Strong is Sexy

Can we talk a little about weight loss and strength training?

  

Ladies, the benefits of strength training go far beyond just losing weight (think Osteoporosis prevention) although that is a huge benefit.

I get it if you're overwhelmed or don't know where to start.  Let's talk about that!  There are plenty of ways to get started.  I have a couple plans up my sleeve to solve that but in the meantime, I challenge you to go give it a try.  If you don't want to go to the gym, go pick up a set of dumbells at Walmart or Target and practice at home. 

YOU CAN DO IT!!

Playlists, Relays and Triathlons

What a crazy good day! So much to share with you but first things first. For the past few weeks... Pavement Runner has been sharing some of his favorite playlists and this week the theme is "Empowering Women" and I thought, ok. I can share some of my favorites. The way he sets it up is

 

• Something Old
• Something Current
• Something to Consider

So I'm sharing with you the songs that make me feel like I can do anything, run faster, and just conquer all. Here we go!!

 

Something Old
Title: Under Pressure

Artist: David Bowe

Sidenote: especially on stressful days, this is usually the first song I listen to. It gives me a chance to just box it up and move on!

 

Something Current

Title: Drive By

Artist: Train

Sidenote: I love the openings of songs. A good one will just pump me up...The opening of this song does it for me. It also sort of helps me set a pace.

 

Something to Consider

Title: 'Till I Collapse

Artist: Eminem

Sidenote: This is one of my "powersongs" in my Nike running app. I swear to you, the second I hear this song, everything goes away and I'm back in the game doing whatever it is that I'm doing. Seriously, add this one to your list.

 

Ok, that was fun, I can't wait to go over to PavementRunner and check out everyone else's songs.

 

On to the rest of the news...

 

I'M RUNNING IN HOOD TO COAST!

Unfortunately, being able to share that good news means someone wasn't able to stay. I know she made the right decision and for that I'm comforted. I don't ever want to just take someone's spot. So now I'm looking at Legs: 9, 21 & 33 totaling almost 20 miles. I am beyond excited. Now I guess I better bump up my mileage. I had been keeping it reasonable to match my more recent goal of competing in a tri next month except that when I went to register for it today, it was sold out. I thought I was out of luck but after a few emails and calls, I was able to secure an entry. I was soo relieved!

Here's the breakdown of Awesomeness that is Van 2. Check out htese awesome ladies!  I seriously couldn't be happier! 

Erin – Nuun Employee: Legs 7, 19, 31

Elizabeth – Running For Bling: Legs 8, 20, 32

Katie – MomsLittleRunningBuddy: Legs 9, 21, 33

Amanda – Runninghood: Legs 10, 22, 34

Jennifer – The Fit Fork: Legs 11, 23, 35

XLMIC – Taking It On: Legs 12, 24, 36

If you want to see the rest of the Nuun Team...head over to their blog at: http://nuun.com/blog/2012/06/19/afternuun-delight-team-announcement/
Yesterday was a tough day but all of these amazing things have wiped the slate clean. I consider myself to be very fortunate and am very thankful for all that I have.

Also, just a reminder that MomsLittleRunningBuddy has a facebook page.  There I'll post pictures and things that only the Facebook audience will get to see.  So why not "Like" us and stay current with the adventures of E and I: http://www.facebook.com/momslittlerunningbuddy

So what are you thankful for today? Do you like the songs I picked?  Do you have any "Power" songs?  I'd love to update my playlist!

 

Look Before You Leap

Tonight I came home after a long day and tried to tell myself that working out wouldn't solve my problems. That running would only prolong the inevitable conversation I needed to have with myself and that the entire time, all I'd be thinking about was that I really needed to be thinking about this issue I'm having.

But...I came home...luckily before S and E so the house was quiet and I did something I haven't done in a VERY LONG TIME. I meditated. In other words, I sat....very still for about 10 minutes. You might be scratching your head about now.

"What do you mean you meditated?" I can hear you saying.

It's exactly like it sounds. Now I'm no meditation expert but I know the basic concept which is to clear your mind and focus inward..focus on your breathing and let your mind rest.

