Sponsored Blog Posts

Hi!

Yesterday was a run rest day and suppose to be a cross training day but I think you can see where that is going.  I actually stopped doing any cross training for the last couple of months because I was starting to get overwhelmed with fitting everything in.  I was trying to do way too much along with my running routine and it was a little ridiculous.  Now I am realizing that running is my heart and where I want 90% of my fitness to go and I'll cross train once per week to help avoid injury.  Before this realization I was attempting to do 30 miles per week along with 3 days of cross training which is much more of a time commitment than I have available.  I would rather be able to run further in the morning then cut it short because I have to get in my cross training too.  I also know that if I am not up before the girls to run or cross train than I can forget about it for the rest of the day.  Yesterday I made the mistake of hitting snooze and ended up bagging it, whomp whomp.  I currently wake up at 5:30 and will probably start moving that up to 5:00 soon because that extra 30 minutes in the morning would be really beneficial.  Like most of you with kids you know that once they are up and running it becomes almost impossible to accomplish anything else.  The lesson learned from yesterday is that I can't hit snooze!

I feel like we need a cute picture after all that brain purging 

I read quite a few blogs before starting my own and continue to read even more I find along the way.  The blogs that I really enjoy are the ones that are running centered and I feel a connection with the writer.  Some of the blogs I have read for a while are starting to take a different direction and I am finding myself more and more turned off from reading them.  I understand that everyone needs to make a living and I am all about vouching for products and companies that I really love too but sometimes it can be a bit much.  

    I love my Mizunos! 

 There are many bloggers who have a good balance of sponsored posts versus everyday posts.  I enjoy a sponsored post every now and then but feel there is a fine line.  When the product makes sense to the blog and their reader then I can really appreciate the information.  When the product is completely random and doesn't have any value to the blog's reader I find myself annoyed.  It has really got me thinking about where I want to take my blog and what I am comfortable with in regard to sponsored posts, ads, etc.  There was a lot of sessions covering this topic at Fitbloggin' and I learned quite a bit about the business side of blogging and working with brands.  Since I have recently started receiving inquires from companies about giveaways and talking about their products on my blog the conference could not have came at a better time.  Granted there are certain brands out there I have some mad love for and I'll pimp their product with our without any sort of incentive.  If I believe in a product or company I am going to talk about them and give them credit where credit is due.  

Pro Compression Marathon socks are the bomb diggity!

Will you see sponsored posts on my blog from time to time, yes, but they will be from companies that I hold in high regard.  There are certain products and companies I already know will not make an appearance on my blog and I love that I have the freedom to make that choice.  Honestly what I want more than anything from my blog is to create a place of motivation and inspiration for everyone.  I have written this blog for almost 2 years and have never received a dime for it, I really just enjoy writing and sharing my running experiences with anyone who wants to read it.  My ultimate dream and hopefully my eventual reality is to be working as a (paid) freelance writer and one day publish a book.  I have a lot of time to accomplish my goals and right now my current focus are my girls and my family, and running! 

I really value your opinion, which is why I am asking!

              

How do you feel about reading sponsored posts? 

Do side bar ads on a blog bug you or do you even notice? 

Are there any topics in particular you would like to see covered? 

Wear Sunscreen

Good morning!  

My run this morning was so good, not because it was fast or long but because I just let myself enjoy it.  I headed out at 6:00 and did an easy 5 miles.  Everyone I passed this morning had a smile on their face and it put me in such a good mood.  

Yesterday was a run rest day but I got back together with Chalean and I could tell she missed me.  I actually sat down on Sunday and mapped out my workouts and runs this week so I feel so much organized in that area.  I know I am always harping on this but get up in the morning to get your workout in, you'll never regret it.  Now that the girls are in preschool I thought I would wait and do my runs during that time but I switched it up this morning and I am so glad that I did.  Now I have a free moment to hang out with you guys!  

