Workout and some treadmill running

It's been way too long since I've posted a workout, and for that, I am sorry! I'm up to teaching 6 classes per week, so my workouts have mainly been teaching my classes with a run thrown in here and there. This weather has put a serious cramp in my running because I really hate running on the treadmill. I'll run outside in the cold, but with the snow totals we've had, the sidewalks have been kind of non-existent. I was all dressed and ready to run this morning and then saw the freezing rain. That's just a little too much for me, honestly. Rain? I'll do it. Freezing rain? Get the hell outta here.

Snow days brought out our creativity, and Connor found a new love for coloring and play dough.

 

 

Yesterday we were still dealing with the clean up from almost a foot of snow, and my morning class was cancelled. After a snow day on Thursday, I needed to get out of the house, so I bundled Connor up and headed to the Y. I geared my self up (mentally) to get on the treadmill, which is one of my least favorite activities. Once I was going, I felt really good and did 4 miles. My mental capacity on the treadmill is usually 3 miles, so this was big! It's crazy how I can run really far outside, yet inside each minute drags on so slowly.

You might be wondering why I forced myself to get on the treadmill when I clearly dislike it. That really goes against everything I believe with working out. I'm a huge advocate for finding something you really enjoy, and sticking with it.

I love running outside which is why I am not a treadmill runner. A few months ago I signed up for the Philadelphia Love half marathon, which is on March 30th. I really haven't mentioned it here though because between the snow and teaching so many classes each week, I really haven't trained! This is also something that goes against everything I believe about working out! To say I'm a little nervous is an understatement. My longest run has been 6 miles last weekend. I felt great, so that combined with doing other workouts so often is making me think I'll be able to finish the race without a problem. Fingers crossed. The forecast looks like it should be warming up soon, so I still have time to get the long runs in there. I'm hoping to do 7 next weekend, and then add a mile each week to build up to 11 before I taper. Not a training schedule I'd recommend!

After my 4 miles I did a circuit of:

Bosu crunches- opposite hand to toe reach for 30 secs, switch sides
1 min plank holding sides of bosu
1 min ab cincher- forearms in plank position on round side of bosu, aim hips side to side while drawing belly button to spine
12 kettle bell snatches per arm

I repeated that twice and was done.

This week I'll be trying out a few more new recipes to keep on the Whole 30 plan, so look out for those! I have to say, the

 

Bring on fall!

Yesterday, I ran 5.2 miles and was dripping wet and miserable with the heat by the end. So ready for fall and cooler temps!

It's crazy to think that this time last year I was hugely pregnant and swollen. So much has changed this last year, all good things. We're less than a week away from Connor's first birthday party! Crazy.

This morning I was hoping for cooler weather, but no dice. My girlfriend Alia met me for six miles. Because it was so hot, I thought we should bring water, but I was out if water bottles. I've been meaning to buy a handheld water bottle for longer runs, but haven't gotten around to it. While rummaging around the cabinets for something that might work, I had an idea. Sippy cups are pretty much the same thing as the handheld water bottles meant for running. We filled two and brought them with us. 

We looked a little crazy, I'm sure, but I swear this might be the best thing I've ever thought of!

During the run, I saw a few other hints that fall is just around the corner.

One of my other fall favorites is now in stores, too.

Now, if the weather would just catch up with the scenery.

Earlier this week I did a quick workout that I enjoyed. It is very simple, which takes any thought out of what you're doing.

In total, you'll do 100 squat jumps and 5 minutes if plank. I know, that sounds pretty miserable, but when you break it up into 20 squat jumps and a 1 minute plank, it's easier. I alternated different variations of plank in between the jumps. After, I did an ab workout with scissor kicks, bicycle crunches, and jackknives.

Try it:

20 squat jumps

1 min high plank 

20 squat jumps

1 min low plank

20 squat jumps

1 min side plank R

20 squat jumps

1 min side plank L

20 squat jumps

1 min high plank with shoulder taps

Imposter!

Fortunately AND unfortunately, I'm a pretty loyal Lululemon customer. As I've said before, the clothes fit well, look great, and function as they should. It's important to me to look nice in workout clothes, because they also act as "real" clothes for me a lot of the time. The bad part is pretty obvious, Lulu is expensive. I usually don't feel guilty about buying the basics since I wear them SO often. It does add up though.

