Helllooooo, February!

Ohhh weeee!!! It's a new month, a new start, a new challenge, a new attitude, a new.....y'all get the point.

Thursday nights SPIN class was (with a different instructor) slow and intense; still had me a sweaty hot mess!! I do mean, SWEATY!!! Other that the fabulous burn, I love that its lights out during class! And, again I learned new terminology and moves! She really had us working out the hamstrings and glutes! Several reps of climbs, flats, tunnels, core,......logged in 10.1 miles.

Fridays runch (lunch run) was a little tough; heavy legs got challenged with hill and speed intervals on the treadmill. I was on fire, SWEATIN' like crazy! I was soaked, talk about a crazyass challenge! Alicia Keys latest album was on play (she is phenomenal). Lately, I've been running, too a much more mellow playlist, and I am loving it.

Finished strong; 2 miles in 26:09!!
First 2 miles toward this months virtual half-marathon, apart of the 13in2013 series: Tackle the Miles (feb 1-8)!!

What's going on in February?
My littlest baby girl is turning 2 YEARS OLD (just a few days from today), time has flown by!!!! I'll cry. I've been soaking up every single second with her as a one year old!!

I'm looking forward to a 'not so busy' race schedule; Sweetheart 5k (first road race of the year, on base), and at least 4 more virtual races. Lots of spinnin', stroller stridin', squattin', juicin', green smoothin', core workin', liftin', combatin' and a few other AMAZING events!! February is going to be FABULOUS!!!!

Y'all have a fabulous fitness-filled weekend! Happy running; Happy sweating!

Stroller Strides, Spin & Snickers!

happy {rest day} Wednesday!
Err,...yoga/stretching is my rest day routine!
Ohhhh, I need it too!

Let's take it back to Monday, really quick.
I got my butt kicked at stroller strides, Calli is an awesome instructor!! Like, seriously!! And, it was a perfect way to start the week. I hadn't been to a stroller strides class since 2008! When I had one kiddo, we went all summer long +, approximately 5 months and then I gradually stopped when I found out I was pregnant with baby girl #2. I loved it then and it helped me shed 15 lbs. Monday's class was challenging, especially after the weekend miles! We logged in 2.5 miles, with awesome stations! Whewwwwwww!!! I'm excited to add it into my always-growing fitness routine, even if its once or twice a week.

Tuesday, I finallyyyyyy jumped onto the saddle for a SPIN CLASS!!! Yessssss, it's been forever since I've been in a class setting and I was loving it!! I'm SO thankful for awesome friends. I learned new terms for routines I have done, I learned new moves for different areas, core work while spinning (whoa!). I was sweating buckets, seriously. The instructor was pretty awesome! I'm excited to add spin classes back into my routine. I logged in 12.1 [intense] miles. After class, I went into a crazy chocolate craving; snickers and I went in. It was the perfect combination; spin & snickers! Hehehe

les mills combat: Week 3!!
Wheww! Can I tell y'all, my biceps popped with round one of les mills pump! And, I absolutely LOVE seeing them with combat. I can't get enough of this fabulous program! It has it all: hot warriors, jabs, SQUATS, burpees, planks, kicks,...amazing combinations!!

happy 12•12•12!!

It's a significant date. Not the end of the world. It's the last time we will have digits repeat. Get after something!

And, it's a date where I woke up and decided against a {12k double jogger} RUN because my foot was still feeling achy. And, I definitely wasn't going to get on the treadmill. And, I know exactly why. Better to be safe than sorry. Along with allergies kicking my but and sore throat. Ugh.

In 2012, I learned to {really} listen to my body. Don't get me wrong I pushed through some pain, at times. And, sometimes, I got away with it, other times I wasn't so lucky. That's alright, there were more rest days to recover. I'm Thankful I did not need surgery!!