We had the most beautiful weather yesterday and I had to share the view from our neighborhood of Mt. Hood on a clear day.  We were only away from home for 3 months but coming back in the heart of Oregon spring time is happiness overload.  

{Instagram Pic}

    

I broke a sweat putting our backyard back together after putting everything away for the winter.  Why do bags of sand have to weigh so much?!  Thank goodness for my trustee wheelbarrow.  

The girls helped me bring out all of the cushions for our patio furniture, they were so excited to be helping me!  Lets hope that lasts for say...another 13 years?  I am doing something different this year for flowers and bought some wildflower mix to plant, it says it will attract humming birds and butterflies, wonder if they can do anything about rainbows. 

Okay I am going to say it just one more time, I am so happy to be HOME!  I am a homebody, I really enjoy my little cottage.  Being a SAHM is such a blessing and I am so grateful to be back home where me and the girls can really make the most of it.  Go out there today and do something that makes you happy too, even if it is just a little cup with a green straw.  :)  

Are you a homebody like me? 

Do you have a favorite season?  

What is your favorite form of strength training? 

- At home I love Chalean if I am going to a gym or studio I love Barre classes  

Happy Pi Day!

Good morning!  

We are in the final weeks of our time here in Michigan and it is going to fly by, it is already Thursday?!  I had to recheck my calendar twice today to confirm this news.  Plus it isn't just a regular Thursday, oh no, today is Pi day, 3.14!  The only reason I know this is because I married Jess and he is all things nerd.  

Case Closed


A friend posted this on FB, couldn't resist! 


My runs lately have been pretty basic, I ran 6 miles Tuesday night and 6.5 last night.  I haven't done any speed work this week because I am trying to just feel better all around.

I thought it would be cool to run 3 different time yesterday!  Kidding, my iPod was being really weird and kept stopping my run.  As you can see I had to restart it 3 times...I love my iPod but it needs to cooperate with me better if it wants to stick around.  

It has been over a week since I got that nasty virus and it just seems to be hanging around.  My stomach is still really sensitive and never really settles down.  I was thinking before I got sick that I might have an allergy to dairy and I am starting to see a correlation.  So starting today I am going to be cutting back on my dairy, luckily I switched to So Delicious Coconut Milk Creamer a while ago.

Old pic, not actually home, I miss you home!

I can't have my coffee without cream, it just isn't right.  I usually drink my coffee before I eat anything and lately that has been really upsetting too, so now I'll try eating BEFORE my beloved coffee.  I don't like change especially when it relates to my food, hopefully we'll all make it through this challenging time.

I am prepping myself to run 13 miles on the treadmill tonight.  It'll be another milestone on the treadmill for me and I am excited to conquer it.  I am suppose to run it Friday or Saturday but with my race on Sunday I want to give my legs a couple days to rest up.  I missed my long run last week and I don't feel comfortable totally skipping another one.  I need to make sure I start up with my cross training again next week, no excuses!  I know for certain that doing those exercises 3-4 times a week will keep me from injury and only improve my running, why wouldn't I do it?!  Looking forward to taking Barre or TRX again!  Now I am rambling, but one more thing before I go!

Remember when I use to talk about Project Life and getting caught up and blah blah blah.  I haven't done anything but open up the picture folder on my computer, get overwhelmed and walk away.  Becky Higgins' advice is that you should just start at the present and when you have a free minute work on the stuff you have missed.  So that is what I am going to do, I am going to start with March 2013 and I'll work back whenever I have a little time.  My albums mean a lot to me and I get a lot of joy out of working in them and staying caught up.  I love having these memories to look back on of our day to day life and I don't want to much of it to get away from me.  My goal is to start in the present with my Project Life album and share it with you once a month.  Accountability is key to everything in my life.

Do you do any journaling or scrapbooking?

Any fellow peeps with food allergies out there?!  

Are you racing this weekend?  

Importance of Cross Training

Good morning!  

