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!!

Running for Dummies: Virtual Scavenger Hunt [5k]

Yes, I'm turning into a VIRTUAL RACE JUNKIE!! 

Running for Dummies has an awesome Virtual Scavenger Hunt going on for August, Check it out!! 

I love it; a virtual 5k plus more and fabulous prizes to go with it. I'll keep y'all updated on this post, as I check off from the list!! Here's what you do:

[8.11] Virtual 5k (Run, Walk, Crawl; just do it)

I had planned to do this as an EARLY Run (to beat the coming heat), was up about 6:30, got race ready, had toast, water (wanted coffee badly but decided to wait to drink after run), clipped the bib onto my Spi Belt, put on my Sony Music Player, I love it for running because I don't have a wire annoying me!! I was just about to walk out the door, at 7:00 AM, when I heard baby girl crying. She is usually in bed for another hour and I was certain I was quiet while getting ready. So, I went to grab her and took her downstairs for some Mama time until the rest of the rest of the house woke up. I began the Gold Medal Ass Challenge; 30 Squats and then stopped at Burpee #9, when I hit Baby Girl across the head. I have no idea why she decided to get up out of her comfy spot. Aghhh!!! We have this thing where we go all silly and stick the tongue out, anything to make her happy. Even, barking, YES, barking. She gets crazy excited when she hears/sees a "puppa" and she also does her "woof, woof". Like, I said whatever makes baby girl happy. It's love.

Once, they woke up, got breakfast situated, let husband take a few extra minutes and then darted out the door at 10:00 AM. I was a little exhausted at that point, the sun was getting HOT (68* is now HOT for the little Texas Gal). I took the pavement, a little bit of a different route, with hills to challenge myself, I wanted to run past the 5k, an hour (like I had been doing for the past 2 days) but the sun was BEATING on me!! My left knee ached a tad bit at the 2 mile mark, maybe too much hills?? I felt like my foot started to get crampy too, so I eased off it when I felt it. Needless to say, Saturday is my REST DAY, yep, I take those sometimes! I'm still debating whether I should jump on the Spin Bike. Hmm....

I finished STRONG at 3.41miles in 39:06min.

[8.31] Plank Off; Last Day, Last Chance Workout. We watched Battleship and right after it was done, I got serious about the last bit of this challenge. Leanna snapped a photo while I got in position. I was hurting a little and with these little monsters, it was a challenge!! Glad, I'm starting the plank-a-day challenge. I need it!!

[8.28] Outside your comfort zone, fitness related

Today I started back the BOOTCAMP!! I had started this last April, a way for fellow military wive to get together for fitness/playdate for the kids. It was totally out of my comfort zone yet it was right with what I want to do. Instruct/Guide/Motivate/Support/ others in their fitness journey. So, I did it and it was a HIT. Our spouses returned home and I went on hiatus, so they can enjoy the one-on-one time with them. I was a little nervous to start back up b/c I felt (feel) a little out of shape especially with the injuries I've had (foot/knee), I'm not a 100% but I'm working towards it. Luckily, today there was several familiar faces, friends of mine actually, no newbies (bummer), so it was a awesome atmosphere even with a little nervousness. We didn't snap any photo's during the bootcamp. But I snapped this one while waiting for them.

[8.28] Share a picture of something you love

My favorite four, I love them. They are the reason I work so hard, setting examples, making "healthier" meals, working out to stay active, so I can keep up with them. It makes me happy, so in turn, it will make them happy. Yes, I get crabby when I dont get a workout in somedays, I need a stress reviler. Regardless of that, I still love them. 

[8.28] Attend the Virtual Party

Healthy Choice: Spinach & Strawberry Salad.

Yummmayyy, Super Easy to Make

• Fresh Spinach
• Sliced Strawberries
• Almonds (or a Nut mix: sesame seeds, raisins, cashews)
• Balsamic Vinaigrette (I used the spray bottle with a few squirts)
• Just mix all the ingredients together and there you have it!

Dangerously Delicious Choice:

I'll bring my Margaritaville Machine, everyone loves Margarita's, right?

And, what goes perfect with Margarita's, CHIPS & HOMEMADE SALSA!!

