is only a few of you going I suggest not being too hungry because it’s going to take a frustratingly long time.

If there was a decent bar space to sit at and have a drink while waiting, it wouldn’t be such an issue.  Unfortunately the bar area is miniscule, and typically packed with plenty of other people waiting just like yourself.  The bar tenders are pretty good about getting you a drink right away, but there isn’t much room to sit.  So if you want to order an appetizer you’re pretty much out of luck.

Rating

3 out of 4 forks

I am a big fan of “Fajitas and ‘Ritas” for their food, atmosphere, and especially their prices.  I’ve been a few times and I’ll definitely be back.  What their menu lacks in depth they make up for in quality.  Definitely check it out if you have a group of friends that don’t mind waiting, sharing, or drinking margaritas.

As I put together a list of what I needed from the store recently, I realized there were ingredients on hand that I could use and my thoughts changed! I was pulling out dry herbs, spices, grains, beans and item’s I had not considered. So as always I looked back at what was on sale and adjusted my list to just a few simple ingredients. (Saved money for my next 3 meals as well!) So take some time and look at what you have on hand then do your shopping…here is one recipe I made

Turkey Chili                                                                                 8 Servings

          Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1/2 cup each diced small : onion, celery and carrot
• 1 lb. ground lean Turkey
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon ground chipotle chili or cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 3 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1 (15 ounce) can dark/light red kidney beans, rinsed
• 1 (15 ounce) can small white beans, such as cannellini, rinsed
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed
• 3 cups vegetable stock
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

 

        Procedure   

1. Heat oil in a large 2 gallon pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, celery, & carrot and cook, stirring, until beginning to soften, 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring often, until very soft and just beginning to brown, 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Add the ground turkey and cook for 4 mins, breaking up any chunks into small pieces
4. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin and chipotle (or cayenne) to taste and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
5. Stir in canned and fresh tomatoes, kidney, white and black beans, vegetable stock and pepper.
6. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil, stirring often. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chili has reduced slightly, 10 to 15 minutes.

Served with chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tsp of jalapeño pepper and ½ cup diced soft tofu as a garnish