That's it..

I've had it up to here.  (Ok, this might be a rant more than a blog post but follow me..)

Call me impatient, call me antsy...call me whatever but I can no longer live without a treadmill in my home.  Every time I try to get out for a run, something happens that keeps me in the house.  There have been so many times over the past couple weeks where I could have gotten a run (even a small one) in if I had a treadmill in the house. 

I've been holding off because I know that a good treadmill can be pretty costly and I don't really want to spend that kind of money right now.  I have been scouring Craigslist for a good used one but have not had any luck and I'm sick of waiting.

I need options and knowing that I can run whenever I want...like now if I wanted to is something I need.

I don't feel like myself much right now. It's all about the kids, which is fine, but I need something of my own to grasp on to and running is that thing for me.

We talk a lot about priorities but I've never felt so strongly about something.  Yes, I'll stay up late rocking a newborn...I'll wrangle a smelly toddler into the bathtub...I'll cook a good dinner but at some point, something has to give.  I need something for "me" during the day and I don't think 30 minutes on a treadmill is asking too much but it's just not possible right now.

So I'm going to change that.  I'm going to bite the bullet and invest in ME!  And I think, I might be wrong, but I think by doing so, I'm gonna be a better version of myself.  The version I'm happy with.  The version I know I can be and more importantly, the version I WANT to be.

Wow,..not sure where that all came from.  But you can see, I'm passionate about a treadmill.  :)  Any fine sponsors out there want to send me one?!

What?  Crickets?....  That's what I thought...

Ok, I'll do it myself.


Happy Monday!

Jawbone Up Review

I've been meaning to show this to you for a little while but just haven't. 

A while ago I bought the Jawbone Up. That's right, I bought it.  I love tech stuff.  I guess with a degree in computers, I'm drawn to everything tech geeky but when you add that it's fitness related too?!  Well then I'm really interested. 

When I got pregnant, I knew I wanted to be focused to get back to pre-baby weight fast.  I was interested to see if there were any "devices" that could help me stay focused.  I knew I wanted to wear it like a bracelet and not a pedometer or a blood pressure cuff so my research lead to:

• The Nike Fuel Band ($150)
• The FitBit Flex (which wasn't released till just recently)  ($100)
• Jawbone Up ($130)

To be perfectly honest, my first choice was the FitBit Flex but I really didn't want to wait for it to be released.  I wanted something right away. 

So then I looked at the Nike Fuel Band and did some research only to find people saying that it wasn't reliable and at the top of the price point, I wanted to see it get good reviews before I bought it.

That left the Jawbone Up.  I had seen some reviews and all were relatively positive.  I looked on eBay to see if I could get one a little cheaper but they weren't really cheaper on there.  I would've paid the same as I would for a new one, so that's what I did.  I bought it new.

The Jawbone Up has a few features that really got my attention.  I liked that it could capture your sleep habits, steps, and calories. I thought it was cool that it would let you set an alarm so that you could take a "powernap" and have it wake you up with a vibration.  The app that accompanies the Up looked easy enough to navigate on the iPhone.  All of this led me to purchase the Up.

The band itself, has to be ordered to size (S, M, or L).  I got a medium and determined the size I needed by using the tool on their website to measure my wrist.  So far, I'd say I got the right size. 


I started using it right away.  Once it's charged, you don't have to charge it again for 7 or 8 days. 

Here's a run down of the Pros:

• After reading the directions, it was easy to setup the app and get going.  I was really excited to see it recording night time activities. 
• The app has an intuitive user interface and automatically syncs when you plug the wrist band in.
• The app seems pretty consistent in capturing steps and can be recalibrated if you think it needs it.
• The night time feature is just plain awesome.  It's so interesting to see how I sleep.
• The bracelet itself fits well, and isn't too bulky
• The "team" function let's you connect with others you know using the Up to support and cheer each other on.

Here's the cons:

• The bracelet can't color coordinate like the Flex can and it's not closure.  It wraps and the closures have to stay on the inside of your wrist.
• There is no web interface. It's not a ton of fun recording food and workouts on your keypad but it does integrate with apps like MyFitnessPal but I haven't played with that yet.