It has been cross training city around here this week!  Jess has a lot going on with work this week and since we are in Michigan solo I don't have the opportunity to get out for a run.  I cannot express enough how grateful I am for my treadmill at home.  It might be on the sadder side of the treadmill scale but it gets the job done!  I won't be able to run again until Friday but I am totally OK with that because I am using the time to catch up with my good friend Chalene.  

When I first started running I never saw the need for lifting weights or doing anything extra.  I just wanted to go out there and run come home and be done.  While running did help me lose those the last few pounds, it was my strength training that actually changed my body.  A friend of Katie's had just completed 60 days of Chalean and her transformation was just amazing.  I wanted to see results like that and so I took the plunge and ordered the program.  I've talked about my results here and I have recently restarted another 90 days.  I want to see more changes and with spring and summer right around the corner and I want to be ready.  

Strength training is vital to becoming a stronger and healthier runner.  Building core muscles and strengthening your legs and back are going to help you avoid an injury.  I cross train at least 3 times a week and an ideal week will include 4 cross training sessions of some sort.  My newest obsession are Barre workouts, that class works muscles I never even knew I had!  I love to be sore after a great strength training session, I know I am super weird.  I can feel the difference in my stamina when I run as I get stronger and I feel like I can hold myself up better with the longer mileage.  Another reason cross training has become more and more of something I enjoy is because I can do it anywhere.  Sometimes I can't always get out for a run because I honestly just don't have any way to do it.  My husband has a demanding job, he has to travel quite a bit and I am the main care taker of our kids.  With that comes some finagling in my organization.  While nothing can ever replace the feeling I get from running I am glad I can at least do something when I am home bound with the girls.  Plus as the girls get older they have actually started to do the videos with me and get a kick out of all of the funny moves.  

I have been saying it since the beginning of the year, but honestly I just don't want to hear excuses.  I especially don't want to hear them from myself.  Don't make up a bunch of excuses as to why you can't strength train or don't have time or whatever.  Make time, if you want something bad enough and you are done with the current state of your body then do something about it.  Nobody but you can make the changes and you have to start somewhere.  Muscle is going to change the way you look and I don't know anybody who doesn't look good with some muscle on their body.  With that being said its time for me to do my Burn 2 before we head to Jungle Java!  Sounds like an interesting place...I hope the java is good!          

What is your favorite way to strength train?  

How many times a week do you schedule your strength training? 

Running Watches

Hi!

I went to Wednesday night with everything laid out for my morning run...and I guess never set my alarm, fail!  So my Valentines gift to myself was a run rest day which will just had me in better shape for today's early wake up call.  I was at the gym by 5:45 , no excuses right?!  It needed to get done to stay on track for my training and also my sanity.  I was a little apprehensive that I wouldn't be able to commit and wouldn't get the 5 miles that was required but I did it!  It was the furthest I've ran on a treadmill and I really enjoyed the ladder speed work.  I ran out of time to get my cross training done so I am going to do CLX Intervals after the girls have breakfast.  I spared you a face shot, not much sleep add in bad lighting and sweaty red face, I mean really, who needs to see that?

We had lunch with Daddy yesterday and we both have decided to stick with places we know.  We aren't picky but if we are going to spend money to eat out we want it to be good, simple.  Can you tell by the look on their faces how much they love the food?  

Probably stick with ice cream, you really can't go wrong!

Actually that is a lie...Sonic has awful ice cream.  Sorry Sonic lovers, their other food is good!

I really tried to think of something delicious and special for dinner last night but after circling the store 3 times all I could come up with was dessert.  Chocolate fondue sounded amazing and thanks to the modern age I was able to look up an easy recipe and be on our way.  