I read about a pair of Old Navy crops that people swore by. Apparently, many clothing companies are starting to mimic the design of Lululemon clothing. I have to say, these pants really match up. They are the printed compression crop.

Here they are on me:

Another company that has a slew of clothing almost identical to Lululemon is....Target! Who would've thought? I found running skirts with the same pleat detailing. I'm not really into them personally, but they really look so similar:

Pleated back

Lululemon running skirt

These shorts also are totally on point with my Lululemon speed shorts. They fit great, have the same hidden pocket details, and a cool contrasting back/front color. I got the gray and black version. See Lululemon's speed short here.

After my Target run (so happy to go to the Target in the city, it has a lot more than the one near me in the suburbs), I went to ZAKTi to train one of my favorite clients, Kristin. She did a really hard workout today that turned out to be a favorite of mine. I hope it was a favorite of hers too! Check it out below. I didn't tell her the "jog" listed at the top was actually a mile run. We repeated this twice, so 2 miles by then end, but I think it would be reasonable to do it 3 times if you have the time.

Oddyssey Half Marathon- Race Report

 I can now officially call myself a half marathoner! Sunday marked my first (I can already tell there will be more), and I really feel a great sense of accomplishment. Although I've been running for years, I never raced much. Running was strictly my cardio component, and I think that's why I hate such a love/hate (emphasis on the hate) relationship with it. Races have given me goals to work toward, and helped me focus my workout plans. I've always been big on planning workouts, just like I plan meals. If I went to the grocery store without a plan or list for the week, things would inevitably be messy. Too much of one thing and not enough of another. That's how I feel about workouts, too.

Sunday started early- 5 am. I wanted to give myself enough time to wake up, have coffee and breakfast, and get things ready for when Connor woke up. Coffee is a must before any morning run for me. Breakfast is always the same- a piece of whole grain bread with peanut butter and sliced banana.

My running buddy Alia picked me up at 6, and we were down to the start with more than enough time. The Oddyssey half marathon was a much smaller race than Broad St, so the lines to the port-a-potties weren't bad at all. We went twice before even starting, haha. Nerves were getting to us!

Pre-race shot 

Since this was a much smaller race, things started out somewhat crowded but spaced out a lot once we got going. We both use a running app on our phones, and we were both very surprised when they told us we were going at a 7:15-7:30 pace. Neither of us felt like we were running very fast at all, but since both of our apps said the same, I believe it. 

Around mile 2 there was a bathroom, and other runners said it was the only one for a few miles. We waited in line (which took much longer than expected), and kept going. Bathroom breaks were something that certainly affected our time. I'll just say that we both had babies this year...the pee breaks were necessary!

Some of the course took us along the MLK Drive and Kelly Drive, both locations that I frequently do my longer runs. That made me feel comfortable, since I already knew the terrain. It did surprise me that when we ventured into areas I didn't know, there were some serious hills. I guess I'm not familiar with them because I avoid those hills!

I knew Matt and Connor were stationed around mile 9, and it was such a great motivator to see them and know the race would be over pretty soon. We were both feeling really good at this point, and even Matt later commented that it seemed like we were just hanging out like normal, laughing and chatting as we ran. That's the great part about having someone to run with. Alia and I are a lot alike and can just talk about anything for awhile. That comes in handy when you're running 13 miles!

So happy to see my little man

A nice police officer took this for us

At this point, we were right before running over the Falls Bridge and back down MLK Drive to the Please Touch Museum (if you're familiar with Philly). 

I did start to struggle a bit at mile 11. We drank some energy drinks and I ate a few energy beans. I'm not sure if that was it, but I started having a few cramps. Once we hit the mile 12 sign I felt better. What was one more mile, anyway. Well, that last mile was a freaking hill! Seriously, who would do that? It felt a bit daunting to come around the bend, see the big hill, and then see most people walking up it. Ugh. 