If you haven't tried it maybe you should. It did for me exactly what I was hoping it would do..buffered my day from my evening. It allowed me to shut the door on the day and start fresh..even at 5:30 at night I felt a little more energized and motivated.

The result was that I didn't just run, I did a small Brick workout which is essentially when you do two workouts back to back. Triathletes use them a lot to prepare for going from the bike to the run. Knowing I have a goal of completing a couple tri's still this season, I decided to give it a try for the first time in a very long time.

I did 10 miles on the bike and actually enjoyed the ride. This isn't always the case for me. I followed it up with a 1 mile run (doesn't sound like much but when your legs are putty it's pretty challenging). The best part about it...when I finished the workout, I not only felt amazing..I had a solution or an option to my issue I had never thought of, a couple emails later...I'm feeling a little more OK with things.

What I realized tonight was that sometimes I play things too safe. Have you ever heard the expression "Look before you leap"? I hear it everyday since my toddler is into Curious George and it happens to be in an episode he watches on repeat. Anyway, I never make the leap...I just sit there..staring at the water when I should be jumping.

Life is full of decisions, really tough ones and sometimes you need SOMETHING to help you see the light. Tonight for me, it was my workout, my run.

How do does working out help you? Do you ever meditate?

A Family's Guide to St. Louis

Hopefully what I’m about to say comes as no surprise but I love St. Louis. I love it so much I chose to live here. Why do I love it? For a multitude of reasons some of which I’m hoping you’ll discover if you get a chance to visit. A few weeks ago, I posted “A Runners Guide to STL” and I promised a Family Oriented version. If your family is heading this direction or you know someone that is, pass it along.

St. Louis is full of attractions to suite any number of personalities but before we get some of the more unknown attractions, let us touch on the biggest ones.

The Arch: If you’re not afraid of heights or tight spaces, this should definitely be on your list. You get an amazing view of the St. Louis area and just pretty cool.

St. Louis Cardinals: If you’re a baseball fan, you MUST go to a game. There are a few parks that can replicate the feel and excitement of baseball heaven.

Six Flags MidAmerica: With a water park, and the general park included in your admission, you can spend an entire day plus some here. Perfect place for families of all ages.

St. Louis Forest Park Houses some of our bigger attractions: St. Louis Zoo, Art Muesum, History Muesum, St. Louis Science Center and the Paddle Boats.

St. Louis Zoo Voted one of the Best Zoos in the Country. Did I mention Free? You can’t miss out on the Penguin Exhibit. It’s outstanding and air conditioned for these hot summer days!

St. Louis Science Center and OmniMax: A MUST for every family. All the “hands on” learning is fun for any age.

Forest Park Lake: Looking to do some cross-training? How about Paddle Boating with the kids? It’s so much fun and you’ll be surprised all the places you can go in these little things.

In addition to these big attractions, I wanted to make you aware of some of the things us locals love.

City Museum - An amazingly eclectic place you have to see to believe. No really! Where else are you going to find a roof top Faris wheel, a giant whale you can crawl through and an old massive bank vault? My only warning with this place is that you need to wear older clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. You will be crawling around tons and burning tons of calories without even knowing it. ADULTS: At night they serve alcohol. Check their schedule for fun events.

Botanical Gardens : The gardens are beautiful this time of year and they’ve recently added a children’s section. Right now, you can see the Lantern Festival! It’s gorgeous and going on through August 19th.

Transportation Museum: If you’ve got a “choo choo” fan in your family, you MUST make this stop. Packed full of Locomotives, planes and trains, you’re kids will have a great afternoon checking out the history of transportation.

City Garden: This is a huge attraction. It’s right downtown STL and don’t forget to bring your bathing suite. This outdoor art exhibit has plenty of cooling water displays that are considered interactive. (FREE)

Magic House: Another must if you have a little scientist in your family. E loves this place! You can see so much including the Oval Office.

Grant’s Farm: Where else can you get up-close and personal with a Clydesdale? This place is essentially a HUGE petting zoo. It’s near and dear to my heart since we love on the trail that leads you there. I get the joy of seeing the horses all the time.

If you’re looking for a pool to just kick back and let the kids burn some energy, be sure to check out the St. Louis County Pools. Many will let you pay a “Non-Resident” fee (Sunset Hills $9 non resident fee) to go hang out and who knows…you might see us there.

