Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Half Marathon - Let the training BEGIN!
My sister in-law and I signed up for a hlaf marathon in Minneapolis for the end of October. This will be her second and my first. I've got a 9 week training plan I've been following and so far so good. I've been wnting to do a half for some time, but just didn't haven't had the push to sign up until last week when she text me suggesting we do it. I'm "slightly" competitive so when she said she was going to sign up- I knew I had to :) Now, I need to say that I WILL NOT be running for a certain time. I really just want to run the entire 13.1 miles....... and finish under 2 hours :) I ran a 10k this spring in about 54? 56 minutes? I forget, but regardless, I feel like under 2 hours for the half should be doable.
I'll be updating you along the way!
Friday, August 10, 2012
Just Do It
Ahhhhhh- I'll admit that recently I've had to literally DRAG my butt out of bed to get on the treadmill so early in the morning. 4:45 comes early. I remind myself that I'm always happier that I've gotten up and done a few miles or did some resistance training- always! It's just sometimes a challenge to leave my nice cozy, warm bed, especially after a killer workout with the incredible Lori Harder and the Minneapolis Savage girls.
When I don't get a workout in I often feel like I'm the only one who has the times of having to push past the "dont' want to's" and imagine everyone else joyfully jumping out of bed with a grin on their tired face eager to get out and move.
Today I was pleasantly reminded that isn't the case. A few girlfriends posted on Facebook saying how much they appreciated reading others successes and struggles during their daily lives- of having days of not wanting to do a thing - to days marking a huge progress mark for them. I don't usually post about my fitness at all in fear that others will judge what I am (or am not) doing. It is a nice reminder that we are all human and we all struggle sometimes to get to where we want to be.
Seeing and reading what other women are achieving with their fitness goals is so inspiring! I'd like to be that inspiration for others since so many women do that for me everyday.
I'm afraid of people seeing my faults and weaknesses, but we can't get better, faster, stronger if we don't continue to grow and part of that process is realizing we are not perfect, we all have off meals, days, weeks!
So here's to embracing our "weaknesses" and turning them into new goals to conquer!
When I don't get a workout in I often feel like I'm the only one who has the times of having to push past the "dont' want to's" and imagine everyone else joyfully jumping out of bed with a grin on their tired face eager to get out and move.
Today I was pleasantly reminded that isn't the case. A few girlfriends posted on Facebook saying how much they appreciated reading others successes and struggles during their daily lives- of having days of not wanting to do a thing - to days marking a huge progress mark for them. I don't usually post about my fitness at all in fear that others will judge what I am (or am not) doing. It is a nice reminder that we are all human and we all struggle sometimes to get to where we want to be.
Seeing and reading what other women are achieving with their fitness goals is so inspiring! I'd like to be that inspiration for others since so many women do that for me everyday.
I'm afraid of people seeing my faults and weaknesses, but we can't get better, faster, stronger if we don't continue to grow and part of that process is realizing we are not perfect, we all have off meals, days, weeks!
So here's to embracing our "weaknesses" and turning them into new goals to conquer!
Monday, August 6, 2012
Abs of Steel
Although I am a STRONG believer that you need to move your body and push yourself to see results...I am a STRONGER believer that what we put in our mouths can out do any work we put in. If you are truly committed to a healthy lifestyle, you need to eat clean 80-90% of the time.
As I've mentioned before I star 99% of my days with oatmeal and when I'm at home and have more time to do it, I eat steel cuts outs. If I've had a workout before breakfast I'll add Whey protein powder to my oatmeal, if I haven't squeezed a work out in yet I'll add home honey and flax seed or meal.
Today the boys and I are headed to the zoo (GREAT workout, pushing the double stroller for a few hours). So I am packing our picnic lunch to bring along. While the zoo does have a few healthy options, it's nice to plan ahead and know exactly what we will be eating.
For me- I've assembled a quick salad of spinach and romaine lettuce, tomatoes, black beans and avocado. I'm also bringing along a packet of salmon for added protein, there aren't many beans in there. Top it off with a little Raspberry vinaigrette and I'm all set. Delish!