Looking back at the race, I definitely felt prepared. There were some moments that I was feeling pretty tired, but I never had a "I can't do this anymore" feeling. To be honest, I don't think I'll do this particular race again next year. The hills weren't my favorite, and it was pretty expensive for a smaller race- $80. 

Alia and I are now planning our next race- most likely the Philadelphia half marathon in November! 

Happy Weekend!

Connor and I kicked it off with 4.6 miles. He had a great day yesterday; still sleeping through the night, and he was back to his 2 hr morning nap.

Well rested!

This weekend marks 2 big events- one of my best friend's bachelorette parties and my first night away from the baby. I'm so excited to spend time with my girlfriends and just relax. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about being away though!

Upcoming posts this week- half marathon training and my favorite workout wear.

Have a great weekend!

Teething babe

Well, this pretty much sums up how I feel after last night.



The biggest difference is that I certainly don't have any massage on the horizon!

I'd kind of like to erase yesterday's evening from memory. It started to really go downhill at 5 o'clock when I left to go teach. I always leave at 5 in order to deal with construction on the road before the gym...it's been backing up for 15-20 minutes consistently. Without traffic it would only take me 15-20 minutes door to door, but it's been bad lately. 

I knew I was in trouble when I hit MAJOR traffic on the highway. After sitting at a dead stop for about 20 minutes, and hearing the traffic report, I knew I wasn't going to make it on time for class. I called in, and they said it was covered. Since it was complete rush hour, it ended up taking forever for me to get home. Left at 5 and got home at 6:30. And I never got out of the car. Complete waste of time. 

Connor went to sleep as usual at 7. We gave him motrin (which I've heard can work even better than tylenol) because he was in some teething pain yesterday. At around 9 he woke up completely inconsolable, screaming, whimpering, bottom lip pushed out, and waving his hands frantically. Broke our hearts! After realizing he was not going back down without me, and not willing to let him cry it out, I brought him in bed with me. 

He spent about 20 minutes falling asleep- but only if my face was right next to his and he had free range of my face to poke and prod. God forbid I not allow him to shove his fingers up my nose. We slept like that until 3 am, when I was actually able to transfer him to the crib with only a little fussing- no actual crying, thank god. Connor woke up this morning around 7 and giggled/talked to himself until 7:30. 

Happy baby is back!

We're headed out for a run now, just about 3 miles. Now that we're almost at Broad St, I'm thinking of signing up for the Odyssey Half Marathon. It's in Philly and about a month out from Broad. I'll definitely update with that! 

Push it

Sometimes when you're doing a strength workout, you just need to add a little something to push it from the "sure it's challenging" category, to the struggling to catch your breath, knees trembling category.

In Tuesday's class we did just that by starting out each circuit with an intense strength and cardio move before beginning the circuit.

Here's an example of what we did, although you can change the moves to fit what YOU like to do. Although, it's usually the moves we don't like that push us the hardest.

Circuit 1- 20 jump switch lunges (start in a lunge with knees at 90 degree angles, jump up and land in the opposite leg lunge)

Circuit 2- 10 squat jumps/10 tuck jumps (jump up and bring both knees as high up as you can)

Circuit 3- 1 minute mountain climbers.

I tried on a few things at Lululemon, and am debating both purchases. My workout wardrobe is extensive, to say the least. I justify it with the fact that I can't look like a hot mess when I teach, AND I get a 15% discount at Lulu for being a fitness professional. That 15% really adds up, and if you combine it with something already on sale, well then it's pretty much free ;)

The first top doesn't look like that much from the front, but the back has a really cool vent that I like. This would be great for running. Last weekend I unintentionally got a little sun on my chest and shoulders. Having tops with more coverage for running would make things a lot easier, and I wouldn't have to worry about putting sunscreen all over.

Matt said it looked like surgery scrubs, sooo now I'm a little torn. This is the Run Silver Lining Shirt

  

I also tried on (and loved) the Street to Studio Jacket, but I already have something similar. My jacket was purchased a few years ago (obviously pre-baby) and is a little tight on the chest though, so I might have to go back and get this one.

I'm wearing my favorite Run Inspire Crop and Cool Racerback Tank. I wore the Cool Racerback tanks all throughout my pregnancy. They even come in an extra long length (for the bitter end where everything is too short). I really stretched out a few, but took them back into Lululemon for free hemming and had them taken up. 

