Wordless Wednesday – Lifetime Indoor Triathlon

Posted on October 17, 2012 by Laura

Preparing for our first event: Swim

Second event: Bike Ride in a Spin Studio

Final event: Run

Tired, but oh so proud of myself

Sunday morning, Matt and I picked up my friend and training buddy, Brooke and headed to Columbus for the Lifetime Indoor Triathlon. I had done a complete run-through on Monday evening so I knew I could do everything and I knew I was going to be pleased with myself. What I did not know what that upon completion, I would want to go back and do it again… faster. I was unaware that the adrenaline high I’d be riding was almost as intoxicating as giving birth.

I loved everything about this event and fully plan to do it again the next time it is in Columbus. Brooke also told me of a triathlon that will be closer to my home this spring and while the biking and running are outside, the swim is in a pool… I’m not yet over my fear of open water… I’m hoping to conquer that eventually. Maybe. I was and still am very grateful for the health and the support necessary to participate in this event and as I type, am thinking of skipping all the work I really do need to do today and slipping out for a run. Because now that I know I am capable, I want to see what else I can do.

My goal for my next Indoor Tri is to beat my results from this one… even though I am pleased as it was my first ever, I think I can swim farther than 300 yds, bike more than 25.8 miles (on a spin bike, the measurements are different than on a free standing bike, as they are based on the resistance level you set the spin bike at) and run more than 1.3 miles.

Fitness Finale

Posted on September 14, 2012 by Laura

The last 12 weeks have certainly flown by. When I started the Go Green Get Fit Challenge at the beginning of summer, I anticipated doing before and after shots. I was excited to share how much weight I’ve lost. I also miscalculated the length of the challenge and thought I’d be completing my sprint triathalon before we wrapped up. I had an idea in my head of what I wanted my goals to be and how I’d meet them.

I started out the summer enthusiastic and set lofty goals for myself. I pushed through sleep deprivation, hectic schedules, absurd heat and poor motivation. I ran with people and I ran alone. I cut calories and added so. much. water to my diet. I started biking again. I bought a swim suit and went down slides at a water park.

I decided to not weigh myself at the end of this challenge, because although there is a radical difference in my body, muscle weighs a lot more than fat and I didn’t feel like being bummed by a number. But here are a few details for you:

I bought a swim suit two sizes smaller than I bought just last summer.
A t-shirt of my husband’s that barely fit around my hips and rear earlier this spring, hangs off me now.
The Mommy and Me Fitness shirt that was tight on me this time last year, looks absurd.
The two-a-day workouts were so hard the first few weeks, but I really learned to like them… when it wasn’t still 97 degrees at 730pm that is!
I will have buy new pants to work out in, since my usual ones don’t even stay up now!
I catch myself loading the kids in the jogging stroller and then automatically stretching… even if I’m just walking and not actually running.
I think about how I get a greater workout out of doing everyday things. When I go downstairs to do laundry, I run up and down the stairs a few times instead of just schlepping back and forth. I am the crazy lady doing calf raises in the grocery checkout line.
I most definitely am the mom who races her children everywhere now, doing extra laps between the start and the finish so they can win.

My journey to ~~Ernie~~ fitness started in the early part of the year and the GGGF Challenge has only served to continue my rediscovered love of an active lifestyle. I say this because last October, I joined a weight loss challenge and lasted less than 2 weeks. A year ago, I wasn’t able to keep up in class and I didn’t want to go because I was so out of shape compared to everyone else there, never mind all those motivational posters about how great it was that I even bothered to get off the couch in the first place. So I gave up and quit. Because I felt bad about myself.

I wouldn’t say that I feel awesome about myself… I’m realistic. I’m pleased with how I look based on the quality/quantity of work I’ve put into my exercise. I also have continuing goals set. And I’m just fine with it that way!

Don’t forget the grand prize drawing for the Go Green Get Fit Challenge is going to wrap up pretty soon. You don’t want to miss out on this amazing prize package, so enter now via Rafflecopter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Just like Cinderella…

Posted on August 1, 2012 by Laura

…Only in barefoot shoes. As a participant in the Go Green Get Fit Challenge, generously sponsored by Planet Shoes, I got to try out a pair of shoes that were suitable for my focus of exercise. I have been anxious to try out the barefoot shoes as my Chiropractor swears by them and since I’m not doing anything too crazy while I exercise, I chose the Merrell Pace Glove.

I think it worth mentioning that I am a big fan of chiropractic care and since I’ve had a lot of trouble with my knees and hips I did ask my doctor what he thought. The Pace Glove is more supportive than other styles of barefoot (or minimalist) shoes, so with the encouragement from my doctor and the support the shoe offered on it’s own, I clicked “add to cart” and started stalking the mailbox as I waited their delivery.

