Hello from Ben’s room in Florida. A new Ask a Monican is below 
This is a mess. A delicious mess.
I’m not a big peppermint bark fan, but I think those Dove ones are winning me over. I like that it’s thick (TWSS) 
Ask a Monican addresses:
1. I have time to do one more 20 miler OR get a full 2 weeks of taper – what should I do?
2. I was wondering if you take any supplements/vitamins/protein on a regular basis and what your overall opinion is on them? Any favorites? Do you do HIIT?
3. What exercise would you do if you couldn’t run?
Email me if you have a question or leave it below.
Thanks for posting these! I can’t stand the elliptical, either – actually, the only cardio equipment I’ll really use is the treadmill. I feel like it’s too easy to slack off on everything else, whereas the treadmill you set at your pace and just try to keep up! I daydream on the elliptical and look down to find I’m barely moving. Oops.
Re: HIIT, I’m curious to hear whether you’ve tried the Insanity workout, or P90X? I feel like those are sort of HIIT…my hubby and I are looking into getting a DVD to incorporate some sort of strength building (ie, something to supplement our running) and I’m interested in your thoughts on these two, if you have any. We live in the country and it’s close to a half hour drive to get to a gym, so I’m really looking for something I can do at home.
I’ve commented on your blog once or twice before, but I don’t think I’ve introduced myself – hi! I’m Erin, and I just started blogging a few months ago (justaddtequila.com). I’m still trying to find my way around the blogosphere and make friends, but I wanted to let you know I adore your blog and read it regularly. 🙂
I always bring a magazine or book when I work out. It’s why I can’t run for exercise. I get sooo bored. I need to be able to get lost in an article or story so I’m usually on an elliptical so I can do both at the same time. This is where HIIT really helps me because I can make sure I’m still getting in a good work out.
Interesting to see what other people do for exercise.
Ahh such a good Monican. I have the same philosophy as you. People ask me all the time how I get into such good shape…ect and I just know that I am doing what I love and therefore and do it well and go hard at it!
Loving your honesty in these last few posts.
I know you have tried a lot of diets. One I have never heard you speak of is Vegan or Raw. Do you have any experience with either? I have been a vegetarian since birth and have since become a vegan. I know we are all very different. I am just interested in your experience.
also, of allllll the diets you have tried what are your favorite aspects from each?
I was vegan for a short time in college. I didn’t do it as a diet, I did it because I’m anti factory farming.
I have never done raw, but feel it’s a little too extreme for me.
I like that when you’re vegan you have to really check what is in your food – that made me aware of ingredients. But, I decided to take it in another direction from there.
I’ll post about the pros and cons of different diets soon since this time of year I get a ton of questions!
Salad messes are the best kinds of messes [and salads hehe]- only one way to clean it up, eat it up!
I think you give the best advice. While internet sources usually are a bombardment of good and bad information, I can always trust that you’re giving us something that isn’t BS.
I’m totally with you on the elliptical thing. Every moment is like torture and it makes me feel so wimpy and girly (maybe it’s the low-impact part?) that it leaves me feeling like I hardly worked out.
Thank you so much for your input on my 20 mile run question!!! I like your mantra of better to be 10% under trained than 1% over trained. Great advice. I think I’ll follow it!!! Thank you!
Good luck 🙂
Love your videos. I never tried peppermint bark until this year either, and it was so much better than I thought!
I just discovered peppermint bark this year..unfortunately I love it. 🙂
I love these. I am also loving the color of your hair in this, is it lighter due to the sun? It seems like a silly question due to the fact that you live in sunny Cali.
Yeah, my ends are tragic – I need to cut them!
I love your philosophy – do what you love!!
Thanks so much, I always love the genuineness of Ask a Monican!
Love this episode of ask a Monican! I am not a fan of ellipticals either! But I did work out on one yesterday since I wanted to finish a book I was reading and the treadmill didn’t have a little ledge thing for me to put my Nook on, lol 🙂