Broad St Training

When I started training for the Broad St run, I knew that I couldn't stick to any seriously regimented training plan. Since I'm teaching two nights per week, I really can only squeeze in three runs per week without feeling like I'm over-doing it. My current workout schedule is teaching class (with weights) Tuesday and Thursday, and then my three runs are usually any days I can get them in.

I looked at Hal Higdon's half training program and have VERY loosely based my runs off of it. I do my long run on either Saturday or Sunday, usually a 3-4 mile run one day, and another 4-5 mile run.

This Saturday I went down to Kelly Drive to run the 8.5 mile loop with one of my favorite mamas, Alia. Our husbands grew up together, and we became close during our pregnancies (her second). She has a three year old little girl, and a 6 month old son. Motherhood is always one of the topics we discuss, especially when it comes to troubleshooting the babies. Sleep patterns, nap schedule, sleep training, and on and on.

Our run was really amazing. The weather was perfect, there was a ton to look at with different events happening, and we had a lot to chat about of course.

Right at the end, we picked up our pace a little bit for one last little burst of energy. 

Alia and I 

                                          

While I ran, Matt played golf, and my parents watched Connor. They had a great time seeing all his new tricks. 

Grandma and Connor

We took full advantage of the babysitting and headed out to dinner at Spasso in Media. Our rehearsal dinner was at the original Spasso in Old City, and it was nice to try the new location out. The food was great. We had a white bean and shrimp appetizer that was so good, I recreated it for dinner. I'll post that recipe soon. 

Drinks!

                                      

                                        

Fear

What holds you back from accomplishing your goals, or even attempting them? We can always blame schedules, time conflicts, too busy, too tired, but it almost always boils down to fear. Fear of failure. We've all failed at accomplishing a goal at some point. Whether it was getting down to a certain clothing size, running a faster mile, being able to run a mile, or starting to eat healthier. Don't let past failures make you feel defeated.



The best way to make a change to be a better YOU is to commit 100% and then be able to see the results- no matter how slowly they might seem. Changes take time!


















Consistency is key in making a change. If you're tackling healthy eating, think long term. No one is perfect, and of course there will be less than healthy moments. Remember- one bad meal isn't going to make you fat, just like one good meal isn't going to make you healthy.  



One big fear of mine during pregnancy was never being able to bounce back. I was convinced at around 8-9 months that my body would NEVER look the same. I may have complained to my husband about this- while eating ice cream on the couch! The truth is, things will change, but it doesn't have to be permanent. Getting your body back after pregnancy is hard, and will take time. But- it can be done.

Do NOT let fear foil your fitness goals!

Kicking the weekend off

With a run! The weather is SO beautiful today, I would be crazy not to take advantage and get out there for a run. The BOB tire was repaired last week, but after running with it again, the flat was back. The guy at the repair shop said there must've been another thorn in the tire that he missed. Grrr. We had it repaired AGAIN today, and as soon as we got home headed out for a run. 

We did 3.5 miles together. Well, I did 3.5 miles, Connor slept for 3.5 miles. 

I wore a new pair of Lululemon shorts I purchased a while back, but haven't worn yet. They are SHORT! I liked them while looking in the mirror, but I'm not going to lie, I felt a little exposed while running. Hopefully I didn't offend anyone, haha. If I didn't offend with leg, I certainly did with my glaringly white legs. Time to break out a little self tanner. 

You can see a bit of the shorts in this window shot. They're the Run: Speed Short. 

http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/women-shorts/Run-Speed-Short-32138?cc=10060&skuId=3481883&catId=women-shorts

Connor was still asleep when we got home, so I let him hang in the stroller for a little bit while I played on my phone.

Spring is here!

My running buddy post run.

This little guy makes me SO happy, and is the best running partner I've ever had.

Happy weekend! 