They arrived last week, but I wanted to give them a few different scenarios before I reviewed them. I started out with a 1 mile street run. Amazing. So light and airy. I tend to buy a cross trainer for my shoes and even though I don’t buy the most clunky style out there, there was a distinct difference between my shoes. My calves ached for the rest of the evening, but other than that, I had no soreness so I figured I had made a good choice. I have not run more than a mile and half in them yet, but my doctor told me that I should give my body time to get used them before striking out on a long run. So I’m adding about half a mile a week and listening to my body along the way.

I then wore them to my cardio class yesterday. It’s an hour long class and although I had done similar exercises at home, there’s nothing like being in a class with an instructor leading the way rather than stopping to check the online article again for what move comes next. As the class worked out, it was outside in a field instead of in the gym. I was a little nervous about running in the field since it was both wet and uneven. I wear light socks with the shoes since I cannot stand the feel of my feet in a closed in shoe without socks, but even the socks were not wet. Even thought this shoe is very light weight and breathable, I didn’t feel like my feet were exposed too much. Running on a track or even pavement is different from off road/trail running any way you slice it, but I didn’t think it was an issue with these shoes.

When I do circuits at home, I like to wear shoes and I loved doing mountain climbers with these shoes! They didn’t drag on the carpet and they kept me from slipping while holding plank. Additionally, they are just cute. I get a lot of comments on the aesthetic value on the shoes from people and they are fun to talk about. I love my shoes, but I want to make it clear that I did check with a health professional before changing my support and style of running. I have heard some grumpy tales about barefoot style shoes, but in my opinion (from personal experience), if you listen to your body and don’t try to be an Olympic qualifier the first few times out, you’ll be ok.

Disclaimer: I received the Merrell Pace Glove shoes free of charge from Planet Shoes as part of the Ge Green Get Fit Challenge. The fact that the product was no cost to me in no way influenced my opinion.

NatureBox Review

Posted on July 30, 2012 by Laura

As a participant in the Go Green Get Fit Challenge, I was offered the opportunity to try and then review NatureBox. I’d never heard of the company before, but I was certainly game to help out! NatureBox is a service that delivers healthy snacks to your doorstep on a monthly basis. You don’t have to sign a contract or anything, just pick and choose which months you’d like to recieve and for $19.95 (plus free shipping!!!) you will find a sturdy box filled with 5 recyclable rice paper bags of healthy, yummy, wonderful snacks.

I was sent the June box which contained:

Harvest Fruit Granola
Sun-ripened White Peaches
Apple Rings
Citrus Kick Almonds
Organic Mighty Mix

Those almonds were to die for. I did not share them. Not even one. The other snacks have been fantastic for post-run snacks, a surprise in my husband’s lunch box and I’ve topped our homemade yogurt with the granola to jazz it up a bit.

Jenny at The Crunchy Wife and Sarah at Mindfully Frugal Mom both wrote lovely reviews where they detailed all the perks of the program and thought to take photos of their boxes… If you want pretty photos, their blogs are the place to go (I don’t do reviews all that often… I’m still learning!). As I sat here thinking about about the nutrition, simplicity and responsibility behind this program, it occurred to me that this is something that would be great for college students, care packages to family in another state, students on mission trips and our military (NatureBox offers shipping to FPO/APO addresses!!). My brother is currently deployed, but will return home, Lord willing, in the next 2-3 weeks. Next deployment, though!

Interested? Visit the NatureBox site, or their Facebook Page and follow them on Twitter. Wanna try them out? Use the code REFER25 for 25% off your first box!

Disclaimer: I was sent the June Box from NatureBox free of charge as part of the Go Green, Get Fit Challenge and for the purpose of this review. My opinion was in no way influenced by the excitement of receiving something in the mail for free.

Fitness Friday – The Color Run Recap

Posted on July 21, 2012 by Laura

Today was the first goal on my list: The Color Run. 3.1 miles of sheer joy, happiness and paint. I have no idea how long it took me to finish, and I do not care. I was so wound up in the starting line up, I forgot to start my timer. Regardless, the most fun I’ve had in a very long time. I did not run the entire way, it was not possible. (And also, I did not stretch before we were packed in like sardines… foolishness in that decision.) I was not aware of the sheer volume of people that would attend. They released us to run in waves of 1,000 and when it came to the color zones, people slowed down enough that they were not only walking, but stopping to roll in the colored powder. So yeah… I took my sweet time and enjoyed every moment!

I’m glad I did. I’m even more glad that I did it with my friends from Mommy and Me Fitness. They are such a great support to me and I’m thrilled that although I didn’t make it a continuous run, I DID it. Six months ago, I couldn’t even make it through 30 seconds of running. And today, I completed an entire 5K as a runner.