{Instagram RunDaniellaRun} 

So I feel sort of like a tool and not a very useful tool.  Jess is so sweet and bought me the Garmin 610 from Costco for Valentines Day, I know right?!  I returned it before lunch yesterday morning, boo.  I was so excited when I opened it yesterday morning, he knows I have been thinking about watches and saw the 610 at Costco.  Honestly it is just way to much watch for this 11 min average girl right now.  Unless the watch can chisel my abs while I sleep I can't justify the $400 price tag, ouch!  But now it has me thinking about watches again and what I want/need in a watch and what am I willing to spend.  If you are looking into running/biking/swimming gear of any sort I highly recommend this guy's blog, he has SO MUCH information.  It helped me come to the conclusion that I don't need the 610 and also that I may be ready to upgrade from the Nike+ app. I love the Nike+ app and the website where I can keep track of my runs and see where I am at in relation to my friends.  I know that Nike has some watches they've come out with recently that I am going to research along with the Garmin Forerunner 10.  

Some of the features I would like in a watch if I do decide to buy one are: 

- Ability to be used indoors and outdoors.  I like to do my speed work on the treadmill since I am still learning how to keep a steady pace.  I know some of the Garmin's are solely GPS and won't work inside on a treadmill.

- It shouldn't matter but I want it to be cute.  If I am going to spend money on something I want to LOVE it and in order for me to love it I want it to be a color that I love.  Yes sometimes I buy shoes based on their color, probably why I love Mizuno.  

- I need it to help keep me on pace during a race.  This is the problem I run into with my Nike+ app on my iPod, I will check my pace during a run and its rarely accurate.  This didn't bother me when I first started running because I used it mainly to track my mileage.  Now that I am moving into a new stage of running my pacing is becoming important to me.     

Luckily these are all first world problems :)  I will share any information I find on the different options out there.  For now my iPod will work just fine and I'll just keep re-calibrating the darn thing every other run.  

What do you use to keep track of your runs?

Do you have a long run planned for this weekend? 

- I don't have a very long run but I am working on mapping out my 8 miles for tomorrow morning.  I don't want to do it on the treadmill so I am going to bundle up and just head out when the sun comes up. 

If you have any opinions you want to share on running watches don't be shy!  

  

     

Personal Pep Talk

Good morning! 

Finished my 3 miles and CLX Burn 1 this morning.  While I was on the treadmill I heard that the Pope is going to resign at the end of the month, crazy!  I should know this, but has a Pope ever resigned before, just seems odd to me I guess.  Anyway back to what you came here for, running!  I couldn't fall asleep for anything last night, I know I was up till 11:30 since that was the last time I looked at the time.  I kept telling my brain that you can keep going all you want but when my alarm goes off in the morning I am getting up and getting it done.  I was not going to bail the first day in because I was self sabotaging, so it'll be a lot of coffee this morning.  

Do you ever syke (sp?) yourself out when you are starting a new challenge or goal?  I do all the time, I have this negative voice in my head telling me why bother, its not a big deal.  But it is a big deal to me and I am learning to ignore that voice and its becoming quieter and quieter.  I do it with food too I will completely throw away a hard workout for a bowl of ice cream.  Life is all about the choices we make and I am working on choosing to put myself as a priority.  I can get where I want to be in my running as long as I put in the work, I don't want to sit on the sidelines anymore and just wish I was faster and stronger.  If you want something you have to go for it and when things get in your way you knock them over.  We all deserve to go after what we want and right now I want to become a better runner.  A better runner doesn't mean a fast runner, but a runner who commits to the work needed to improve and doesn't make excuses.  

I think I am so sick of excuses right now because I have been making them for so long.  I sit back and watch other people work towards their goals and achieve some great things and I make excuses as to why that isn't me. It isn't me because I am not putting the work into it to make it happen for me that is why!  I am the only one in my way and it is time I move over so I can start getting where I want to be both as a runner and also as a writer.  The moment I realized it was MY fault I wasn't where I wanted to be it was like I had all the power back.  So today I am working towards no more excuses and my first step was pulling myself out of bed this morning to get to the gym before 6.  I saw yesterday that MsFitRunner had run her 17 mile long run in her living room on the treadmill while her kids were running around.  That showed me something and made me ask myself why I make so many excuses?  So thank you MsFitRunner, you lit a fire under me and I am done making those lame excuses.  You really should check out MsFitRunner's Blog, this girl has the drive!   

