Trimarni Coaching and Nutrition

After 3 days of unpacking, cleaning and catching up on emails, I re-packed and got on a plane to head up to Pittsburgh, PA to spend some time with my brother, checking out the Pitt area. Already, I love it here and suprisingly, I could see myself living here. Who would have thought??? Today is a very exciting day for my family (who is here with me) because we get to celebrate the graduation of my exceptionally smart and talented brother. On Thurs evening my brother had plans for us to go to the Pirates baseball game but we ended up having a delicious dinner near the stadium due to a rained-out game. My veggie wrap with sweet potato fries was delicious! It has been great to catch up with my brother who I have yet to visit in Pitt since moving here in 2007. My brother will be running the Pittsburgh half marathon on Sunday (likely in a post-celebration state of my mind) and should do quite well. As a Big Ten High Bar Champion - turned recreational runner, my brother is hoping to break his...

I couldn't WAIT to share this great article with you, my blog readers. Over the course of 2000+ miles of driving, I had the opportunity to brush up on my many nutrition magazines and journals. I threw in a few triathlon and running magazines but neglected to bring my RD exam study materials. I suppose I needed a break from the serious learning just for a bit. But now it's time to hit the books as I am currently interviewing for clinical dietitian jobs and hoping to take the RD exam before July. In the May 2011 issue of Nutrition Action the cover story was titled "Under the Influence - how external cues make us overeat". I found this article very interesting, specifically as it pertains to athletes. I find that athletes tend to "excuse" unhealthy eating after hard or intense workouts. While an athlete has every right to consume a different quantity of food than his/her sedentary counterpart, I believe that we should all choose similar food choices, but in di...

On our last evening in North Carolina, I created a yummy pasta dinner for Karel and his teammate, as well as for myself and my good friend Christi. All for $32 at Harris Teeter (including a case of Yuengling for Karel). One of the great things of having a kitchen when traveling is being able to prepare your own meals. Knowing that a meal for two at a restaurant would cost a lot more than what I spent for dinner for four (including LOTS of leftovers), I find it comforting knowing exactly what I am putting in my body and when it will be served. No waiting for food, no concerns of how the meal was prepared and no waiting for the final check. Since Karel and myself travel a lot for races, I have become very familiar with eating on the road as well as making sure we are both well-fueled before races. If you are like me and like a little control when it comes to fueling your body before a race, I suggest finding hotels such as Extended Stay which come with a full kitchen (except an oven). If...

Home at last!! I have several pics and updates from the past 9 days and 2000+ miles of traveling which I will be posting in the next day or two. Just catching up on emails, coaching/nutrition work and getting back to a normal schedule. But I have to say, what a fantastic time to spend with my wonderful husband and cute-cuddly, furry BFF. I also received news today that my information is currently within the hands of the CDR (commission on dietetic registration) and I should be receiving my application handbook within 7 business days. YAHOO!!! I can't believe that last week I was stressing over my final exam and now I am eligible for the RD exam!! Before we left on Fri morning, I made a fabulous dinner of leftovers in my kitchen. Knowing that we would be away for over a week, I wanted to make use of all food in my place. I really didn't have a concept when starting dinner on Thurs evening but one thing lead to another and a fabulous Marni-creation was created. With a bag of fres...

Where has the time gone? I can't believe 1 week ago we were making our way to Athens GA and now we only have 2 more days left in our trip. I am really enjoying my time traveling to new places, seeing new sights, eating local eats and swimming in various pools but my hubby (who is doing all the work) is super tired and sore. Last night was race #5 and it was a tough one. Karel has finished every race of Speed Week this year and I couldn't be more proud. Karel has a race at 4pm today near downtown Charlotte NC. It is a super tough course with a sharp 90-degree corner on the bottom of a hill, with an immediate gradual climb to begin the next loop. These races are not easy and with over 175 riders in each race, the pace is blistering fast. Karel has a lot of determination to finish these races but with Athens starting the gradual decline in energy and increase in soreness, he is really fighting to finish each race he starts. We are enjoying ourself at our friends' house in NC. ...

There was a time in my life (many years ago) that I felt the need to be well-prepared when it came to my food while traveling. Although I still like to be prepared so I can somewhat maintain heart-healthy habits while on the road, I don't believe that I need to be obsessed and controlled when it comes to attempting to maintain my typical diet when traveling. While at one time I would bring measuring cups, individaully portioned snacks and my own stash of Marni-foods, that time in my life is over (thank goodness) and I have a very healthy relationship with food when it comes to eating outside my home. I believe that we should eat well on an every day basis so that when we travel (or celebrate an occasional event, etc.) we can enjoy different foods and a different routine. I do believe that a person can eat healthy while on the road but it takes a little creativity and open mind to be "ok" with not eating like you would normally eat. By feeling confident with the foods that...

Well, we are getting ready to hit the road again. Off to Beaufort South Carolina tonight, then Walterboro SC tomorrow, Fri is Spartenberg SC, Sat is Charlotte NC and Sun is Sandy Springs GA. If you live in any of those cities (or near), send me an email...I'd love to meet some of my blog readers! Plus, you can watch some exciting races as well! I thought this topic was very appropriate, now that triathlon season is in full-swing. I hope you enjoy my latest article found in the FREE Iron Girl newsletter. Enjoy! Weight Maintenance Throughout Racing Season By Marni Sumbal When an athlete attempts to lose weight, nutrient empty foods are often the first to go. But when weight loss begins to plateau, athletes may reach towards drastic measures, such as extreme exercise, weight loss pills or unrealistic calorie restriction. Regardless, if you feel frustrated, depressed or lacking self-confidence, there is no reason why you should seek radical measures to lose and/or maintain weight. W...