Ok, that just skims the surface. As you can see, tons of things that are perfect for the family. If you’re planning a summer vacation, consider St. Louis. I promise you’ll have a good time.  Come on in!

Weekend Recap: Photo Shoots, Tubes and Mezamashii

All I can say is Wow, what a weekend!  As always we had it packed to the gills.  Friday I had to take E to the Doc to have them valildate what I already knew.  E's 6th ear infection was not gone and that we are now going to have to have tubes to help get rid of these once and for all.   What I wasn't expecting was a series of three shots starting Friday, going Saturday and Monday.  He was not a happy camper but he had forgotten all about it by that night.  We spent the night playing at home. As you can see, E was happy playing with the sprinkler.

Oh, my Mizuno Wave Riders came in on Friday!  I was SOO excited.  These could not have come at a better time.  I'm in such a rut right now and was looking forward to a Brilliant Run.  If you haven't heard of the Mezamashii Project, you should check it out.  It's such a unique program from Mizuno that has it all figured out!  Unfortunately, they were a half size to small so I'm going to have to exchange them.  I seriously can't wait to take these out for a spin or ten.  :)

Saturday we started the day helping my baby sister move into her new apartment which is just 1 mile from me!  I'm so excited.  I love having family so close!  Then it was off to have our second shot.  He took it like a champ..nothing some mommy cuddling couldn't cure.  Then it was a friends son's birthday party.  As you can see, teddy is still very much in the picture. 

I've also been asked by a couple companies for a full body shot and a head shot and I've been sending them iPhone pictures which hasn't gone over well.  Sadly I don't have time or the money for a full on photo shoot so luckily my sister-in-law who is also an amazing blogger helped by taking some pictures.  Take a look.  What do you think? I think they are great for an impromptu photoshoot.  These were taken at 10:00 p.m.       

  

Sunday was more family time.  We got to spend time with S's family.  Then I finally found time to squeeze in a quick workout.  Unfortunately, this was one of those weekends where fitness took a backseat but tomorrow is a new day and I'm re-energized and ready to crush a week's worth of workouts! 

Don't forget that the MomsLittleRunningBuddy Fitness Challenge is still open.  We'll pick a winner from those that have signed up through comments on the post to receive a free pair of shoes from TakeItRunning.com

OOHH..I almost forgot..MomsLittleRunningBuddy now has a Facebook page..Feel free to "Like".  I'll post special content there and only there.  You won't want to miss it!

What did you do this weekend?  Have you had any experiences with tubes?  What do you think about the photos? 

Do Over

 When Frigidaire asked me what my Do-Over moment is, I started scanning the internal hard drive of my cooking files trying to find just the right memory. Sadly, that file is pretty big and I could’ve picked any number of them.


Like, the first time I tried to make Tiramisu, I used a recipe from Pampered Chef and it called for instant coffee. At the time, I thought all coffee was “instant” so I picked up the Folgers or something and got to cooking. Needless to say, when I served it, and my then new neighbors took that first bite of gritty Tiramisu, I knew I had done it wrong. I could see it all over their faces. I’ve since made that recipe many times but would love a “Do-Over” of that night. Luckily, our neighbors did not hold it against us and 7 years later we are still great friends.

OR..I could tell you about the time I tried to make 3 layer chocolate mousse based off a recipe from Martha Stewart. The recipe was complex with lots of heating of chocolate at various temperatures, etc but it wasn’t that part that messed me up. The chocolate turned out great. What got me was the call out for “orange zest”. Again, I didn’t have a “zester” at the time and I thought I could just grate it and it would be fine. HA! Again, this was for my husband’s birthday (then boyfriend). I was soo looking forward to the look of pleasure on his face when he took that first bite. What I saw though resembled that of my neighbors. Raised eyebrow, wrinkled forehead, then the look in his eyes where he knew he had to make it look like he liked it. When I asked him, he was honest and said, “What’s with the Orange peel?” I was so embarrassed. Do Over? Yes, please.