Off to load the cooler. I'm not moving too quickly after the Sunday Session yesterday- yikes! The walking today should help loosen these sore muscles. Looking forward to another great sesssion soon!
As I've mentioned before I star 99% of my days with oatmeal and when I'm at home and have more time to do it, I eat steel cuts outs. If I've had a workout before breakfast I'll add Whey protein powder to my oatmeal, if I haven't squeezed a work out in yet I'll add home honey and flax seed or meal.
Off to load the cooler. I'm not moving too quickly after the Sunday Session yesterday- yikes! The walking today should help loosen these sore muscles. Looking forward to another great sesssion soon!
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Where Do You Find the Time?
With so much going on in our over scheduled days, where do moms (and dads) find time to exercise? For me it's either EARLY in the morning, 4:45am, or during naptime. This morning however, it was thanks to my husband- I got to sleep in and get in a 4 mile run while Little Guy #2 napped and #1 played legos with daddy.
BLURRY actions shots... you trying taking pictures of a moving 2 year old while running :)
Mama Mia
Mr. Wonderful was home late last night, after what he calls Business Development.. aka golf. So Little Man #1 and I took advantage of it once agian and decided to turn Friday Pizza Night into Friday Make Your Own Pizza Night!
We made two different types of pizza- red sauce with pepperoni for the little guy.
We made two different types of pizza- red sauce with pepperoni for the little guy.
Pesto sauce with chicken and spinach for me.
I picked up pre-made crusts, which I wasn't thrilled with, but since I didn't have time to thaw whole wheat dough, this would do.
To avoid heating up the kitchen we threw them on the grilll. Super quick!
As you can see... it turned out pretty good.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Breakfast on the "go"
Good morning!
Starting today by sharing some recent deliciousness with you!
For starters, the boys and I were sans daddy again last night which meant we could once again indulge my healthy tooth and load up a plateful of healthiness for dinner.
Today!
Everyday, seriously- everyday, I eat oatmeal with flaxmeal for breakfast and a banana with peanut butter for my mid-morning snack. It's filling, tasty and gives me some protein.
Starting today by sharing some recent deliciousness with you!
For starters, the boys and I were sans daddy again last night which meant we could once again indulge my healthy tooth and load up a plateful of healthiness for dinner.
Little Man #1 and I enjoyed broccoli, quinoa with some freshly
picked tomatoes and lemon juice and grilled chicken.
picked tomatoes and lemon juice and grilled chicken.
(Later that night we snuck out and got him a small vanilla cone too...
which works well for me as I am the official drip catcher.)
which works well for me as I am the official drip catcher.)
I grilled several breasts to keep on hand in the fridge to eat throughout the weekend with salads too. Keeps me from having the excuse of not eating a great meal when we're crunched for time, as if having two little boys and a full schedule would ever put someone in a time crunch!
Everyday, seriously- everyday, I eat oatmeal with flaxmeal for breakfast and a banana with peanut butter for my mid-morning snack. It's filling, tasty and gives me some protein.
I used to be a Jif mom but I've moved on to the all-natural peanut butter and am so happy that I did. I'd never go back to the "other" stuff. I prefer the Archer Farms variety of nut butters for the taste, texture and price. It's still more than the highly processed butters, but it's worth it when you read the ingredients. Plus, after you've switched to the natural variety you won't go back- I promise. Eat this for a week or so and then try the old stuff- there's just no comparing- Real vs Not So Real.
Tonight is movie, pizza, popcorn night at our house. I'm planning on picking up ingredients for us all to make our own pizzas tonight. That way I can have my thin crust chicken pizza and the boys can have pepperoni and sausage.
Happy Friday!
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Group Fitness
This weekend I am planning on attending my first group fitness class. Well, that's not entirely true, it's not really my first group class- I took a few here and there in college.
The difference this time is that I'm going to be part of a group of women who do fitness competitions and are slightly more "hard core" about the clean eating/working out than I am. Or at least that is what I am envisioning.