Fitness Friday – 07.13.12

Posted on July 15, 2012 by Laura

Alternate title: The Sunday Afternoon Walk of Shame

This week just slipped by me and exercise did not happen. I felt as though I was in a fog all week. I was tired and completely unmotivated. Thursday morning, I had a meeting that I was amping myself up for all week and when it did not go as I had hoped, I let it get to me.

I did find myself spending time on the EcoMom page, reading the posts in the discussions and haunting the Facebook page. And even a little bit of time on Pinterest. I’m loving all the support that women can provide for one another and it’s been really neat to read everyone else’s stories… all different levels of fitness have joined the challenge and it’s just so exciting to watch the growth in their stories.

This week’s goal are simply to get 3-4 days of running in, keep my diet as clean as possible (there are an ungodly number of cupcakes in my fridge) and make sure I stay hydrated. I feel confident about finishing the run Saturday morning and am looking forward to conquering something physical for the first time in ages!!

Fitness Friday – 07.06.12

Posted on July 6, 2012 by Laura

This update is going to be a quick one. I’m beat. The hubs has been home most of the week, so I worked out like a crazy person Sunday-Tuesday and then toned it down. We went to the zoo, we walked an outdoor mall, swam with the kids and I snuck in a power strollering class this morning. On the upside, I’ve discovered that I can run for 40 minutes straight, so I feel much better about actually completing the Color Run in TWO WEEKS without walking. I’m praying the temperatures get a little less gates-of-hell and a little more… reasonable. I swear, if another person wants to tell me that there is no way global warming is real, I will have to refer them to my throwing up in the woods today during the free run portion of class. Ugh. This heat.

Victory of the week: The realization that I can run 2 miles (and probably more) as long as I don’t let my body tell me at a quarter mile my legs won’t go any further. I was super excited about this and ran 6 miles in 3 days… more than I had last week total!

So how was your week? Did you manage to get any exercise in during the blistering heat wave this week? How did you stay hydrated?

Fitness Friday – 6.29.12

Posted on June 29, 2012 by Laura

This being the last week in the month, it’s also time for me to check my measurements and weight. In this past month I’ve made a few changes to my routines: I cut out about

via theRUNiverse

50% or more of my regular gluten intake and started actually running. By running, I mean keeping a steady pace of 3-4 mph for up to 1 entire mile stretch. The total distance has been between 1 mile and 4.5 miles in a given workout session. Considering that prior to this month “running” was the 5 minute free run during my exercise classes and I wasn’t really rocking those, I’m pleased. It had been 32 days since I’d last weighted myself. I lost 8.2 pounds. Since February, this is the most weight lost in a month time. Needless to say, I’m thrilled! Even more so since I did allow myself to indulge in chocolate cupcakes the last few weeks as we celebrated Liam’s potty training success.

I’m participating in the Color Run in 3 weeks. I’m nervous. I plan to survive. I’m just trying to be realistic in that the race is in Columbus at the end of July and it probably won’t be a very comfortable run. However, I’m looking forward to experience and the color! I can’t wait to see the photos afterwards!

Typically, I do a workout in the morning and then again in the evening on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Yesterday it was blistering hot even still at 630p, so running class was cancelled and I went on a 15 mile bike ride with the running instructor. After the first 6 miles, we had returned to our start and decided to go for an “even 10″. I wasn’t keeping an eye on my odometer, so everytime Brooke asked if I wanted to keep going, I said sure! In the meantime, my thighs were screaming: “Are you CRAZY?!” ”Why do you hate me so much?” And on the final return trip: “You have to walk on us all day tomorrow, please don’t hurt us anymore!” I survived thanks to Arnica. Yep. Three doses before bed. One at 1 am and then 1 first thing this morning and I’m totally fine. I pink puffy heart Arnica.

Also, if you are outside working out, running, biking, whatever your choice of physical activity is, make sure you are hydrating enough AND consuming enough calories to get through your workouts. I did a great job hydrating yesterday, but had only had 10 cheeto-type snacks between 1 and 7pm. My belly was so full of water I didn’t notice I was hungry. By the time I ~~hopped~~ eased off my bike at the end of the ride, I was shaking and felt weak. I thought it was the heat, but a cool house and more water only made me feel worse. Almonds, however… Anyway. Active.com has a great list of summer running tips to keep in mind while the temps are toasty during the Go Green Get Fit Challenge!

The Go Green Get Fit Challenge is made possible with the generosity and support of these partners:

Presented by - PlanetShoes.com
Affilate Partner - Active.com
Media Partner - http://HealthyHomeMagazine.com/
Sponsored by - http://NatureBox.com/
- http://ElyOrganics.com/
- http://My-Mamas-Love.com/
- http://EarthMamaAngelBaby.com/

Fitness Friday – (06.22.12)

Posted on June 22, 2012 by Laura

It’s Friday again!!! This week was the official kickoff for the EcoMom Alliance Sustain Your Self™ Go Green Get Fit Challenge sponsored by Planet Shoes and I have been loving reading the other 30 bloggers’ posts on their goals, challenges and progress.