Instead of those stories, I wanted to go all the way back to my first blunder…one that required my parents to use a fire extinguisher and replace a garbage disposal. My first attempt at chocolate chip cookies. I think I was maybe 7th grade…maybe. I was determined to make them myself (while my older brother watched and taunted). Somewhere along the way, I missed an ingredient or two and created what could best be described as chocolate chip rocks. I knew they weren’t right so I never even baked them…that’s where the trouble started. Rather than just throwing the dough away in the trash can, I attempted to dispose of it in the garbage disposal…not a good idea. I’ve tried to block it out but when I saw smoke coming out of the sink, I had an issue. Mom and Dad came in and saved the day but I’d pay for it. Do over? YES, please.

I’m betting my mom wishes she had The Frigidaire Gallery™Dishwasher when this went down. It gets dishes fully cleaned the first time, so there are no dish do-overs. Nearly half of adults admit to re-washing and/or re-drying dishes after the dishwasher cycle has been completed. To prevent dishwasher do-overs, Frigidaire® is stepping in with its new Gallery® Dishwasher featuring the OrbitCleanTM Wash Arm, ensuring dishes are cleaned right the first time.

So I know lots of you are foodies/chefs or just plain awesome cooks.  Do you have any Do Over Moments?  BE HONEST!  I know you do!  :)

I was compensated for this post as a member of Clever Girls Collective. All the opinions expressed here are my own.

Munchkin Meals

Brittany over at A Healthy Slice of Life and Kristen at Concrete Runner and I were all talking about the eating habits of our toddlers.  Turns out I'm not the only one with a child that doesn't seem to want to eat.  Brittany is hosting a link up over at her site all about baby eating habits.  I'm going to share with you what we feed him but only if you promise not to judge.  I don't have the ability to make big beautiful breakfast during the week.  I'm at work by 8:00 a.m. Usually I pack his food for the sitters and he eats there.

First let me tell E is a terrible eater. I try and try and try to sit down at normal meal times and get him to eat a square meal but he usually has other plans.  We've tried to adapt while also impressing upon him the importance of eating at mealtime.  Let's remember I'm talking about a toddler here.  I know I'm supposed to have pretty pictures of his food but hopefully you'll be ok with a few iPhone Pictures. 

Breakfasts:

• Cereal: Cheerios, Quaker Oatmeal Squares,and Chex Mix
• Others: Yogurt, Oatmeal, Planters Anti-Oxidant Granola Bars

Lunch:

• Turkey (My grocery store makes turkey breast and slices it just a little thicker than lunch meat.  E loves it and I know it's real meat)
• Peanut Butter/Almond Butter
• Fruits & Veggies: Cucumber, Apple (spoken as "baple" by E), Edemame, Grapes, and Pears
• Other: Pretzel Chips, triscuits and wheat thins, string cheese

Dinner:

• Marinated Chicken Breasts
• Chicken Pesto Pasta
• Quinoa, Couscous
• Brown Rice
• Fruits & Veggies: Broccoli (with a little soy sauce on it)/Asparagus

 

Beveridges:

• Whole Milk
• Motts for Tots Juice (basically it's watered down juice.  I don't like all the sugar in a full glass of juice)
• Water (lots of water) He loves to drink out of moms water bottles, as you can tell.  Either way, I'm very happy he's a water drinker.

Things he won't eat that I wish he would:

• Fruits and Veggies: Sweet potatoes, avocados, green beans, peppers, melons, and peaches
• Bread

Ok, so there you have it, my 20 month's old extensive diet.  What other foods should I introduce him too?  Do you have a picky eater?  How do you deal with it?

Thought I should leave you with a super cute picture of the mini bad*ss.  All of a sudden he wants to wear sunglasses in the car (just like momma and daddy).  It's so freakin cute!

As Seen On TV

Wow!  What a Monday!  Two amazing things happened today that just made my day.

1. TV Appearance on Fox 2 here in STL: Yep, that's right! Yours truly went and kicked off the #MomsLRBChallenge (Fitness Challenge) with the crew of the 9:00 Fox 2 show. Talk about fun! Anytime someone will let me talk about getting fit, I'm there. I showed up at 8:45 a.m. (as directed) and was escorted to the breakroom which also doubles as a set for food themed segments.  I sat and talked to some amazing women from the Shop'n'Save team, who I hope I get to talk to again! 