The Facebook page for the class I am going to take is filled with beautiful women with tiny tight bodies with abs.
Yikes.
But... my friend Carissa has got me talked into it and I really would like to go. So why is it that every time I start to think about going my stomach starts tying in knots?!
I think a big part of this feeling is actually guilt. I feel guilty that I will be spending a few hours of our precious weekend time for something that is all for me. I know that when I'm driving home, I will be very happy that I did it, it's just the time leading up to doing it that makes me go crazy!
The difference this time is that I'm going to be part of a group of women who do fitness competitions and are slightly more "hard core" about the clean eating/working out than I am. Or at least that is what I am envisioning.
The Facebook page for the class I am going to take is filled with beautiful women with tiny tight bodies with abs.
Yikes.
But... my friend Carissa has got me talked into it and I really would like to go. So why is it that every time I start to think about going my stomach starts tying in knots?!
I think a big part of this feeling is actually guilt. I feel guilty that I will be spending a few hours of our precious weekend time for something that is all for me. I know that when I'm driving home, I will be very happy that I did it, it's just the time leading up to doing it that makes me go crazy!
Faux Panera :)
I love Panera. Especially their Strawberry Walnut Poppy seed chicken salad... that is only offered as part of their summer menu... I love it so much that I'm scared the employees at "my" Panera are going to start calling me by name BEFORE I order.
However- I can't justify spending $8+ on a salad several days a week so I've resorted to once a week and have come pretty close to duplicating my own version at home.
My ingredients include:
Spinach
Romaine lettuce
Strawberries
Blueberries
Pecans
Pineapple
Mandarin Oranges
Raspberry Vinaigrette dressing
One boneless, skinless chicken breast
It does the trick and saves me some cash. This winter when I have no choice I will enjoy it more I suppose.
However- I can't justify spending $8+ on a salad several days a week so I've resorted to once a week and have come pretty close to duplicating my own version at home.
Spinach
Romaine lettuce
Strawberries
Blueberries
Pecans
Pineapple
Mandarin Oranges
Raspberry Vinaigrette dressing
One boneless, skinless chicken breast
It does the trick and saves me some cash. This winter when I have no choice I will enjoy it more I suppose.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Smooth Moves
Ran my fastest 5k this morning- 24:34! Yahoo! To celebrate I made a new version of my protein shake:
PB Strawberry Smoothie:
1T flax seeds
1/2C water
1/2C ice
1/4C frozen strawberries
1 frozen banana (fresh would do I'm sure)
1T all natural peanut butter
Scoop whey protein
Combine in blender and whirl away!
PB Strawberry Smoothie:
1T flax seeds
1/2C water
1/2C ice
1/4C frozen strawberries
1 frozen banana (fresh would do I'm sure)
1T all natural peanut butter
Scoop whey protein
Combine in blender and whirl away!
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Eat like an animal
Monday, July 9, 2012
"You don't need to walk!"
This weekend I ran a 4 mile fun-run with two girlfriends. I didn't know what to expcet but set out with the intention to "just have fun" and not run for time but to just run for the love of it. It was a beautiful day after having experienced temps in the 100's the days prior. We started out with at a decent pace, I could tell however that one of my running mates was getting increasingly faster and faster and rahter quickly. I tried to noticeably slow my pace in hopes that she would too- I knew I could maintain that pace, but could she? By the 1.5 mile mark there were requests to slow and walk for a while...I encouraged that walk request to be more of a let's just slow down a bit. We continued our pace, only slowing a time or two and a quick speed walk for water and finished right about 38 minutes. When we finished I felt so proud of my two friends, which I consciously noticed was a strange emotion considering I wasn't expecting to be proud of my friends for not giving in to the want to walk.
That morning reaffirmed my desired to do more in the field of our/my health. I have always been very interested in our bodies and how to help them perform at their best through the fuel we give them to the ways we use them everyday. We'll see where this goes- I'm taking this a day at a time, opening myself up to the opportunities that present themselves and creating opportunities for myself. I think that if we are "awake" to what the world is saying to us we are more able to see what we are meant to be doing.
