Ranny Kang: Only 1200 Calories, 6 Hours of Excercise and Deliv...

Ranny Kang: Only 1200 Calories, 6 Hours of Excercise and Deliv...: "Good news, ladies. 1200 calories, 2 hours of exercise 3 times a day and delivered meals was what it took for Jessica Alba to get back into s..."

Time For A Change

"It's because you're not having sex," said my Sister as I was venting to her about how I'm in the worst shape of my life. "You don't have to worry about what you look like when you're not having sex." I guess she has a point. Whereas most people get comfortable and let themselves go, I've been in the best shape of my life when I'm in a relationship. Maybe it is the sex thing. Maybe, I feel like I have to compete with other women. Maybe being in a relationship gives me a structure and a routine that allows me to workout and eat right regularly. And now that I'm single than I had ever been (in my case, this means there isn't even a prospect or desire to be in a relationship), I've let myself get comfortable. I've let myself go.



My Mom saw this picture and said, "Who's that?" Ouch.

 Don't get me wrong. I'm not in horrible shape. If you look at me, you wouldn't think that I was 10 lbs heavier than I was a year ago. My hips are a little curvier but my legs and calves are still tight. My stomach is flat...when I wake up in the morning. And my arms are quite lean. You're probably wondering, "Then what's the problem." Well, I haven't ran my regular three miles since June. I haven't been to the yoga studio in awhile. There's a rock at my gym that I haven't even touched. I'd rather go on the elliptical to watch TV than to take a cardio class or circuit train. And I just don't feel strong and active as I usually do.

Not only do I feel blah physically but my entire body (organs included) is in need of some major TLC. I've picked up some bad habits this year (like drinking beer) and my body isn't liking it. You can see it on my face. I feel like an adolescent teenager going through puberty. I shouldn't have to wear more make-up to cover up breakouts. As a woman, I want to feel confident on the outside as I do on the inside. And more make-up does not make me feel confident.

I've tried creams, cleansers and whatever else to conclude that I must change from the inside out. And I'm beginning with undergoing a full body cleanse and detox (starting Sunday, after my older Sister's birthday). The goal is to reset my entire body. Then to create a health and fitness structure that works for the older me (mayeb I'll try that 17 weeks things). And what is my motivation? Well, that's a secret.

A Party Waiting to Happen

Salads are interesting. You can do so much to a salad. Just by adding something or taking something away, you can transform it to something completely different. There's a particular type of salad that makes my mouth water. It's what I know as a "Spring Salad" but everyone gives it their own name. You can call it whateva you wanna call it. I call it a party waiting to happen. It's a salad of mixed green leaves, blue cheese, fruits, walnuts and raspberry vinaigrette. With all of the different colors, flavors and textures, it's truly a party in your mouth. You know me, I don't like to party alone so here is my recipe for fun:

Organic Baby Spring Mix (Private Selection or what ever is on sale)
Blue Cheese (Private Selection or whatever is on sale)
Organic Raspberry Lime Vinaigrette Dressing (I've tried a few and my favorite so far is by Litehouse.)
Fruits (Depends on the season. I usually use whatever I have around the Tai-Li Market. You really can use whatever you want. I've tried apples, blueberries, strawberries, kiwi and tangerines in different variations but it all worked.)
Avocado Optional (My Mom wants to throw up when she sees avocado, but I put avocado in everything. It's up to you.)
Walnuts Optional (Preferably candied walnuts. I don't really use this because nuts can get pricey, but it gives your salad a different texture and it's really good.)
Salt and Pepper Optional (Usually, I put salt in everything but I don't use it in my salads.)
Chicken Optional (Some people like chicken in their salads. I don't. But if you do, you can get those precooked sliced chicken strips in the sandwich section at the grocery store. Perfect for salads.)
or Salmon Optional (But I do like salmon in my salads. However, I'll only have salmon when I want to make a special salad dinner for myself. Season it with olive oil, lemon and some Johnny's and bake it.)