• Can of Rotel
• Can of Diced Tomatoes
• Handful of Fresh Cilantro
• Few sprinkles of Garlic Powder
• Put all ingredients into blender to blend; EASY!!

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

Fit-Loving Ladies BOOTCAMP!

Hello, Tuesday!!
DEPLOYMENT began yesterday. 
BOOTCAMP started today.
I was anxious over the last few weeks, kept tweaking the routine, even last night I was dropping down w/the routine reps. I wanted something fresh, something that would be challenging but wouldn't hurt them. I shared a bowl of grits w/baby girl before we loaded up, in double jogger and walked to the lake. It's funny today was a "REST" Day on the Les Mills Pump Calendar; I needed a workout to help get these sore muscles stretched instead. 
This was P E R F E C T.

A few fabulous Navy Mama's got together and got our fitness on!!

The weather was PERFECT, Kids were HAPPY, and I felt a LITTLE rusty. I got down to business once we started and it came natural, even though my knee ached a little as did my hips (yesterday squats), I still got it done.

Today's Routine included:

• Warm Up
• Legs; Kneeling roundhouse kicks, hip extension & cross, jump squats..
• Arms; tricep dips n' kicks, triangle/scorpion pups,..
• Core; side plank w/alternating leg raise, planks, side winders, mtn clibmers, moutain climbers, russian twists..
• Cool Down; Walk around the lake 

[Using the great outdoors as our gym]

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

Day 19; Typical Day in my life

A typical day in my life. We are currently still on Summer Break and it's never one of the same days here. Usually I try to maintain a schedule, though. It get's a little crazier when husband is home. A lot more calm, when he is away. Here's goes it;

Morning; I wake myself up at 6:30. 
Get ready for the day. Go to my coffee. Show up online, blog a little. 
Squeeze in a workout, if it's on schedule. Get moving with cleaning, this or that.
Girls get moving/ready. Breakfast. Get our activities going, or head out the door, some times a morning walk/run/gym. Or a playdate/exploring new area/errands. 
(School Days) Get all 3 up & ready. Breakfast. Head to the bus stop. Then to gym/run/walk/playdate, or errands. We'll have Bootcamp and Moms Run This Town Runs when school is back in session.

Afternoon; Lunch then Naptime for the girls.
Jump into a workout or Spin. Dabble online. Get Crafty. Read. Clean. Laundry.
Catch up on the DVR. Relax. Organize. (School Days) Pick-up Girl from Bus Stop.

Evening; Let the Girls play (sometimes at park). (School Days) Homework.
Prepare Dinner. Dinner. Dishes. Kids play then Bathtime. A little more play (busy body activities) or clean-up. Bedtime. If I did't workout earlier, I jump into one at night. Laundry, there's always laundry going at my house. Get Crafty. Read. 

"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!!"

Fit-Loving Ladies LAUNCH!

Alright y'all, it's coming, it's coming quick!!

I'm that military wife, the one who's is getting "ready" for husband's 8 month deployment!!! 

• Our last Duty Station was Shore duty, for 3 years he was home ERRDAY!
• We packed out of housing end of May 2011, and us girls headed to TX 
• He had school in SD; 4 1/2 Months
• We drove from TX to WA Mid-October 2011
• He was home for ONE MONTH, before he flew out to meet the ship oversees
• He was on deployment for nearly 4 1/2 Months
• Homecoming March 2012
• Left Out to Sea for 5 weeks end of June.

Needless to say, it's been BUSSAYYYY for The Luna's!! And, I can't say I'm happy to see him leave again BUT I am ready to jump on a few goals to KEEP BUSY while he is away. Like, I've mentioned to other spouses. The key is to Stay Social & Active. And, if y'all have met me via FB, in person, Y'all know I like to keep busy, whether it's crafting, working out, playdates, etc...

So, in "keeping bussaaayyyy";

A few weeks ago, I joined a Local Running Group, Moms Run This Town, I'm STILL looking forward to meeting other Mother Runners, and plan to host weekly meetups with Military Spouses On/Off Base. Running has helped me lost baby weight. And, I love Running!!