You want it?  Go get it!  

Tall Drink of Water

Happy Sunday to you!  

I hope you all are enjoying your weekend, we got dumped on with snow Friday morning and have stayed cleared through the weekend.  Looks like most of the East Coast caught the storm, I was even able to run outside yesterday!  It felt so good to get out in the fresh air, I didn't worry about pace and just ran what felt comfortable.  This morning I went to Barre Boot Camp, which by the way all feel like boot camp to me...is there really a difference?  Is there an "easier" class I keep missing because that sucker is no joke.      

Yesterday was also the Virtual Run for Sherry and I thought about her most of my run.  It is so important in your life to be grateful because the more blessings you count the harder it is to give much attention to negativity.  I ran by myself but I felt connected to the community of runners out there all supporting Sherry.  It will stay in my memory as a favorite run for sure!

After my run and the marathon of getting 3 women ready to go out in the world I was ready for a drink!

Of water.  We went to the Box Bar in Old Town Plymouth and they brought everyone's drinks out in these pitchers.  At first when I sat down I thought the lady in the booth next to our was just really thirsty and a regular...nope.  Although I am not complaining because its nice to not have to have your water cup refilled 4 times, saves everyone a little embarrassment.  What?  I get thirsty.  Speaking of being thirsty, tomorrow I start "officially" training for a PR in the RnR Half.  That transition was suppose to be funny, like I am so thirsty to PR!  OK I'll drop it.  

This Week's Set Up 

Monday - Run easy 3, CLX Burn 1 

Tuesday - Tempo Run 

Wednesday - Burn 2 

Thursday - 5 mile Ladder Run (sounds scary!)

Friday - Run 3, Burn 3 

Saturday - Long Run

Sunday - Barre Bootcamp  

This first week isn't so bad, actually I don't think any of it will be terrible.  I am looking forward to having an actual plan with my running.  I am usually much more of a free spirit but that won't get me to a PR and I would be so happy with a PR at this half.  

I should probably do Jess a favor and get out of my workout clothes from this morning, but before I bid you farewell one more thing!  Tonight was our Sunday family movie night so I have to leave you with a dose of cuteness.  

Sleeping kids are so sweet.  Even though this short little 20 minute nap during the movie is going to keep her up till 10 I am sure of it :) 

Do you have any races on the calendar?  Race season is gearing up!  

Do you set up a workout schedule for the upcoming week?

Do you order soda when you go to a restaurant?  

Sometimes I'll get a diet, but paying almost $3 for a fountain drink is tough to swallow! 

Weekly Set Up

Good morning!  

It was an early one for me I was up by 5 and in the gym by 5:30, I never thought those word would come out of my mouth.  I always figured 5:30 would be the earliest I could ever get up.  I did 3 miles and Burn 2 and I can really tell how much I need my strength training.  I like to think to myself I don't need it and I can just run and be fine, but logically I know how important it really is.  Now if I can just get mind around the fact I need to foam roll.  

Saturday I went into the gym to get in some miles and do my Chalean.  It was really cold in there and I thought about just wearing my Uggs to work out. 

I decided to go with my Mizunos instead, better foot support.  

Helloooo Thighs! 

I finally got a chance to sit and read through my Runners World magazine and was so excited to find this little piece of information.  

I have always wondered how Miles Per Hour and Miles Per Minute calculated on the treadmill.  I have been running 5.0-5.5 most mornings so that explains my continual ride in 12 minute pace land.  I am ready to work into the 6.0 territory, we'll see if I can get there or not.  I've been doing my last half mile or so at a 6.0 so that is a start.  I had originally thought I would work towards getting fast in 2013 but life happened so while I still want to work on my pacing I am focusing mainly on maintaining a good level of overall fitness.