Time flew by as I sat and watched the TV station hum with organized chaos.  It's so different than my world I just soaked it all in.  I mean who eats sushi at 9:30 in the morning?  Before I knew it they were calling me to head to the Fox 2 gym, which they have righ there in their building and I have to say it's not bad.  It's pretty big and sufficient for what they need.

I was on for a 3 minute segment, which flew by because I got to interact with such great people.  Just look at Meteorologist Angela Hutti doing her plank!    The best part, throughout the broadcast they would show put MomsLittleRunningBuddy.com up on the screen.  I have to think that's the equivelant of an actor seeing their name in lights.  I still get goosebumps when I see that.

Seriously, that's an amazing woman. I'm so excited for her! She's getting married soon and she's totally motivated to take her fitness to another level. GO ANGELA!!

I have to thank Fox 2 for inviting me on!  Hopefully we'll do it again soon.

Outfit Details: Under Armour Shirt | Nike Running Capris | Asics shoes | GoSport ID | Nike Watch

Keep reading to see the full videl below!  :)

2. The adrenaline from the morning lasted a long time and just when I was starting to settle into my day, I saw this email come through from Mizuno.  I've been selected to be part of the Mezamashii Run Project.  If you haven't seen it, head over to Mizouno and check it out.  It really is a #Brilliant concept and I'm so excited to be a part of it!

In Japanese, the word mezamashii means "brilliant."

That is the feeling Mizuno is on a quest to deliver more of —

a euphoric, wind-in-your-heart run. A brilliant run.

So instead of spending millions of dollars on advertising to talk about our shoes,

Mizuno is giving away thousands of free pairs to runners like yourself so they can

experience more mezamashii.

And just when I thought the day couldn't get any better, 5:00 hit and I headed home and was greated by the tiniest little badass I know! (excuse my language but seriuosly?!)

Hopefully you had a good Monday.  What did you do?  How's your training going?

Fitness Challenge Time

Remember, once a year, in elementary school when you would take the "President's Challenge"? Oh, come on, you remember...the shuttle run, sit ups, touch your toes? Then the teacher would tell you how you did compared to the rankings developed by our friends in federal government.

For some reason, I started thinking about it last week and I wondered how would I do if I took that test now. How would you do? The original test called for the following tasks:

• Shuttle Run

• Sit-ups
• Flexibility Test 

Now that we're adults, maybe we should change it up a little bit. I'm pleased to introduce my version of the "Presidents Challenge" (for adults). Here's how I see this working..instead of completing the test and measuring your results against that of others, let's do it as a personal challenge.

1. Validate that you're in good health
2. Take the test
3. Write down your results
4. Take 3 weeks to train (focus on the areas you were weakest in)
5. Retake the test 

Sound good? Ok so here it is:

• Endurance: 1 Mile Walk or Run
• Upper Body Strength: Push-ups (Do as many as you can in 1 minute)
• Core Strength: Plank (Hold one plank for as long as you can)
• Lower Body Strength: Wall Sits (Hold the position as long as you can)
• Flexibility: (sitting, legs out in front, how far can you reach?)
• Optional: Agility: Shuttle Run: Establish two points run back and forth as many times as you can in 1 Minute

So what do you think? Up for the challenge? Here's what I'm proposing..

Comment and let me know you're in.

I'll keep track of those that have said they're going to join us.

For the next three weeks, I'll remind and motivate through the blog and twitter using the hashtag #MomsLRBChallenge. I've also included a printable tracking sheet to help you on your way. 

In three weeks (on 07/09) , we'll pick a winner, at random, of all those that have commented on this post saying they are participating. That person will win an amazing pair of shoes, of their choice from http://takeitrunning.com/

We kicked this off on Fox 2 this morning!  Check it out! How Fit Are You?

Are you ready? let's go!!

Memories Last Forever

All week I've been debating what, if anything, to post today.  Please don't feel like you have to read this. But if you do, I want you to take away one thing...if you can, go hug your dad right now!  And maybe give him an extra one...just because you can. 

Today is a day for celebrating the Fathers in our lives.  The one's that have shaped us and helped us become the people we are today.  I am very lucky to have had such a great dad.  He was never shy about showing me his love and support.  I have amazing memories of our time together and I thought I'd let you in on one very special moment. 