Weight Loss Group, Moms Run This Town, other ladies on the weight loss journey local and afar, for support.

I became a FitFluential Ambassador, since I was already sharing my fitness journey via the blog. And, had been following other Amazing FitFluential's. I'm excited to represent!!

I've got a Binder FULL of upcoming Challenges for CLEAN EATING, yeppp, that's right!!

 It's getting CRAZYYYY!! About to hit another level on this fitness journey for myself; SO READY!! It's been months of research, notes & recipes; Whoop! Whoop!!

Started a FB Group, Fit-Loving Ladies (I had actually started it back in February but didn't "launch" it). This is for the LOCAL LADIES. I started a "BOOTCAMP" during deployment and it was on hiatus since the ship has been home. Now, I've got NEW locations, NEW routines, and looking forward to meeting new faces, giving these ladies a new challenge to find support, shed, tone, and keep busy with fitness during deployment. Let's get it done, Ladies!!

I'm going to miss my husband. The husband who will be "celebrating" 11 years of SERVING as a United States Sailor, later this month. The most Amazing Daddy. The Man, who truly values his time with his girls, and often, if not sometimes DAILY, tells me how he's going to miss them SO much. We'll be here waiting, things will be a little [A LOT] different when he returns and I'm BEYOND EXCITED to get moving/squashing these FITNESS GOALS in Running & Weight Loss/Toning!!!  

Stay tuned to the blog!

Let's do this!!!

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

Day 14; What If

Something you always think “what if?” about

Let's seee.....WHAT IF, I got up off my "NEW MOM/HUSBAND DEPLOYED" ASS to get FIT!?!

Well, Actually, I DID!!
I hung out w/a friend, we did Winsor Pilates, went on long walks with the girls.I even bought a single jogger and went on runs. It just wasn't enough. I "was" overwhelmed with the military lifestyle; moved to SD from HI, ONE MONTH before we welcomed out first daughter. Then husband deployed almost 6 months later for 6 months. First deployment with a child. I was just dealing with a lot and FITNESS was not on my top priority list. 

[9/10mths Post-Baby; 3 Girls]

I held on to that baby weight for nearly 3 years, not my proudest moment but I LEARNED!!
 And, got with it after my last 2 babies, reaching & surpassing pre-pregnancy weight.

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

Day 8; Worst Injury I've had

Question 8: Worst injury every had?


Aghhh, INJURIES SUCK!!!! Last summer, I was run, run, running, started P90X, maybe 233k 2/3.
 And then BAM, on a late night run, about 10minutes in, the genius in me decided to hit REPLAY on a song, without paying attention, landed on the cracked asphalt and ate it GOOD! As I went down I felt my[right]  foot twist, landed on the other knee, phone flying in front of me, catching myself on both hands. I was scared sh8tless and started immediately laughing while crying a little bit. WTF, just happened?!?! Crawled to my phone, and then to the curb, texting my husband. In the conversation, describing the pain, it seemed like I might of sprained my ankle. We laughed and he told me to call someone to pick me up since the walk wasn't so close. I refused and limped for 20minutes back to MIL's house! The next day it was swollen, and I braved walking to get my daughter registered for preschool, then back to MIL's to let it relax and iced. The following day I went into see the doctor, sure enough, I SPRAINED MY ANKLE, leaving it to heal for 7-8 weeks, NO RUNNING or PIVOTING!! I though my life was over, I know, the exaggeration!! Running had became natural to me, since I was back home, dealing with the tragic loss of my dad, and not seeing him when I went to visit my mom & siblings, really hurt. So, I'd run almost nightly, to deal with the pain. About a week or 2 later, I ordered a Spin Bike [another passion I love] and got busy with that.

My current injury, Plantar Fasiitis, it's a PAIN to deal with but I'm keeping at it. It started during Week ONE of Insanity, I was landing pretty hard and was driven to keep going but it wasn't looking pretty. Doc told me to stay off when need be, ice it, take pain revilers, ease off when I feel it, use a gel foot sole, don't start Insanity for a whole..bummer!!!  I've learned to pace myself, I ran my FIRST Half-Marathon See Jane Run last month, dealing with it, although, it didn't start aching until mile 8/9. It's been almost 7 weeks and I've struggled with the ups/down. I had to lay off of it all together early on. Fortunately, it's been (shhhh), way better lately....I'm one happy runner!!!