Now that you've got everything diced, sliced and peeled (except the salmon) put it all into a bowl and toss. After you toss it put the salad into a big bowl or plate. Put your baked salmon somewhere on top. Remember: if it doesn't taste good but looks good it'll taste better. There you have it... a party waiting to happen. Enjoy!!

Dear Yoga, Running & Ranny Blog, I suck.

Dear Yoga, Running & Ranny blog--Oh, how I've missed thee. It seems as though I've neglected you once I completed my last half-marathon in June. To be honest, I haven't ran regularly since. I've probably ran a total of 10 miles since. And since I'm being honest, I haven't been as active and working out as hard as I've always been. My first excuse is to blame it on the weather and then on my demanding work schedule, but the reality is...is that I've been sluffin'!

Most people get comfortable when they're in a relationship but for me it appears to be the opposite. I've let myself go more than I ever have. And yes, my eating habits could be better... but as a singleite what am I to at dinner with friends and on dates? You don't want me to eat alone at home, do you? Currently, my motivation for going to the gym has been to watch CNN and Dancing with the Stars. I'm back on the elliptical after four years. I know I know, it's not the best workout, but it makes me sweat?

My ass is no longer a Forever 21 small. It's beginning to have a life of its own. Blog, I'm scared! My friends try to convince me that it's a good thing, but Blog, I don't want junk in my trunk. And when they told me that my metabolism slows down at 25, they weren't kidding. I find myself complaining about the size of my ass. I don't want to be that girl. Please, don't let me be that girl. I understand that I will never be a size 3 again, but I don't want to let myself go any further. I want to be obsessed with working out and being active again. Maybe, you can send a cute guy to the gym? Maybe, that'll motivate me? Okay fine, I'll do it your way... I'll quit complaining, stop making excuses and just do it.

Ugggghhhhhhh,
Ranny

P.S. I have a confession to make. I drink beer now. :(  I actually like it. BUUUUUT, I'm cutting down. If not, cutting it out.

Running for My Mom

Tomorrow, I will be running my second half-marathon, the Rock 'n' Roll Seattle. I will be running 13.1 miles. Intersections, roads and highways and will close down so that over 15,000 people can run - run for fun... freely.

This morning I asked my Mom, "Did you ever have to run during the Khmer Rouge?" You know what she said to me, "How?" When my Mom was in Cambodia during the Khmer Rough - the genocide that wiped out millions of civilians, professionals and intellectuals - she couldn't run. If she ran and got caught, it would be the end of her life. If she didn't, it would be the end of her family's life. Running was never an option for her.

Tomorrow, I am going to run - not just for Humanity for Children, a time or for myself - I am going to run for my Mom.

Doing THE Most after the Rock 'n' Roll Seattle

On June 26th, I'll be running 13.1 miles in Seattle. Over in Africa a family is walking over 26.2 miles (the length of a full marathon) to take their sick child to the nearest medical clinic. At the end of my race, I'll be celebrating with family and friends, while the same family in Africa is either relieved that their child made it in time or mourning the loss of a limb - or the death of their child. For me, 13.1 miles is a sport whereas for a kid in Africa, 13.1 miles is a matter of life and death. This year I will be running the Seattle Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon for the kids who didn't have a say in their circumstances and the families who will walk for days and miles for their child.

Join us as we celebrate and raise money for kids. We will be Doing THE Most!

Inspired

It's so inspiring to see people living, especially friends that you've known for a long time. This Satuday a dear friend of mine will be running his first half-marathon at the Rock 'n' Roll Seattle. I got reconnected with him and his girlfriend (whom I adore) at the beginning of the year. Since then, they both have been running. He said to me with a light glowing around him, "This is the most I have ever done in my life." THIS is why I love sharing my stories with people. They get inspired and then comes back to inspire me! Everything really does come full circle. I'm so happy!

Good luck to all running the Rock 'n' Roll Seattle this weekend!