Have you seen me running around this month? Truly, running around. Yep, I'm back in training for a half marathon and doing my long runs on the weekend around and about the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. I hear some horns honking every now and again and I wonder if it's someone who actually knows me or just wonders why I'm out so early and what I'm doing on the side of the road.

Me with Coach Deb

I've realized over the years that what so called experts say about exercise is really true. If I get out and move a bit every day I feel so much better. My brain is clearer, creativity is peaked and all systems inside are running so much more smoothly. I'm not always pushing myself towards a big goal like a half marathon, but for now, it's my goal for October and I'm going to be there in Healdsburg with my running friends for my fourth half marathon.

Jeff Galloway and me

I had the privilege this month, along with my running coach and friend Deb, to meet one of my long time idols, Jeff Galloway. He's an Olympian and long time running coach with a career which spans some 30+ years. I was thrilled to spend an evening with Jeff and his wife Barbara. They are coaching everyday folks like you and me to reach for those personal athletic goals that may seem just out of your reach. His Galloway method of run/walk/run is a great way to get started with some easy fun exercise. I highly recommend it and I've done all of my half marathons with his method. Next year I hope to do my first full marathon and this race in October is my next big step. So when you see me out on the road, honk and I'll wave even if I don't know who the heck it is.

If your interest is piqued for some run/walk/run exercise mileage in your future Jeff has a super website devoted to his training method and links to groups in your area. Our group in Santa Rosa, CA is well under way training for our 1/2 marathon but we'll be starting another group soon and would love to share with you.

Things are getting exciting for classes this month. My Japanese group is coming in Aug 28th so the Whole Foods culinary center will be buzzing with new energy as we all get together for a 4 day raw pastry arts class. I'll take lots of pictures while they're here and share them next month.

The Health Fair at Whole Foods Aug 7th is open to everyone. There will be healthy demos throughout the store as well as many members of the community who are health, wellness and fitness experts! Stop by and say Hi, I'll be there from 11am – 2pm.

Please visit our website for the latest Potluck information.

It's Green Smoothie month around our house and August 15th, 2010 is actually International Green Smoothie Day !! No kidding, if you don't' believe me, google it, it's really out there.

So in honor of our friends everywhere who make green smoothies a part of everyday here's what we had this morning

Add to an high-speed blender (Blendtec or Vitamix) and Blend until smooth. Pour in your to-go mug and your off and heading out the door. Enjoy !!

We'll be celebrating Green Smoothies as often as we can so watch our Green Smoothie page on the Rawsome Creations website where we'll be adding some new recipes soon.

I consider myself a recreational runner but my colleague, Chef Diane Vorbeck is a raw athlete. Not only is she an amazing raw foodie and chef but she and her husband Michael are sponsored professional athletes. This month I'm including a recipe Diane gave me a few years ago. It's a super re-hydration drink filled with electrolytes, anti-oxidants and energy. Electro Lemon-Aide is great during those long work-outs or runs or afterwards to re-fuel your system.

In addition, here's an Energy Cubes recipe I've used for years to carbo-load after workouts and for afternoon snacks when I need a little pick-me-up. It's easy, fast and no equipment needed, just a mixing bowl and a pan to put it in. Enjoy !!

I scream for Ice Cream and I always have !! If you've not tried the new non-dairy ones out there you should give it a try. They are wonderful, creamy and loads of flavors to choose from. Next time it's a hot day and you're standing in front of the freezer section wondering which ones to try, reach in and grab the Coconut Bliss or Alkemie you won't be disappointed.

Another exceptional film has come across my screen this month and I wanted to share.

HOME is non-profit film available free to everyone via YouTube and worth your time to view. The visuals are stunning, the dialog simple and memorable, and the story one that can be told again and again. We, as humans, are indeed upsetting the delicate balance on Earth, we all know this, what I like about this film is the reminder that our food habits are one of the leading contributors to this dilemma.

The main way we, as humans, interact with our planet is through agriculture and we indeed can do something to change that. As individuals, our evolution to a more plant based diet is one way each of us can make major changes that affect the whole. You, individually, can make a major difference each time you visit the market, or sit to share a meal with yourself, your loved ones or your community.

The film is not all doom and gloom but does share a realistic picture of choices we have made throughout human evolution here on Earth. We did not make these decisions, nor did these changes come about overnight, but it is imperative that we as individuals begin to make some personal changes for the health of ourselves and for generations to come. And those changes begin with your food choices.

As James Colquhoun, the producer of Food Matters (another Movie that Matters) mentions - "This is not your average doom and gloom film, it is an objective look into where we are at on planet earth and offers subtle hints as to what we can do about improving our health and the health of the planet."

HOME is available free to you, pass it along to your friends and family and the ripple will continue around the globe. I did and I hope you'll watch.

Dr. Will Tuttle will be speaking at the Café Gratitude Healdsburg this next Monday night, August 9th. He is the author of the World Peace Diet and some of you helped him reach #1 on Amazon.com earlier this year with your purchase of this wonderful book. My friend, Shea, has posted a short five minute interview with Will if you'd like to listen. Doctor Will is an amazing man, committed to his message and we hope we'll see some of you there Monday night to share the evening.

Thanks again for reading, and remember to get outside and move a little. Get going with some exercise, increase your metabolism and get those endorphins moving through your whole body. You'll sleep better and think clearer when you begin your day tomorrow. Make it a priority and you'll feel the difference, I guarantee it. And if you want to join me some morning, I'll make room for you on my side of the street as we run through the valley. It's a lovely way to start the day.

Remember: Eat your veggies !!

-- Brenda