Overall it's a pretty awesome little device.  It's fun to see your life by the numbers.  I'm not sure exactly how long I'll wear it.  It's definitely great if you're trying to lose weight but I do wonder how helpful it will really be once I've hit my pre-baby weight.  I'm not sure if I'll have as much interest in seeing it this way. I've not been one to track my food very closely so I guess we'll just see.

Just a reminder, I wasn't given this.  I bought it.  This is my review in case you're looking.  If I missed anything and you have a question, let me know.

Do you like tracking things this way?

Mommy and Me: One Month Update

I can't believe it but Allie is one month old!  I know we all say it but time flies.  In just a couple short weeks, I'll go back to work and I'll miss my days at home with my kids.  I wanted to give you a more detailed update of how BOTH kids are doing but first let's talk about Mommy..  :)

Induction Day!

During pregnancy, I gained about 44 lbs and was extremely uncomfortable by the end of my pregnancy.  I couldn't fit into anything really.  I wasn't working out except for chasing E around.
Now, at one month out, life is MUCH different. 

MOMMY UPDATE

Motherhood: Being a mom of two is crazy and fun.  I've started to use the Moms on Call schedule (sort of).  Night times are just challenging with two baths, dinner and all the other things.  It's a little more challenging to follow when you're breastfeeding and chasing a toddler because Allie doesn't get the same amount of food every feeding which makes her hungry earlier sometimes.  My other apprehension is that the schedule is not going to be conducive to a working family schedule.  The schedule asks for you to have the kids eating dinner at 5:00 but I'm usually, if I'm lucky, just walking out the door at work so I'm going to have to figure that out but at least during the day, it works pretty well. 



Weight Loss: I have 9 lbs to lose to get back to pre-baby weight and that has happened just from chasing E around, eating sensibly, breastfeeding, drinking LOTS of water and sleeping when I can.

Allie's had some belly troubles so I've taken milk, caffeine, leafy greens and broccoli out of my diet to try to help her out.  The thing I've noticed is that by cutting out the milk (I'm doing a calcium supplement), I've cut down on snacking, especially at night.  That's when I primarily had a bowl of cereal or a couple cookies and milk.  I really haven't eaten anything after dinner in a long time.  I'm too tired to go down stairs after I get the kids to sleep and studying done.   

Workouts: My workouts are still pretty minimal but that's because I haven't been too far from Allie yet but when she's asleep and I don't have a ton of other things to do, I have managed to get in some Nike Training Club 15 min workouts which has allowed me to get some of my strength back and feel a little bit better. 

Running: Got my first run in today and it was great. Slow but great.  I took E in the BOB and I quickly realized who out of shape I am.  I'm not discouraged just ready to fix it!   

I think I finally have found a double BOB on craigslist which I'm super excited about having.  Hopefully I'll get some use out of it but that would mean E sat still long enough for me to run.  Either way, as soon as I have it in my possession, I'll show you! 

Racing: I don't have anything on the books till September and October but that's by design.  With school (graduating in August), 2 kids and work, I just decided to play it safe and not force it.  I want running to continue to be my outlet and I was afraid if I put an aggressive goal out there, I'd look at it more as a chore and less as a treat.  September is early enough for me. 

Baby Update:

Allie is doing pretty well.  She's 8 1/2 pounds, and is more alert everyday.  She's turning her head to follow voices.  She sleeps really well during the day but struggles to get to sleep at night.  We've started her on probiotics which seem to help some.  She's lifting her head up pretty well.  She loves her baths, once you cover her up with a burp cloth.

She's eating well.  She's a good breastfeeder and is almost always willing to eat.  She's full of all sorts of little noises which takes some getting use to. 

She has her one month checkup on Monday.  And don't worry, I know I still owe you a post about the nursery being done!

E Update:

E is warming up to Allie.  He's held her 3 times now and is constantly giving her gentle kisses.  He walks up and pets her and says "Awe baby Awwee" then walks away. It's adorable.

He has been challenging us more lately and refusing to listen. He hates to get his diaper changed but isn't showing any signs of wanting to potty train.