Tomorrow- meeting with my friends Carissa to learn more about what her trainer is doing for her cardio/weight routine and to learn more about real clean eating. Exciting stuff!
That morning reaffirmed my desired to do more in the field of our/my health. I have always been very interested in our bodies and how to help them perform at their best through the fuel we give them to the ways we use them everyday. We'll see where this goes- I'm taking this a day at a time, opening myself up to the opportunities that present themselves and creating opportunities for myself. I think that if we are "awake" to what the world is saying to us we are more able to see what we are meant to be doing.
Tomorrow- meeting with my friends Carissa to learn more about what her trainer is doing for her cardio/weight routine and to learn more about real clean eating. Exciting stuff!
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
You scream, I scream, we all scream for...
ICE CREAM!
Ah yes, my weakness is ice cream. And it gets worse, I'll eat nearly any flavor and in nearly any form; on a cone, in a dish, blizzard, sundae, soft or hard serve, fried, dipped in chocolate, butterscotch or cherry. Drumsticks, sandwiches, Klondikes or Dreamsicles, I love it all! Last night I tried Culver's newest Concrete Mixer- The S'More. It's delicious.
Bits of grahm cracker, chocolate chunk and marshmallow cream all harmoniously mixed together in creamy chocolate frozen goodness. With the heat we've been experiencing this week it brought some sweet relief. I will say that I had a few bites and stuck it in the freezer to enjoy a few nights this week, it wasn't a sit and binge on it kind of thing.
I received my Whey protein powder yesterday but have yet to use it in a recipe. Tomorrow will be the first day as I will have more time to experiement with flavors after my workout. It would be wonderful if I could nail down a go-to recipe to incorporate as my breakfast since I'm always out the door and in the office so early that I don't have time to spend eating something "more complicated" at home. Currently I eat 100 calories of oatmeal and coffee. I am planning on moving my oatmeal to the afternoon and enjoying a cool shake for breakfast instead.
Some fun news! Next week I'm meeting with a friend of mine to talk about clean eating and the plan she's been using. This all came to be after she posted a FABULOUS picture of herself on Facebook and I could hardly recognize her body! She really has transformed it and I want in on what she's been doing.
Ah yes, my weakness is ice cream. And it gets worse, I'll eat nearly any flavor and in nearly any form; on a cone, in a dish, blizzard, sundae, soft or hard serve, fried, dipped in chocolate, butterscotch or cherry. Drumsticks, sandwiches, Klondikes or Dreamsicles, I love it all! Last night I tried Culver's newest Concrete Mixer- The S'More. It's delicious.
Bits of grahm cracker, chocolate chunk and marshmallow cream all harmoniously mixed together in creamy chocolate frozen goodness. With the heat we've been experiencing this week it brought some sweet relief. I will say that I had a few bites and stuck it in the freezer to enjoy a few nights this week, it wasn't a sit and binge on it kind of thing.
I received my Whey protein powder yesterday but have yet to use it in a recipe. Tomorrow will be the first day as I will have more time to experiement with flavors after my workout. It would be wonderful if I could nail down a go-to recipe to incorporate as my breakfast since I'm always out the door and in the office so early that I don't have time to spend eating something "more complicated" at home. Currently I eat 100 calories of oatmeal and coffee. I am planning on moving my oatmeal to the afternoon and enjoying a cool shake for breakfast instead.
Some fun news! Next week I'm meeting with a friend of mine to talk about clean eating and the plan she's been using. This all came to be after she posted a FABULOUS picture of herself on Facebook and I could hardly recognize her body! She really has transformed it and I want in on what she's been doing.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Trying Something New
Today I bit the bullet and made my first purchase of protein powder. I've tried a few protein supplements the last few years but have never committed myself to a routine taht would include eating it daily. Last night I was reminded of what I really want and that it is going to take me being serious about my helath to gt it. Let me back up...
last night during our weekly sand volleyball game we played against a team which included a woman about my age with ripped arms and shoulders. She looked awesome! I leaned over to Mr Wonderful and said- "I want that!" And I really do. Like I've mentioned in previous posts, I've been running regularly for a while but have never been serious about any weight or resistance training. I know that in order to get the toned muscles that I want, I need to include weights and do it on a consistent schedule.
