Welcome to Finals Week

This past week was the last week of classes at Hopkins. You would think that teachers would slow things down during this time since it's the end and they want to end on a positive note, and really how much more could they have to teach us?...that is a very wrong assumption to make. I had two exams this week and I consider myself luck since many people I know had a plethora of exams, tests, quizzes, and papers all due this past week. And if that isn't enough, we now have a weekend + 2 reading period days to prepare for finals...Yayyyy. Luckily/ unfortunately my exams are all at the end of the finals period so I have this week to prepare for my finals that start Friday. As usual, the MSE library will be my home for the next 8 days...Good thing I always have friends to keep me company in the lib!

Let's change things up and start with workouts from this past week:
GYM TIME...
Monday (12/3)- 45 minute run outside (it was eerily warm and beautiful outside) a nice long stretch afterwards. Side note- I have been stretching after running almost every day recently and I can't stress enough how much it has helped my legs recover faster. I focus on stretching out my hips, calves, and quads with various stretches and I can definitely tell a difference the next day when I start to run. My stride feels longer and less labored, and my legs don't feel as stiff as they have in years past. Moral of the story-don't underestimate stretching! It can make a WORLD of difference! 
Tuesday (12/4)- 30 minute run on the treadmill focusing on uphill sprint intervals, 15 minute stationary bike, 5 minute abs, stretching
Wednesday (12/5)- 45 minute morning run on the treadmill, 75 girl pushups, stretching
Thursday (12/6)- rest day!
Friday (12/7)- 6.25 mile run (slower pace) on the treadmill, 5 minute abs, 3 sets of 1 minute forearm planks w/ 30 second rest in between, stretching
Saturday (12/8)- 45 minute morning treadmill run, arm work with resistance bands, stretching
Sunday (12/9)- 30 minute treadmill run, 5 minute uphill alternating lunges on the treadmill, 10 minute stationary bike, 5 minute abs, 50 girl pushups

There you have it! That's the most I've spoken of working out in a while, but hopefully it gives you some ideas of ways to change up your own workout routine!

FOOD TIME...

Oatmeal on oatmeal 

A delicious lunch! Carrot ginger soup plus kale and chickpea salad...all vegan too!

Watching friends make a gingerbread house!

Look at that icing-mixing technique 

Oh so much candy...my sweet tooth was thoroughly intrigued

Is that bacon? Why yes it is. I had the unique chance to go to a "bacon" party that a friend of mine threw this weekend. Although I did not partake in the bacon nomming (vegetarian problems), it looked like everyone was really enjoying it!

More oatmeal for a quick breakfast before a Phi Mu seminar on Saturday! Along with a special treat-Skinny pumpkin spice latté..yessss.

Dinner tonight- tomato soup, edamame, and a slice apple (half of which was eaten before this picture was taken) 

Other pics to recap the week: 

Sirens Christmas performance! We sang Carol of the Bells! 

I don't think there's a recording of us singing it but click here to listen to another great and famous acappella group's version of the song-Straight No Chaser!

A little shopping!

An interview! 

Friend time :) 

One last thing before I go to read about schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders (Abnormal Psychology exam on Friday). Here is a link to a treadmill workout I hope to do this week. I found it on FitSugar.com which, if you haven't explored it already, is a great resource to find workouts and healthy eating tips. Check it out!!