The bread was a huge success (if I do say so myself). The pineapple and greek yogurt kept it really dank (not a suitable "moist" replacement?) and it wasn't overly sweet. It fell apart just a little bit, but I enjoyed eating it with a fork, which kind of made me feel like I was eating cake :) There was tons of great coconut flavor and small chunks of pineapple throughout. It was just as good and actually stayed together a little bit better the day after (and the day after that).
The inspiration I found in Hawaii not only took the form of food, but also workouts. For the past few years, I've really focused on running and running only. Sure, I did the occasional set of steps or bike ride, but didn't have a whole lot of variety. When Brendan and I were in Hawaii, we stayed really active, but despite being there for 9 days, only ran once. We experienced all that the islands had to offer and explored by hiking, snorkeling, biking, and kayaking.
Snorkeling at Napili Beach, Maui |
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Found a rogue coconut on my morning run |
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Hiking the Nu'alolo Trail, Kauai |
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Kayaking the Hanalei River in North Shore, Kauai |
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Hiked to Upper Waikani Falls, Road to Hana, Maui |
When I got home, I knew that I needed a change. Running was becoming mentally exhausting for me - the anticipation, eating at the right time, drinking enough (but not too much) water throughout the day, etc. So after some thought, I joined a gym. In the past, the apartments that I have lived in have always had some sort of gym facility. Some had free weights, some didn't; some had weight machines, some didn't. But I always had something that I could turn to if I wasn't up for a run. But here I didn't have that.
I've only been a member of my gym for a week and a half, but I can already say that I love it. I am excited to go, feel refreshed when I get back, and have been in a better overall mood. I love the variety - this gym is known for their immense class selection and top-of-the-line instructors.
A friend asked me yesterday, "So are you done running?" Of course not. For one thing, I have been doing some treadmill running, focusing on hill work. I also see this as an opportunity to renew my enthusiasm for working out and strengthening body parts that running does not. I think in the end it will make me a much stronger person (and runner). And since I'm not signed up for a race right now, there is no need to push my body with 18 mile runs that just wear me out, physically and mentally.
And above all that, my favorite part of the gym? The refrigerators of cold eucalyptus towels. After a hot, intense workout, there is NOTHING better than pressing your face into the cold, wet towel and breathe in the menthol-like scent. It opens everything up and is more refreshing than you could imagine.
So I think I'll keep this gym around for a while ;) Now, if I could be a member of this gym IN Hawaii....
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