After some research I decided to go with the BiPro Sculpt All Natural Whey protein. You can find more information about it here. I took the free shipping they are offering through June as a sign that I should do it now :)
I'm also looking into meeting with an experience clean-eater to really get a handle on how the food I eat is how I will look and how I can incorporate that into feeding my family. (Mr Wonderful could live on burgers, pizza and mcmuffins if I'd let him).
The final step in my process today is to set my alarm. :) I've been slacking on my early morning (4:45am) runs and just need to kick my butt back into the routine.
Here's to a fresh routine and establishing new habits!
last night during our weekly sand volleyball game we played against a team which included a woman about my age with ripped arms and shoulders. She looked awesome! I leaned over to Mr Wonderful and said- "I want that!" And I really do. Like I've mentioned in previous posts, I've been running regularly for a while but have never been serious about any weight or resistance training. I know that in order to get the toned muscles that I want, I need to include weights and do it on a consistent schedule.
After some research I decided to go with the BiPro Sculpt All Natural Whey protein. You can find more information about it here. I took the free shipping they are offering through June as a sign that I should do it now :)
I'm also looking into meeting with an experience clean-eater to really get a handle on how the food I eat is how I will look and how I can incorporate that into feeding my family. (Mr Wonderful could live on burgers, pizza and mcmuffins if I'd let him).
The final step in my process today is to set my alarm. :) I've been slacking on my early morning (4:45am) runs and just need to kick my butt back into the routine.
Here's to a fresh routine and establishing new habits!
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Sandbagging
Yesterday was spent hauling bags of sand from the store, to the van, from the van to the sandbox- repeat 6 times. #1 got a sandbox and we just couldn't wait for Mr Wonderful to get home from work so we got it filled ourselves, which ended up giving me some extra shoulder work yesterday! Bonus!
Today started early again, Mr Wonderful flew out early so I got up too to make sure I was ready before the boys woke up. I took the extra time I had to do push ups, lunges and tricep dips while watching the news. I didn't want to get into a full workout considering if they woke up and I was the only one home, I'd be stuck trying to get ready with two little ones at my feet. Hoping to run tonight after they get in bed.
VERY glad I packed my cooler last night. Oatmeal and banana for breakfast, salad with grilled chicken for lunch, broccoli for a snack later and planning on tacos for dinner tonight.
Busy at the office today- better get to it!
Today started early again, Mr Wonderful flew out early so I got up too to make sure I was ready before the boys woke up. I took the extra time I had to do push ups, lunges and tricep dips while watching the news. I didn't want to get into a full workout considering if they woke up and I was the only one home, I'd be stuck trying to get ready with two little ones at my feet. Hoping to run tonight after they get in bed.
VERY glad I packed my cooler last night. Oatmeal and banana for breakfast, salad with grilled chicken for lunch, broccoli for a snack later and planning on tacos for dinner tonight.
Busy at the office today- better get to it!
Monday, June 25, 2012
Monday Funday
Good (Monday) Morning!
Our littlest guy woke up early today, 4am, with a soaked diaper, which meant a soaked bed, soaked jammies, etc. So I gave him an early morning breakfast while Mr Wonderful changed the sheets and got new attire for him to sleep in.
Sinde I was already up... I grabbed a cup of coffee, got some inspiration from a couple Oxygen magazine models and hit the treadmill. I have a fou rmile run coming up in about two weeks and while I don't run that far, I like to run fast. So today I did 3.5 miles in a half hour and felt like I oculd have run faster. I've determined that the treadmill doesn't quite catch my runs accurately. Or perhaps I just run that much faster when outside?