Did you set any goals? I’m still working toward my goal of completing the Color Run next month. This week was a roaster in Ohio and I haven’t run in the heat since I was in college in Oklahoma. I need to relearn how to care for myself while the temperatures are above 90 on such a regular basis. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

Personal triumph this week was more of an emotional one. There was a new mom at class who was frustrated with how hard class went for her. I felt terrible for her because I know what it feels like to make the effort to come to class and feel like you are the slowest, least fit person in the ~~class~~ world. I can’t remember her name, but I do know who she came with, so I sent one of those sappy you can do it! sort of emails. Someone needed to hear it, even if I didn’t get a chance to say it to the new girl. Who knows, maybe I’ll see her next week and I can say it and give a hug… before class. Like right when we all get out of our air conditioned cars before class…

This weekend promises to be fairly quiet around our home. No big plans and I’m excited to try my new armband for my phone so I can “map my run” and listen to music AND be prepared to call 911 should the need arise. I have been doing well with my caloric intake; I’m considering cutting more wheat out of my diet for the summer. This week we are experimenting with some new side dishes and they are all either low or no gluten content. So we’ll see!

Follow along with the challenge on our Facebook page; giveaways from amazing and GREEN companies are upcoming! Get involved, set those goals and be the strongest, healthiest you YOU can be this summer!

The Go Green Get Fit Challenge is made possible with the generosity and support of these partners:

Fitness Friday – (06.15.12)

Posted on June 15, 2012 by Laura

I’m anxious for the kids to go to bed tonight. I can’t wait to close that last door, zip to my room and put on my running clothes. I’ve been thinking about running all day.

I know, there’s something wrong with me these days. But I maintain that it’s a good thing to have wrong. I motivated myself through several solo workouts this week, and really looked forward to yesterday’s classes. I have been extremely fortunate to have the support of my husband and aunt in the last few weeks as I’ve been pushing myself harder and harder. My aunt had the kids in the morning and I was really grateful because I was a nervous wreck over our class route. The last time I did a class at that location was about 9 months ago. It was horrible. As I stretched, I had to say a few prayers that I wouldn’t let my mind beat me before I even started. Yes, there were moments of huffing and puffing, but the class was amazing.

Coming off that fitness victory, I went to my running class at night with the knowledge that on Tuesday morning, I had been able to keep up with a running partner and run 1/2 mile stretches. Wednesday though, I could barely drag myself off the couch. I was sick, had an unexplained fever and shook most of the day. I was proud that I survived the morning class with enough of a challenge that I felt like I was still strong. I really wanted to run, so I figured that I’d get through half mile sets and call it a day.

Here is where I talk about the power of support. The Get Fit Go Green Challenge begins on Monday. I’m getting to read amazing intro posts from the other participants like Amanda and Tiffany (they’re from Ohio too!!!) and Gretchen and Katy. I am so jazzed and inspired. I’m loving seeing my new bloggy friends’ posts to their facebook pages of their workouts. I’m proud of these women who I barely know because every one of them is doing this for strength and health. I am too. But even though I really want to succeed, in the back of my mind a nagging fear has been telling me that I’ll have to walk through these races and I’ll have the worst time on record for the tri.

Last night, Brooke has us run 1/2 a mile to warm up. It hurt. I was tired. Really tired. I stopped once, and the negativity flooded in. One other girl had joined us for class and she is used to running longer distances than I, so she was ahead. Her workout was different from mine, so Brooke ran with her and assigned me a mile. NO STOPPING. It did not happen. I ran slower and slower and stopped a couple of times. I walked a 5th lap in an effort to get a grip on my head game and Brooke and I talked about getting my legs stretched out well. I struggle with pain in my left calf because my left side is no where near as flexible as my right. I would be the one who “fight” the stretch even though I know I shouldn’t.

After my pity party, Brooke asked me run another mile for a timed trial. I wanted to cry. I mean… seriously. I told her I would run 1/2 a mile and see how it went. I can always tell when someone is praying for me, because I have strength I didn’t have before. I slowed myself way down and finished 1/2 a mile and then 3/4 a mile and as long as I listened to my music and kept my head down, focused on my feet, I was ok. Before I knew it, I was across the mile line and I did it. I have not run any distance since the winter of 2005. I didn’t know I could do it, and I was flushed with amazement for the rest of the night. I may have even made a few triumphant phone calls shocked that I’d actually done it.

I get to officially start the GGGF challenge on Monday with the knowledge that I’m 1/3 of the way to my goal and feeling pretty darn strong. I didn’t know I could run that far and now I’m excited to keep finding out what my body can do!