He is sleeping well at night.  He's usually in bed by 8:30 and sleeps till about 6:30.  His favorite thing to do is tell stories instead of read books.  He asks for the "Hockey Story" or the "Beach story" or the "Baseball story" or the "bicycle story".  Most of the time we have to tell ALL of them but it does encourage him (and me) to use his imagination. 

He has an obsession with his PJ's.  Whenever he's in the house, he insists on wearing them.  He has a drawer full and pulls a set out every time he can. 

He is a difficult to get food in.  He never sits still.  He loves broccoli and rice and pretty much anything you can dip in bar-b-que sauce.

He loves his tricycle and insists on a ride up the "big hill" once a day.

I would say all in all we're getting by pretty well.  I've learned that there are some things I need to work on to be a better mom. 
1. Patience
2. Patience
3. Patience

I have learned that having two IS tougher but it delivers twice as much enjoyment and love.  I'm learning how to roll with the punches, pick my battles and enjoy these crazy kids. 

Everyday gets a little better and I'm grateful to have such a beautiful healthy family!


What advice do you have?

Koss Headphones and Dara Torres

When FitFluential offered to send me the latest headphones from Koss Corporation, I jumped at the chance.  Not just because I love trying new things.  And not just because I am obsessed with listening to music while I workout.  But did I mention Dara Torres?  If you had asked me to name my female crushes, she would be on it.

 

I was given a pair of the earbuds as well as the fitclips.  Here's my breakdown of each:

Earbuds:

Pros:

• Koss gives you three different earbuds to fit your ears.  The great thing is that they really are tailored to woman's ear.  They are smaller than other "sizable" earbuds you could get at this price point.
• That's the next thing.  They retail for $30, which is pretty good considering your getting sweat-proof, cute, highly functional earbuds.

Cons:

• Not really a con but you do have to practice getting the earbuds in at just the right angle so that they stay put.

Of the two, these were definitely my favorite.

FitClips:

Pros:

• If you are one to like the clips, you'll like these.  They, again, are designed smaller to hug a woman's ear.
• The price point is still $30 which makes these a pretty accessible.
• They would be great for the gym or listening to MBA lectures around the house when you're trying to carry an infant and chase a toddler.  ;)

Cons:

• If you're running outside and have sunglasses, and maybe a headband, it can be difficult to get these to lay in the right position.  I tried a couple different ways and couldn't get them to feel comfortable.

Overall, if your price point is in the $30 range, I would definitely recommend checking them out.  You can definitely tell Koss and Dara (because we go by first names now) put a lot of effort into making a good product. 

Go check them out for yourself!  Go Shopping!

How do you listen to your music?  Do you use earbuds or clips?

Featured Blogger is Back...Kim A Healthy Nest

Blog: A Healthy Nest  |  Twitter: @Healthy_Nest  | Facebook: A Healthy Nest

 

 

 

I’ve been married to my husband, Brent, for almost 4 years, and we have a 1-year-old son named Mason. I’m a stay-at-home mom who does freelance writing on the side.

Outside of fitness, what are your favorite things to do?
I love to spend time with my husband and son, write (I’m originally a Journalism major), read, and do almost anything outdoors (camping, hiking, boating, grilling, etc).

What TV show are you embarrassed about watching?
Keeping up with the Kardashians

 

 

How long have you been blogging? 

A little over a year

 

Why did you start blogging?

I wanted a way to motivate myself to pursue an active, healthy lifestyle as a new mom, and to keep myself accountable to that goal.

 

How did you pick your Blog name/Title?

My goal is not just to stay healthy and happy myself, but to build healthy habits into my family and home environment. I picked “healthy nest” to reflect that bigger goal, while also being generic enough to allow me to talk about almost anything I want. J People change and blogs change, but it’s hard to change a name, so I knew I wanted something with flexibility. I avoided words like “run” and “eat” specifically so I wouldn’t feel too pressured to talk about those things everyday…although I do talk about them a LOT.



What motivates you to exercise?
It just makes me feel great. It boosts my mood and general outlook on the world in a way that nothing else can. I also love the challenge, camaraderie, and positive energy that comes from running races and participating in the fitness community.

What fitness activities do you engage in?
I mostly run and do HIIT workouts at home. Lately, I’ve also been doing (and loving!) yoga.