Whatever the injury is, I've learned that patience will get me through it, don't get me wrong, it's FRUSTRATING.


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

Day 7; Breaking through a plateau

Hey y'all!! 
Here we are, Week ONE; Day 7 of the Daily blogger challenge that Fitness Cheerleader has going on. 

How do you break through a plateau?

Good Question! I SWITCH up my routine as often as possible, I like to plan out my fitness calendar at least a month ahead. Sometimes, just weeks ahead, sometimes I do a spur of the moment workout to add it. I LOVE the variety I can do with my routine, especially since 95% is at HOME!! It proves to be most effective!

I have plenty of equipment to play with; Spin bike, BOSU, weights, Kettle bells, resistant bands, jumping rope, single and double jogger. I'm looking forward to adding MORE during the upcoming deployment. SO, the fitness journey is never boring. 

And, in my weight loss journey, the plauteau comes from crazy eating, the kind where I just don't pay attention to my meals. It's SUPER challenging when husband is around, because he LOVES to eat home-cooked meals, the DELICIOUS fatty stuff. When he is out to sea, it makes things EASY, i don't cook fatty meals, I don't buy this or that, I eat HEALTHIER. 


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

Day 6; Highs & Lows

Your highs and lows this past year?

Hmmm...I'm a little bummer about my LOW, gaining roughly 13lbs back. Never again, will I resort to birth control. Obviously, it's a precaution since we didn't want a surprise baby. I'd rather choose the other forms. It took A LOT from me, gaining 13 lbs is rough, I FELT it on my body vs. seeing it on the scale. 

That's one thing I've learned on my fitness journey, the scale doesn't own me. It's how I FEEL, and I feel it in my stomach area, hips and thighs. You know the fun parts. My husband could care less, he LOVES every inch of me, he loves the jiggly parts, he loves that I workout, even though, he always wants me to stay home when he sees me in workout gear (HAH).

Family Tree we made the night before he left for deployment, Nov 2011.

"Other things may change us, but we start and end with family"

Web Chatting while he is in Dubai

Washington 

HIGH, busting my booty, RUNNING/Working out with 3 little monsters in tow, and holding things down while husband is on deployment/out to sea, SUPER MAMA! (Don't get me wrong, it gets a little [A LOT] CRAZY) 

We moved to Washington (I LOVE IT HERE!) Mid-October he left a month later to meet this ship on deployment, returned in March, left for 2 weeks in April, left again for 5 Weeks at the end of June and will be leaving SOON for a 7/8 Month Deployment. Talk about BUSY, it sucks but that's how it goes!!


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

Fitness Friday!!

Another EARLY Start; Another Duty Day for husband!!


The Sunshine was out in WA, SO, we took it to the track early this morning, 8:30!!
Girls loved running around and exploring, and luckily it wasn't busy with other [military] folks. There was a few laps where Leanna (took a lap to herself) or Ailea ran alongside me, I also took turns "racing" with Leanna. Overall, I enjoyed it. So HAPPY, they were all in good moods, sometimes I'm not so lucky. Hah. I got myself 2 miles, paused a few times to attend to girls, and paced the "beginning" of an aching foot. It's safe to say, that I do need an insole for my right foot. I've worn 2 different running shoes (one pair doesn't have more than 30miles on it), one more supportive than the other and it's the same area that gets irritated. The doctor also recommended this when I went in to get it checked out. Bummer but doable!

Cruising in Style

Mama's Cheer Squad!

Go, Ailea, Go!

 Mama's got curves (hips) and a cute little runner next to her!

Here's what today's Fitness included;

• ‎1. 63 Mile Walk to/from track w/a stop at the park. 
• 2 Mile Run. 
• Day 2/3 of August Challenge; 28 Squats/17 Burpees/ 45 (20/25) Second Wall Sit.

My pretty little monsters out in the field & a Happy 2 Miles it was!

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