My 5 Aspirations Training For A Marathon

Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.  

~T.S. Eliot

Workout: 

• 9km Long Slow Distance Run
•  30 minute Pilates & Yoga Stretching
  

This whole pursuit of training for a marathon has me pretty freaked out!!  It is just that feeling of the unknown makes me so nervous (because I am a control freak).  So I have been reading a ton of books, websites, blogs, etc. to figure out this marathon training thing.  It all sounds pretty straight forward, but when I sit back and actually think about running all those miles every week, I get so overwhelmed!!  So I have narrowed it down to 5 things that I will focus on for the upcoming season.

Going for a run in my new, spiffy compression sleeves.

1. Keep A Training Journal: This a great way for me to track my workouts/mileages each week as well as meal plans, so I can I know what worked and didn`t work.  I am particularly worried about staying on the top of the energy requirements for running long distances.  From what I have read, it all seems to be trial and error.
2. Get Some Professional Help: I think signing up with a local beginner marathon training group is a great idea.  Unfortunately, as I working mom with three kiddies, I don't have the time to join one.  However, there are a ton of resources on-line.  I recently purchases a beginner marathon program from the Runner's World website to get myself started. It only cost me $29.99 which I think it is a great price for a beginner like me!
3. Get The Right Gear: With the hours of running I will be doing in the upcoming weeks, I should not cheap out on my running gear.  Back in the day I worked at a local running store where I learned so much about the importance of well-fitted running shoes.  So my birthday treat from my hubby will be buying a good pair new runners.  In addition, having other things such as a heart rate monitor is also beneficial for setting my pace and ensure I am engaging the right energy systems.  There are other things such as GPS watches but these can be very expensive.  I have opted to buy MapMyRun on my phone instead of paying for a separate GPS.  It has been awesome for tracking my routes!
4. Have a Training Buddy For Support:  It may be difficult for me to find a running buddy among my friends since most of them think I am crazy for running a marathon.  Thank goodness for technology because I connect with many other runners on twitter chats such as RunChat and FitFluential.  A great way for me to get advise from other experienced from others as well as support for my progress.
5. Realistic Goals: Well since this is the only marathon I have ever done, my goal is to actually complete, even it takes me 5 hours!

YOU CAN FIND ME TRAINING AT

The Best Gift To A Mom - Kiddies Sleepover at Grandparents!

You can learn many things from children. How much patience you have, for instance. 

~Franklin P. Jones

All parents need a little chillaxing time here and then.  My children sleeping over at grandma's house can be the perfect remedy for a stressed out mommy, even if it is for only one day.  How many times do I get to relax outside on the deck in the morning to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee with no interruptions or screaming?  That would be almost never!!

So I am taking full advantage of this me time with my husband to soak in the sun on our new bistro patio set (my birthday gift)!

 A relaxing morning on the deck!

Speaking of birthday gifts, my 34th birthday is coming up on Monday.  It is sort of sad that at this point my life, I could really care less whether I celebrate my birthday with parties and presents, or not.  Don`t get me wrong, I am highly appreciative when someone gives me a gift and tells me a ``Happy Birthday``.  But I wouldn`t be upset if I didn`t get a big bash.  It is such funny how your priorities change when you become a parent that I am more excited for my children`s birthdays then my own.  I guess because the greatest gift anyway is having a family to share with it.  So instead of receiving birthday gifts, I just want to make birthdays wish (or wishes):

• To learn to relax and not stress over the little things
• To wish for myself and my family health and happiness
• In pursuit of my passions (fitness, nutrition, etc.) I will take in all in as a process and not beat myself up when all doesn`t go according to plan

Happy Weekend Everyone!

My May Squat & Green Shake 30-Day Challenge!

Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.  