I also recently took a new direction from my planned out fitness calendar. I stopped Turbofire, at week 5, this week. Since, I missed a few days in week 4. It's a fabulous beachbody program! I sat and thought hard. And, felt happy at the thought of just going home and having a "vacation" with running and {basic} strength training. A vacation, where I could sleep in {yeah, right! a mama can daydream}, and run 'whenever' in those 16 days. Like, the half-marathon along the Galveston sea wall, the morning after I arrive. I have a new start day for Turbofire in 2013...and I'm totally happy with my decision!


Spinned 12.12 miles in 39:42!

Get busy on 12•12•12!!

I'm participating over at Run with Jess for 12•12•12 Challenge!

I originally planned spinning 12 miles.

Then....decided to give myself a bigger challenge with an double jogger outdoor run!! Lets see how my foot feels in the morning, it's been bothersome for the last few goes. Boo!! I'll still get busaaayyyy either way.

Get busy y'all!!

Mama on the G-O!

Wheww!! Monday way busssaaaayyyy!!

After our quick morning errands, we came home and I spent some cuddle time with my little monsters. Before taking them to a friends for a few hours. Some days, I need to quiet time but today was a different kind of away time. Orientation. Mama is going back to work.

I'm excited for the HUGE step I took, it's a small start but it's something. Orientation was LONG, 2 1/2 hours and every.single.time. I'm away from the girls, I go into a "relaxed" mode where I can literally fall asleep standing. In this case, I was sitting, fighting to pay attention. Agh!!

We had a RAINY afternoon and my friends asked if I could pick up her boy before coming over, which worked out perfectly, since I had to grab my girl too. And, it was easier for both of us since we have little ones we'd have to lug out in the rain. 

We had a successful Fall Festival Volunteer Meeting, the big event is on SUNDAY!! And, I'm getting busy with prep work for crafts/activities/decor. Even an evening chat with the vice president of the committee to go over the details for the millionth time. So, much involved and I'm happy it's almost over!!! 

I also received Happy Mail; Sweat Pink Ambassador Swag!!
And, I moved my SPIN BIKE back into my living room, squeezing in 8 miles before bed and a kickboxing session with Jillian!
I laced on my running shoes with the fabulous pink laces, I'm excited to REPRESENT during today's Moms Run This Town Virtual Race; Run with Jess The Cupcake Classic 5k!! One of my Fabulous Mother Runners has made some Delicious looking (fb posted last night) Frenchtoast & Bacon Cupcakes!! SO EXCITED TO RUN & GRUB!!

Happy Running Y'all!!



"Don't wait to for inspiration to find you; BECOME IT!!"

Sunday Prep Day

Live from the Spin Bike!!
That's right, I'm spinning these legs to work!! I got my days switched, no lifting today just 20 minutes of HARD CORE ABS!! I wanted to get some cardio in though, so I jumped on he saddle.

Prepping' started early with pancakes; regular an multi-grain. Ailea is asking for them daily, so I figured I'd jump on it and be prepared. Then, we went on a crazy cleaning frenzy upstairs; Whew!! Took all morning, drawers organized, laundry in em', bathrooms cleaned, floors vacuumed. Toys organized, bookshelf set up and books in order. bussaayyyyyyy.

The prep continued; chicken, wrap and then zucchini pasta with a fresh "sauce", which is just sautéed mushrooms and tomatoes with your flavor of seasoning. Yum! Yum! Yum!!
I have to pick up a few more ingredients for 2 upcoming snack crackers and hummus. Sooo looking forward to that!!

Another item to this weeks menu; WRAPS!!

Simple, Delicious

Endless Combinations

And, yes I have Fresh Spinach wrapped in a Spinach Wrap

Guess what else I did? Applied to be another ambassador for Girls Gone Sporty, saw a fellow blogger mention it and it seems awesome!! I'm always eager to grow in what I'm passionate about. We will see what happens.


"Don't wait to for inspiration to find you; BECOME IT!!"

Spinning & Spaghetti Squash!!