If I really focus, I can still hear the music and feel him holding me.  He cried that day...a lot.  We danced to Daddies Little Girl by Al Martino.

Thanks for listening to me...now go make some memories.

What's In A Name?

If I tell you that I’m a “runner” what do you visualize? Someone like this? Do you think of someone that can bust out an 8 mile run without sweating? How about someone that can kill an 8 min mile without batting an eye?

Source: runningFree.com

Well guess what..that’s not me. Nope, not even close. I run about 12 miles average in a typical week.  In the beginning I was lucky to get 2 or 3 in a week.

What if I tell you I’m a triathlete…Do you think of this? An amazing elite triathlete.

Guess Again. I’m a middle-to-end of the pack kind of girl. I’m happy with accomplishing and strive to try to achieve. Triathlons always sounded like a scary thing to me so knowing I'm completing them is a huge step.

My point is this…these titles/names.."Runner"…"Triathlete"…fitness junkie..are not meant to exclude. They are not meant to keep you from your goals.

If you want to run…run. If you want to workout..do it. Sometimes the scariest step is the first one.

I’m not talking about signing up for a marathon or an Ironman, I know tons of “runners” who have never run a race and don’t intend to. I know many runners that run just a mile at a time.

I heard someone at the gym today say…

"I would run that 5k but I’m not a runner."

Guess what..that’s an excuse.

Let’s play a game..get up right now..and run to the front door. Go ahead, I’ll wait….*Running There *Running Back

Did you do it? Well congratulations..you’re a "runner". Welcome to the club! Now that we’ve gotten over that hurdle, you’re free to run as much or as little as you want.

I know..it’s scary to think about but taking that first step will make you feel so good, may even motivate you to take another step and another.

I have lots of "first steps" I want take.  I have an entire Pinterest Board dedicated to my #FitFluential #FitnessBucketlist of things that I WILL get to at somepoint in my life.  Do they scare me?  Some of them absolutely do but deep down I know I can do it and therefore I will.

Do you have a Fitness Bucket list?  What are your goals? What do you want to do?  Do you have a Pinterest Board of your Bucketlist?  Share it!  Let's talk?  I'd love to hear!



Make the Effort, You'll Be Glad You Did

Hey guys, guess what?  It's class day! So that means instead of blogging I'm studying...linear programming to be exact.  Don't hate, I know you're jealous!  So in my absence, I've honored to introduce you to Kelley from Sheisonarun.  I hope you'll get as much out of this as I did. 

Hi, I'm Kelley and I'm a 27 year old newlywed. I'm a differently abilied runner, blogger and an ambassador for both Fitfluential and Sweat Pink. I started running in October of 2011 and have never turned back. I've had a very different experience then most runners though because I have Cerebral Palsy.


According to the MayoClinic.com, cerebral palsy is a disorder of movement, muscle tone or posture that is caused by injury or abnormal development in the immature brain, most often before birth. In the simplest turns it means that the body does not work that way that it is supposed to and makes the simplest things harder to do. There are different types of cerebral palsy. Some people suffer from more sever cerebral palsy then others and they affect different parts of the body more then others.

I'm very thankful to survive with a mild form of cerebral palsy. It really only effects the left side of my body and causes me to have some mild learning disabilities. I believe that my cerebral palsy is so mild because of the fact that I was in physical therapy from very early on in life. My PT started before I was ever even able to walk and I did it all the way though early elementary school. I do still walk with a limp, but it could be worse and a lot more noticeable with out the PT and the reconstructive operations that I've had over the years.

When I decided to start running in October of 2011 I know that it was going to be a challenge because of the fact that I do walk with a limp. My running stride is different then my walking stride, but my body seems to be able to figure it out. Most of the time I never suffer from any pain related to my cerebral palsy, but when I do I use my ankle brace and it goes away pretty quickly. The only time I notice my cerebral palsy during my runs is when the miles start to add up and my legs start to get tired. I can feel myself limping more and no longer running. I have become a stronger runner though so I've seen some improvement in my strength and my ability to run longer.