~Winston Churchill

 So I have decided to do this May Squat Challenge.  Why you may ask??  I am actually not exactly sure, to be honest.  I guess it would be cool to tell people that I did 250 squats the other day :) But seriously, I think it would be fun as a way to complement my marathon training (and the fact that bikini season is just right around the corner).  I also feel that if I am having a busy day with family, work, etc, and can't fit in my workout routines, then this is something easy I can do from right from my home and will take me no more than a few minutes.  A perfect thing for a busy mom!  Hopefully, if all goes to plan, the end result will be sexy, strong legs!

 

I also decided to try this new vegan shake blend from Shakeology called GreenBerry.  I ordered this from the Team BeachBody site, that was highly recommended by my coach.  It has been hard for me to find the exact things I  want in a shake which includes a  blened of greens, digestive enzymes, as well as non-soy and non-dairy.  So I gave this a try this morning as my fast, healthy breakfast and it was suprisingly delicious.  I mixed this with frozen banana, strawberry and cold water.  I actually felt like I can do this whole green shake thing after all!  This is only the first day so we'll see how it all goes.

If you would like to join me on the squat challenge, join Team BeachBody for FREE and be my Buddy!  We can support and track each other's progress!

A Mother's Struggle to Eating a Clean Diet!

When we lose twenty pounds... we may be losing the twenty best pounds we have!  We may be losing the pounds that contain our genius, our humanity, our love and honesty.  

~Woody Allen

This is my video blog about the challenges I face eating clean while working as a full-time mommy.  I also have some great tips to share for all you mommies who struggle with this as well.

Review Tips To Becoming An Eat Clean Family:

1. Pack and organize meals the night before.
2. Prepare large meal sizes and freeze them for the week.
3. Make healthy quick meals; nothing too complicated.
   
   
   
   

   

   
   

Diaper Doo Doo's Are No Match For A Fit Mom!!

It sometimes happens, even in the best of families, that a baby is born.  This is not necessarily cause for alarm.  The important thing is to keep your wits about you and borrow some money. 

~Elinor Goulding Smith

I apologize if this blog post grosses out any non-parents out there.  In my blog title I mention Diaper Doo Doo's which is exactly what I am going to talk about.  So this past week was going to be the week of getting my life organized with house chores, fitness, and birthday parties.  Then out of no where, my almost 2 year old had to have the absolute worst dirty diapers all week then I have ever seen.  My husband and I joked that they were almost non-human!!  Anyways, these little poopy instances really affected my week of getting things together.  It seemed like the timings of his little accidents were at the worst possible times.   I can re-call 3 separate times where I was just getting ready to go for a workout, only to have to change out of my workout outfit due to his leaky pants.  As well, as soon as we were leaving to the house to get somewhere (and probably running behind) he would do it again!!  A few days I had to leave work early because he made a mess so many times in daycare that they didn't have any clothes left to put him in.  Honestly, the laundry was never-ending all week long!

On a cleaner note, our other child had a very special day.  Our little gal  will be 5 years old today.  She is such a special thing, and I am so thankful everyday that she is part of our family.  I have never known such a small person to have such a huge and gentle heart.  I am so proud of the little girl she is becoming, and also can't believe she is getting so big at the same time.

To celebrate, we went to our favourite local restaurant some delicious dinner.  After two tough workouts of Group Power and Group Centergy, I was so ready for this meal.  And the even better part of the meal was that there were no dirty diapers to tend to.  Happy Birthday to everyone!



Week 1 of Marathon Training- Training While Mothering

I always loved running... it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power.  You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs.  

 ~Jesse Owens

 My first week back at training was so hectic!!  I think all of my muscles in my body were crying for mercy by the end of the week!  Recovering while mothering when your are training is one of the hardest things.  I remember 10 years ago when I would workout hard for a couple hours then come home and spend my day in a warm soaking tub, then proceed to have a nap.  Now I am lucky if I can get a quiet, relaxing bath for 5 minutes without having someone knocking on the door because they need something.  And...good luck  if I can ever fit in a nap!  So I know I need to be patient with the progresses I make through the week because they won't be easy!