I followed the run up with some abs, triceps and squats. I'll be the first to admit that I don't spend nearly as much time as I'd like in the area of toning- the little time I do have the workout I use to run because that is what I enjoy most.
Because I don't spend as much time as I'd like in that area, I try to make up for it with really watching what I eat. For about four or five months post baby #2 I tracked everything I ate with the Calorie Counter app for iPhone. After four months I was back to pre-pregnancy weight and started to wean myself off of it. I now am very conscious of what I consume, but am not tied to the app- which kind of made me a bit crazy....
My eating today will look like this:
5am- coffee with 2T fat free creamer
8am- Oatmeal
9am- banana with peanut butter
11:30- grilled skinless chicken breast with veggies
1pm- fruit salad
3pm- protein bar (only 170 calorie kind, I don't eat the meal replacement type- I'd rather have "real" food)
6pm- ??? Great question. Steak is what I have in mind- we'll see if me and the kiddos make it to the meat market to pick it up today
8pm- small bowl of Kashi cereal or a few pieces of dark chocolate
Of course- life can be unpredictable so this can vary some, but it will all add up to between 1500- 1800 calories. Plus throw in there a ton of water. I'm constanly drinking water! In the office I feel like I'm always getting up to fill my huge water bottle.
Looking forward to a great day!
Our littlest guy woke up early today, 4am, with a soaked diaper, which meant a soaked bed, soaked jammies, etc. So I gave him an early morning breakfast while Mr Wonderful changed the sheets and got new attire for him to sleep in.
Sinde I was already up... I grabbed a cup of coffee, got some inspiration from a couple Oxygen magazine models and hit the treadmill. I have a fou rmile run coming up in about two weeks and while I don't run that far, I like to run fast. So today I did 3.5 miles in a half hour and felt like I oculd have run faster. I've determined that the treadmill doesn't quite catch my runs accurately. Or perhaps I just run that much faster when outside?
I followed the run up with some abs, triceps and squats. I'll be the first to admit that I don't spend nearly as much time as I'd like in the area of toning- the little time I do have the workout I use to run because that is what I enjoy most.
Because I don't spend as much time as I'd like in that area, I try to make up for it with really watching what I eat. For about four or five months post baby #2 I tracked everything I ate with the Calorie Counter app for iPhone. After four months I was back to pre-pregnancy weight and started to wean myself off of it. I now am very conscious of what I consume, but am not tied to the app- which kind of made me a bit crazy....
My eating today will look like this:
5am- coffee with 2T fat free creamer
8am- Oatmeal
9am- banana with peanut butter
11:30- grilled skinless chicken breast with veggies
1pm- fruit salad
3pm- protein bar (only 170 calorie kind, I don't eat the meal replacement type- I'd rather have "real" food)
6pm- ??? Great question. Steak is what I have in mind- we'll see if me and the kiddos make it to the meat market to pick it up today
8pm- small bowl of Kashi cereal or a few pieces of dark chocolate
Of course- life can be unpredictable so this can vary some, but it will all add up to between 1500- 1800 calories. Plus throw in there a ton of water. I'm constanly drinking water! In the office I feel like I'm always getting up to fill my huge water bottle.
Looking forward to a great day!
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Hello World
That's right- I'm a heel wearing mom of two (incredibly adorable) little boys, who wears heels on most days. My husband joked that I'd deliver the boys wearing heels if I could. I own all of baout two pairs of flats and that's only out of sheer necessity when I have both boys and simply cannot chase one while holding a forty pound baby carrier in one arm. I should note that I do own flat sandals and my beloved running shoes which of course are flat, but those don't really count. :)
 |
| The heels I have on today |
The title of this blog may be deceiving – I don’t intend on blogging solely (lol) about heels. This blog’s real intent is to hold me accountable to a healthy lifestyle and to share with others the tricks, tips and trials I’ve discovered on the path of achieving a healthy life for me and the boys in my life. (The boys being my husband and two sons- did I mention they are adorable and extraordinarily intelligent? ;))
So here we go!
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