I do have one big struggle though and that's my speed. I am a slow runner. I've always been a slow walker so I know that I would be a slow runner, but I still having trouble getting past the fact that I'm a slow runner. I know that speed comes with work and that I will get there, but it's still really hard not to compare myself to other runners around me. I PRed in the Anywhere5k that I ran this past weekend. My PR was 42 minutes and I'm proud of myself.

So, if you're out running, at the gym or just getting your sweat on and see someone with a disability working hard please tell them they are doing a great job and to keep at it. From a differently abilied person it is really an amazing feeling to see that your person success is noticed and not just the fact that the person has a disability. Stare at them because they are doing something amazing not just because they walk with a limp or are in a wheel chair.


Live  |  Love  |  Run

Do Anywhere Upper Body Circuit

I put together a 5 exercise circuit that you can do WITHOUT ANY WEIGHTS OR EQUIPMENT. Just bring yourself and get ready to work.  I promise you'll feel the burn. I'm happy with the fact that the workout will make you sweat!! Enjoy!

Next up..Core.  I posted this picture last weekend on Instagram and promised I would show you some of my favorite core moves.  Don't worry, it's coming! 

What doyou think of the workout?  What else do you want to see?  Let's talk. 

Our Family Has Grown

Ha! I think I know what you are thinking but you are wrong. I’m not pregnant! Heck we didn’t even get a new pet. What we did get is this...

I know this isn’t fitness related but it’s cute and I can’t help it. This blog is titled..Moms Little Running Buddy so you know you’ll be subject to some cute baby anecdotes from time to time.

All of a sudden, E has become particularly attached to this..A toddler-size teddy that he found at my mom’s house Memorial Day weekend. The crazy part is that this was some old bear left over from one of my sister's old relationships just casted aside like the relationship.  That is until E resurrected it. 

Teddy goes EVERYWHERE! Don’t believe me? Just look..

Here he is in the car…

Here he is on our way in to the Magic House…

Here he is with the babysitter…

Here he is in bed…

He has also been to: the Doctor’s office, Church, Lunches out, the gym, he even tried to take him on runs and to the pool with us but I had to explain to E that teddy was tired and needed to stay in the car while we played. E agreed to that explanation.

In addition to extensive travel, teddy has received 3 “baths” due to circumstances beyond his control. He’s been shut in car doors, drug across streets, and even chewed on by the dog. If he can survive that he can survive anything.

As you can see by the pictures, E has lots of stuffed animals and toys and things that he could carry around with him so I thought this would be a one week wonder and then we’d get to put him aside. I’ve hesitated to introduce you to him because I didn’t think he’d be around long and I didn’t want you to get attached to someone you might never see again. As you can see though, teddy is even immortalized in the outtakes of the vlogs.

Oh and here's just a really cute short home video E talking to me. 

So there’s really no other news. Sorry to mislead..I couldn’t resist a good opportunity ;) But I am curious..

do you have any little ones that are just as attached at the hip with something (i.e. bear, blanket, random strange thing)?

Were you ever attached to something?  Does it still exist today?

I won't tell on my husband but yes, my teeedy bear (long EEE) is around and mingles occasionally with E's toys.  Tell me! I love to hear it!

Molly Talks Motivation

Hi guys! I have a special treat for you this week.  While I'm writing a paper tonight on the importance of Operations Strategy within a Corporate Environment (don't worry, I'll post it for your reading enjoyment-HA!), I wanted to introduce to you some of the amazing ladies of #FitFluential.  First up, Molly Ritterbeck http://mollyritterbeck.com/  She has a great story about where she finds motivation.  I think you'll like it!  Take it away Molly!!

Motivation was something I always had growing up but not in a normal sense. I was a gymnast for 8 and a half years and was motivated by the attention of my coaches. The better I would do, the more attention I would get. I wanted to be #1, and who doesn't? Unfortunately as a child that can distort you view of a lot of things growing up! I then became a barrel racer all through college and let me tell you that motivation still didn't change. People only wanted to talk to you and hang out with you when you were in the top 5 each time. I didn't do this type of thing full-time so we would have good and bad days - so in turn this meant fair weather friends. I finally found a way to motivate my self and not worry about all those around me and what they thought.