On a very exciting but nerve wracking note, I finally signed up for the Regina Queen City Marathon in September.  It has always been in the back of mind that I planned on running this race.  But when I finally did registered for it, I really thought I was going puke!!  A marathon is such as huge challenge and commitment.  My over achiever personality always likes to pursue big challenges, however, I am really nervous if I can actually train enough to prepare for this race.  Just thinking about it makes me feel like puking again!!

On a positive note, I talked with my Team BeachBody Coach and I am so excited to get started!  Training for marathons with the support I will get through fitness programs and nutrition from Team BeachBody will be an excellent combination.  My Shakeology is in the mail and I hope it gets here very soon because I am ready to begin!

ARE YOU READY FOR THE CHALLENGE??



New Fit Goals: Marathons & BeachBody #sweatpink #fitfluential #girlsgonesporty

When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.  

~Victor Frankl

It is finally sunglasses weather in Saskatchewan and I am happy! 

So now that I am out running again, I really want to focus on new goals for this season.  I was so upset last year when I trained so hard for the Rock n'Roll Las Vegas last year, only to have some health issues arise again.  I decided to take a few months off of exercise to heal and take better care of my body.  I believe that I had perfected my diet so much to the point where it was too strict.  Along with my intense exercise training, my body was probably reacting to not getting enough nutrients that I needed to sustain my routine.  So taking these last few months off was very therapeutic for me.  I learned to enjoy eating a variety of foods again, and not over analyzing every little thing I put into my mouth.  I also learned to enjoy having the odd cheat meal now and again and not beat myself up over it.



 

My Before BeachBody Pic.  See..there are some abs their somewhere :)

 



One of my biggest goals right now is to incorporate more weight training in to my routine.  I would really like to tone myself up a bit, especially my tummy.  It is not surprising that after having 3 kids, that my tummy would be a bit on the flabby side.  I am so proud that I had been able to carry 3 kiddies and I know that I may not get the 6-pack I had before having them.  But I have always took pride in my core fitness.  I may not get the wash board abs, but I want to try as best as I can!  So I have decided to recently join Team BeachBody as a participant and a health coach.  I joined this group for a few reasons: to keep me accountable to my goals and to help others achieve their goals as well.  I feel I have a lot of offer through my own experiences losing weight, as well as my background as an Exercise Therapist.  I want to help coach those towards their goals, whatever that might be.  It could be losing those few extra pounds, getting in shape, or preparing for an event.  Sometimes we just all need a little coaching now and again.  Even for myself who is highly motivated with my fitness, I could always use encouragement.  I have researched this site a few times and I am so excited to get this started, today!

 

In addition, I have always really wanted to run a marathon but have been too scared to do it.  It is not necessarily because of how I will think I will feel during the race, it is more that I am afraid that I will come in last!  I think I will sign myself up again for the Rock n'Roll Las Vegas Marathon in November.  If I did come in last, at least I am in another country and nobody knows me (LOL)!

 

 

If you want to join me on my BeachBody Team and we can support each other together towards our fitness and wellness goals, please visit my team page!

 



The Winter Blues In April!!!! #sweatpink #fitfluential #girlsgonesporty

Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.  

~Henry Ford

 Just started raining on my run :(

I usually find myself to be a very positive person, but this much snow and cold weather in April is way too much!!!  I have been so down on myself this season for not getting the miles I want to run each week.  But with the brutal weather outside...I just don't feel motivated to get out!  I finally had the ambition to go out for a run last Saturday, since I hadn't gotten one in all last week.  Then, of course, when I finally decided to head out the door it started to rain and snow.  I felt like screaming, "SCREW YOU, SNOW"!  However, I will say that it was the best ran I had had in weeks.  Even though my iPod that was recording my pace died part way through, I think I did pretty well.  Probably because I was so mad that it took my mind off my actual run.

Overlooking the river bank

The best part of the run was coming home to warm meal.  Then I took a hot bath and relaxed in bed for about 30 mins.  As a mom, this was the best mommy time I had had all week as well.  I am so fortunate to have such a supportive husband because I really needed this time today!

Mashed Cauliflower, Steamed Carrots & Oven Roasted Chicken

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