That caught your attention, huh?? hehe

I mentioned in a previous post about Several September Challenges!
This weeks 100s Challenge is SPINNING 100 miles, I've done it before, I'll do it again!
I love me some Spinning; the booty, legs, arms BURNING!!
Plus this aides in the recovery of my bum knee, agh!!

It's been a productive day in our household. We got our Deployment Countdown going, even without an "accurate" homecoming date, I estimated a number. 

I took my living room back, taking clearing out every. single. toy. 
No more fighting to keep it "clean" with these little monsters. The disaster stays upstairs.
I got busy washing the carpet, that's workout!! And, then headed upstairs, to squeeze in a QUICK SPIN; 10.12 MILES!!!

It sure worked up an appetite. Got busy with dinner, making the delicious Turkey Meatballs for the Clean Eating Spaghetti Squash Spaghetti!! I followed the Recipe and added, 1 TBSP of Wheat Germ & Flaxseed, lighty "greased" the baking sheet with Coconut Oil. These have become staples in meal ingredients, I add them to almost everything. I didn't use a sauce, instead I sauteed mushrooms, grapes tomatoes and spinach. So fresh & tasty!

Best. Spaghetti Ever.

"Don't wait to for inspiration to find you; BECOME IT!!"

And, so it goes like this..

THE BIG D is almost here, this is our last Monday as a family of five.

I'm not going to lie, I'm still in denial about a back to back deployment. We've enjoyed every single second with our man during the last 2 weeks. The girls love him SO much and I'm happy he feels it, even when he has this out to sea to balance, the girls don't forget their daddy.

---After Sunday Mornings much needed YOGA/FOAM ROLLING, I updated my fitness calendar with a few virtual runs and local races that I'm planning on RUNNING. Let the challenges begin.--  

Later in the afternoon, We explored the great outdoors, husband's first time at this Awesome Beach Park. I ab\solutely love it there.

Hello, Productivity!!

Another thing Sunday is about is LAUNDRY, I finally put away some laundry in their designated places, aka closet/drawers, my least favorite house chore!! And, then decided I wanted to re-arrange the furniture, massive King size bed. Instead of a night stand, I got my Spin Bike!! 

Monday's Workout; I jumped on it today for a quick 9 miles. I'm still trying to stretch out the hip, it's out of whack since I woke up yesterday, so annoying!! I guess, I'll be stretching it out more today, we are headed out to Seattle, for an Early BIRTHDAY Celebration for our almost 6 year old!!! I can't believe I'll have a FIRST GRADER in a few weeks, and a PRE-SCHOOLER!!! Geez, time flies!! This Mama stays pretty Bussaaayyyyy!!!

"Don't wait to for inspiration to find you; BECOME IT!!"

Day 20; 5 Must-Haves

List your 5 must-have fitness items. Oh, Geez!! Just 5??

While Running;

Running Tights; Need to keep my booty & legs tight & snug.

I LOVE my "wireless" earphone, music gets me moving. Some days, I go without music.

I use my Music on my iPhone, someday too. I like to mix it up.

Garmin Watch/Road ID 

(Sometimes I leave without Garmin and use Running Apps (even as back-up)

Supportive Sports Bra

I love Target's Champion Brand, similar to this one.

Shoes.

Can't have too many pairs!

Right now I'm rotating between these 2 pairs. 

I'm currently debating between 4 brands for my next pair(s); Agh!

Here's a few other items to have; not a "must" but I do typically have them during Runs, here's why.

SpiBelt, carries my phone, cash/card, ID for off base running.

For the Warmer days, when I head off base 

For LONG Runs/Races

5 Must-Haves for Workouts; 

Fitness Calendar!!

Where would I be without one? I love to plan ahead.

Sometimes, I change it up from what's on the calendar.

BOSU 

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Workout the gives!! 

So much you can do, helps balance, flexibility, truly an over all body-workout!! 

Kettle Bells

Versatile item (tool), another ALL-BODY Workout. 

I always recommend these to friends, always!!