After two children and struggling to find my motivation for quite sometime I realized I was struggling at life. I ended up one day asking my husband to run a 5K with me at the Army Base as it was free and I could get us a babysitter that day. I had never run a 5K and had not really exercised in, oh, years :). I ran and walked my way through this 5K that took me 44 mints and 45 seconds. I felt good the rest of that day and was motivated to get things done! The next three were a different story. I sat and thought back about that race. There were people of all kinds, shapes, and sizes. Some pushing strollers and some not. Some walked, some ran, and some even were questioned as to what they were actually doing. Regardless of all of this, everyone was motivating and cheering on everyone! I think I might have found something that could be so fun!

Our town within the next couple weeks started a run club that $5 - unless you wanted to buy the t-shirt, which would be a total of $10. Um, t-shirt please! I think the first day there was 10-20 of us. I can't really remember because now there is about 80-150 depending not he night. On gentleman shared his story of being once overweight and now being an ultra-runner. Pretty cool. He had motivation of the Army, got out and then needed to find himself again. Sound familiar? I thought so. We had a paved trail in town that could be used for 3-6 miles, with lots of variations in between. He gave us motivation by giving prizes for showing up, running races, and helping out. I learned that healthy and good motivation can lead to healthy and good habits. Through the motivation of all the runners in the group with high fives as we passed each other, some would even take turns taking my double stroller from me from time to time so that I could run without it, They were awesome. They were my motivation - not hatred, not my sorry point of view, not my anything but my friend who motivated me through their love and friendship.

Point is - there is always something for us. It may be running, it may be cross fit, it may be whatever. It is out there. Just get out and find it!!!

What motivates you?  Do you have a story about what started it all for you? We'd love to hear it!

Janji, Run for Another

First off, let me say that this post is ENTIRELY my own opinion.  I have not been compensated or given any product. 

Ok, now that we got that out of the way, let me introduce to an amazing start up with an amazing heart.  Meet...

Run for Another

Besides just being a fun name to say, it also means Promise in Malay and Janji's promise is to end the food and water crisis through the power of running.

Here are a few scary and startling facts:

• Every 10 seconds a child dies from a water-related disease
• 98% of the world’s hungry live in developing countries.
• In developing countries, malnutrition contributes to 53% of the 9.7 million death of children ages five and under every year.
• The cost of malnutrition to national economic development is estimated at US $20-30 billion each year.

Janji knows that we runners are great at taking up causes and supporting them—just look at the thousands of cause-related races around the country! But instead of putting on races, Janji will take on the global food and water crisis through running apparel that both reflects the high performance need of a runner as well as retains the look of a country that the apparel benefits. With each piece of apparel sold, the running community tangibly gives food or water to those in need, sustainably and systemically.

That's right, now just by buying some cute running gear, you're helping someone in need.  The creators of Janji knew that runners have heart, mostly because they are runners themselves.  They know we love to run when we know there's a cause that will benefit from it. 

So you want to see them?  I thought so.  They have men's and women's and they are continuing to expand their line.  I actually went into my Big River Running store to check them out in person and probably would've let with a pair of shorts if they had my size.  They are going to fast!

These are my favorite!  These are the Women's Run for Haiti Shorts.  Each pair gives 8 life saving nutritional medicines to a severely malnourished Haitian child. Proceeds fund Meds and Food for Kids’ Medika Mamba, a peanut butter medicine that provides all the nutrients a child needs. With this nutritional medicine, a child in Haiti can go from severely malnourished to beautifully healthy in just 5 weeks.

The men aren't left out of the fun.  Here are the Men's Run for Kenya Shorts.  Each pair of shorts gives an average of one season's worth of water to a Kenyan family. Proceeds from Janji’s Kenya shirt and shorts help provide water pumps to impoverished rural Kenyans, a tool that allows a family to get their own water in order to grow their own food

There are many other great pieces on their site and I'd love for you to check them out.  If you're in the Boston or STL area you can check them out in person!  In fact, rumor has it, there is a launch party in Boston tomorrow night at Marathon Sports in Brookline on Beacon St at 7:00 p.m.  You'll be able to sample Haitian food and the first 50 customers will get a free aluminum water bottle.  So what do you say?!  Go check them out and Run for another!