Saturday

Yesterday was a very busy day, but in a good way. My girlfriend Alison asked if I wanted to do a 10k, exactly 5 weeks before the Broad St 10 miler. It was a really good thing to do for race preparation. It might sound strange, but running 6.5 miles on your own is a lot different than running the same distance during a race. I think races help push you along because you typically feed off of the energy of other people. I did about 5.5 miles on the Wednesday before this race and felt awesome. No cramps, achy feet or ankles, it was great. Yesterday though, there were definitely a few moments where I struggled. The course was really beautiful and took me through suburban neighborhoods I'd never seen before. Absolutely beautiful houses. It also had a few hills that were long, steady upward grades. There was one right before mile 4 that actually made me walk for a few seconds before pushing through to the top. 

Broad St is mostly flat and even a little downhill, so hopefully I won't have any "moments" during that race!

I started off freezing, so the vest seemed like a great idea. 

I wanted to rip off that damn vest by the end of the race!

After I got home from the race, and Matt got home from golf (my mother in law was nice enough to watch the baby during that time), we decided to go out to an early dinner. For a few months, we've kind of felt trapped in terms of going out with C except for daytime outings. He has needed to nap so often, and really naps so much better in his crib that sometimes it just didn't seem worth going out. Now, he's getting to a point where he can stay up longer in between naps. We left for dinner at about 5, yup, early bird special. Or, happy hour. I guess those are two ways of looking at it. 

We went to the St. James in Ardmore, which is a new favorite. They're always very accommodating with the carseat/stroller. 

Apple Sangria

Photogenic little guy!

Daddy making C laugh

6 months is really just such an awesome age. People always tell me that he's so "good", and I agree, but I also think this age is just so fun! In total, we were there for about an hour and 45 minutes. He was happy the entire time. I even brought his dinner- steamed/pureed broccoli and oatmeal- and he sat on Matt's lap while I fed it to him. Broccoli is a new vegetable to him and really produces interesting faces :)

We got home just around C's bedtime, seven, and he went down very easily. 

Easter Sunday will be a busy day around here, we're hosting. I'm trying a few new recipes and will post them if they turn out well! 

What we've been up to lately

On Friday I went down to Kelly drive to do 5 miles with C. I've gotten really comfortable running with the BOB, and he seems to really like it. Doesn't really fall asleep, but likes to look out at the scenery. It's still harder to run with the stroller than without, so 5 miles really feels like a little more. 

Drexel's boathouse

I did finally go and get fitted for new running shoes. I went with Brooks and really love them so far. 

New Kicks

My Alma Mater's Boathouse

Our run was going great until about 2.5 miles in when it just started to feel REALLY hard. I thought at first maybe it was the wind, or just weight of the stroller, but knew after a few minutes that something was off. We stopped for a minute, and I realized our back right tire was flat. Why BOB, why?? At that point, I had 2 choices. Walk 2.5 miles back to the car which would obviously take a lot longer than running but would be exponentially easier than pushing a stroller with a flat. Or just suck it up and run. I chose the second option. Considered it extra training for Broad st. 

Let me tell you, those 2.5 miles were HARD. It felt like I was pushing the stroller through wet cement. The stroller also kept pulling toward the side with the flat, so I had to push to the other side to compensate while running. 

After we finished the run from hell (well, maybe that's an exaggeration) we went over to my girlfriend Beth's so our boys could hang out a little. 

C is VERY serious about his BFF

Yesterday we had 6 month pictures done, and some family pictures as well. I snapped this on my phone while the photographer was setting up. I can't wait to see the actual pictures!

Something else I've been up to is making baby food. It's honestly SO simple I can't really take credit for much. As we've been getting into the world of food beyond milk, I pick a veggie or fruit, offer it to him for 2-3 days and as long as there isn't any reaction, move on to the next. So far we've done butternut squash (he made a lot of faces at first, but I think it was more just a reaction to it being so different than milk or oatmeal), avocado (really likes it but did make him a little constipated), and apples (love). 

I just steam the fruit or vegetable and then puree using my immersion blender. Then I pop the puree into an ice cube tray and freeze overnight. The next day I put the cubes into freezer bags labeled with the date and contents. Last night I did apples and squash, so this week all I need to do is defrost cubes. I use 2 cubes as one serving. When we do avocado I just feed small pieces out of the shell. 

One warning with avocado- spitup for the rest of the day will be greenish and will stain clothing. Ew. 

Happy Monday!