Foam Roller

This thing has been a valuable addition to my workout gear.

Helps stretch out the muscles, especially after long runs or a week of running.

Helps prevent common injuries.

Heart Rate Monitor

Not only does it keep track of your workout, it gives your calories burned, 

AWESOME item when your on a weight loss journey.

I could go on & on but there's my list of Must-Haves!!!

"Don't wait to for inspiration to find you; BECOME IT!!"

Day 17; Favorite Workout Routine

Share your favorite workout routine.
Well, this should be interesting, because I don't have ONE Favorite, Working out is "my thing", I LOVE doing it. Each one of my MANY routines is ENJOYABLE, and WORTH IT!! Here's my share and why.

 I LOVE feeling the pavement or trail underneath my feet during a RUN. It doesn't matter where the Run starts, but I most always prefer the outdoors!! I LOVE exploring, the nature, the beauty of it. I LOVE that I've meet SO many Mother Runners. Even, getting involved with a local group, and planning group runs. I LOVE the results I've earned over the past year, from finding peace to weight loss to racing to this blog as another outlets. It's had SO many benefits in my life. Even, my girls LOVE to RUN with Mama, or watch Mama Run, talk about Mama Running, and ask when I'm going to another Race. Leanna has a race under her belt. It's a beautiful thing y'all!

Running in the Rain. Running with Snow Falling.

  Running/Crawling in the Mud

 Running with my Girls. They LOVE it too!! Another Workout I LOVE. Finishing a Race with my girls cheering alongside. 
Running with the Double Jogger. We are a family that RUNS!! 
  

Leanna has a race under her belt.

I LOVE when my booty BURNS during a SPIN Session;  the way my legs feel strong with each [standing] pedal and the sweatfest. I LOVE that one of my goals for next year is to become CERTIFIED as a Spin Instructor. I LOVE that others have given Spin a go and also loved the SORE/BURN it gave. It's pretty amazing!

 I LOVE that I LIFT the bar with 30+lbs, during deadlifts, squats, lunges, clean & press, rows, overheard shoulder press, etc during Les Mills Pump. It made my BICEPS pop during my first round. The REP EFFECT is Insane. And, I'm pretty excited I found a pair of 7.5lbs to add to my collection!! Also, excited to complete another round, 13 weeks!!

 


I LOVE the short week I spent "digging deep" with INSANITY; the way the sweat dripped during his infamous routines of Plyo, Cardio and I'm looking forward to Restarting the Program this Winter. This is definitely one INSANE Routine, everyone knows it!!

 I LOVE how I feel my CORE getting stronger with each Rep while on the BOSU and how much my balance has improved on it.  And, I LOVE how my girls think it's the coolest thing ever using it as a balancing toy for themselves and bouncy ball off the couch. It doesn't happen often, only when I pull it out of for a workout. 

I LOVE the way YOGA stretches my body out and how I take time to listen to my body during the routine. You can't go wrong with Bob or Jillian.

 Oh, those Kettlebells, the sweetest Valentine's Gift from my Man, the make it happen, I LOVE it!! Even the Kettle bells are a workout I LOVE!!! 

 I absolutely LOVE how, I have almost every single of Jillian Micheal's Workout DVD and always go it for a Killer Workout. She knows what's up from Killer Buns to Kickboxing to Kettle bells. 

   

Can't forget the great outdoors. I LOVE the idea of getting other Mama's together, for a "bootcamp" style workout and letting the kiddo's play and participate. There was NO excuse (other than weather, then it would be indoors)!!! So, I started while ship was on deployment and now, I'm looking forward to resuming classes, this time with Amazing locations. What kid doesn't LOVE to explore their surrounding?!?! Mine sure do!! I've got my fitness calendar filling up between Running, Meetups, and Bootcamp. Helping other Ladies shed lbs, start a routine, get moving, get fit, keep busy. 

"Don't wait to for inspiration to find you; BECOME IT!!"