What are your fitness goals for 2013?
 I’m hoping to run a 10K in under 50 minutes (the race is in 3 weeks!) and make strength training a bigger, more regular part of my exercise routine.

What fitness related achievement are you most proud of?
 I ran a marathon in 2010 in 90-degree temps! The race ended up getting black-flagged because of the heat, but I was able to finish.



 

What job/chore have you been procrastinating?

Ugh, I reeaally need to do something about our landscaping! The last owners of our house left us with a bit of mess, and I’ve never really fixed it. I feel so overwhelmed by the job, especially since my thumbs aren’t remotely green.

 

What is your “go to” comfort food?

Mac and cheese! To be honest, I almost never eat it, but when I do, it’s SUUUCH a treat.

 

What advice would you give soon to be or new moms?

Don’t set goals for your postpartum body until you get there. You can’t possibly know how quickly or completely your body will recover from childbirth, and guessing too early puts you in danger of hurting or (unnecessarily) disappointing yourself later. Also, don’t set expectations for yourself based on what other moms are doing! This is tough, but truly, every pregnancy and every body is SO different. By all means, get active again as soon as it makes sense for you, but always be mindful and respectful of what your body’s telling you.

 

 

Window/Aisle Window! I like to cozy up to the side and watch the scenery.

Fruits/Veggies Fruits J

Vanilla/Chocolate Chocolate

Sweet/Salty Sweet (or both combined!)

Beach/Mountains BEACH

Morning/Night Night

Microsoft/Apple Microsoft

Dogs/Cats Neither…(I know, I’m a weirdo!)

TV/Books Books

 

Redefining Beauty: The What's Beautiful Campaign

This post is sponsored by Under Armour through FitFluential

Can we talk about the word "Beauty" for just a minute?  I don't know about you but I've gotten to a point in my life where beauty isn't necessarily defined by what's on the outside.  It's about the person you are and the characteristics that make you unique. 

One of the characteristics I feel is important is drive, determination, motivation whatever you want to call it, it's your desire to push yourself to find out who you really are and what you're capable of. 

Under Armour and I are on the same page with this and have teamed up to help redefine beauty through the What's Beautiful Campaign.

 

What is the "What's Beautiful Campaign?

It is an 8 week challenge designed to help you reach your goal. Set a goal. Then get it. The three women who take us on the most epic journeys will win a trip to the Armour Retreat in Costa Rica for four days of yoga and surf lessons

 

I don't know about you but 4 days in Costa Rica sounds amazing!  And all along the way you'll be eligible for swag bags filled with Under Armour gear!

 

How do you join?

Setup your own page, set your goal and if you want...join my team: Team Strong and Beautiful.

 

Your goal can be big or little.  No one is judging.  The point in all this is to achieve and tell us the story as you do! 

 

Want know what my goal is?  Here's a short video explaining it.  You can also find this on my personal page.  MY PAGE

 

 

So what do you say?  Want to push yourself?  Want to win some free Under Armour Stuff along the way and possibly a chance to go to Costa Rica?  Then let's do this together! 

 

Sign up here!

 

 

How do you define beauty?

Engagement Frustration

I don't know about you but I love blogging.  I love the people that I've gotten to meet because of it.  I love the experiences I've had because of it.  I just love it! But lately I've been struggling with "engaging" your readers and specifically on twitter.

I love twitter, don't get me wrong but sometimes I find it extremely overwhelming.  It's hard to really connect.  Things just move too fast.  I feel like more and more, I'm using it as a gateway to other, more engagement ready channels like Facebook or blogs (either mine or others), heck even instagram is a little better.

I love seeing what everyone is doing and the quick conversations I do get to have on there but I just feel like I need to figure out how best to interact with everyone  there.  I miss so much because the time I have to be on there has been even more limited these days.

So I don't know...maybe I'm the only one and maybe I'll figure it out but for now, hit me up on twitter @MomsLRB and let's talk.  Otherwise, I'll do my best to support, promote and engage the best ways I know how. 

Don't forget you can find me on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomsLittleRunningBuddy

So I'm asking..

Does anyone else feel like this? 

What are your twitter habits like?  How do you manage?