    

That is where my personal trainer Chalean comes into play!  I felt I had some of my best runs and was in my best physical shape while I was doing Chalean.  For me it was a good investment because I know I will continue to come back to it for my base strength training for a long time.  At home I have a set of weights that work great and I am grateful I can bring my laptop to the gym here and use their weights.  I would recommend to any fellow travelers to bring a set (or even just 1) of resistance bands.  Those bands create a lot of resistance and you can get a great workout with those suckers.  There are a lot of excuses for why you can't workout and get healthy, but its up to you to rise above them and work towards your goals.  

Remember 23 years ago when I would share my weekly set up with all of you?  I decided it was time to get back to that because having a schedule for anything in life is key to creating success.  I am all about getting the most out of my days and I always jot down my week either Sunday night or Monday morning.  For me personally it is a great way to keep your life organized and make long term goals attainable.

This Week's Set Up 

Monday - Run 3 Miles, CLX Burn 2 - DONE 

Tuesday - Run, Goal is working up to 5 mi on the mill' *Barre* 

Wednesday - Run, Burn 3   

Thursday - Run, CLX Abs *Barre*

Friday - Run, Burn 1 (Week 2) 

Saturday/Sunday right now are up in the air.  With Jesse's current job situation I have to be flexible because he is my only childcare.  If I don't get into the gym it'll be CLX Burn it Off and/or Recharge.  The same goes with when I can get to my Barre class, my plan is do Barre at least once a week but it will depend on Jesse's situation at work that decides which night I go.  Be flexible, seriously, being flexible is key to keeping sane.  For myself with small children and a husband whose job is very important to him and our livelihood I try to be as flexible as I can be.  I didn't always use to be this way, I can tell you it didn't make me a very happy person.  I always write everything in my planner in pencil because I know how easily life changes and I need to be able to erase and readjust for our current situation   

I hope you all have a really great week, it is up to you how much or how you little you do this week.   How do you want to feel come Friday?

- Do you keep an old school pen and paper planner like me or are you much more tech savvy?

- What is your goal this week?  

Mine is getting to 5 miles on the treadmill 

- Do you consider yourself flexible?  

I am constantly working on it, its not fun for me to be a control freak   

What's Trending, Blue Carpet

Hi! 

This morning I finally found my way into the gym and ran about 3 miles.  I have to say I am pretty impressed with the gym at Jesse's office, its really clean and has a lot of equipment.  

It only takes about 5 minutes to get to his office which is a huge change from his usual 45-60 minute commute back in Oregon.  There was one other person using a stationary bike and I had my pick of treadmills.  I tried two different mills' because one was closer to the TV and I thought I would be able to see it better.  I decided that just wasn't working out because it wasn't close enough to the fan and I was dying from heat.  I ended up closer to the fan and just used Netflix on my phone which passed the time a lot easier than craning my neck to watch the TV.  Seriously my problems...1st world much?!

  They have a full weight rack and some private rooms where I can do my Chalean which is exciting!  A friend of mine suggested I just bring my laptop with me to do Chalean, which was genius.  Luckily there is a private space to do it otherwise I might not be to keen on the idea.  I did my workout yesterday morning in the living room and it worked just fine, plenty of room.  I only have a set of 5 lb weights here which will be fine for the days where I just didn't make it to the gym.  

Can you spot the pug?  Or are you just in to much awe over the blue carpet?  

  So I have found my motivation to get back to my running and cross training...now if I can find my motivation to cut the sugar.  Perhaps the newly found adult acne can push me in the right direction!  I kid you not I have a new zit on almost a daily basis, just as one clears up another pops up somewhere else.  I know its because of my poor food choices of late so I just need to cut back on all of the treats.  I've been giving myself a lot of wiggle room lately because of the relocation and the holidays, but seriously enough is enough!  

Do you notice your hair and skin are affected by what you are eating?  

-Since I cut out sugar most of last year and recently started to introduce it again it hasn't been pretty.  Literally, adult acne is not pretty. 

Are you embarrassed to do strength work in front of people? 

Anyone else craving some sun this winter?!  I would love a getaway to somewhere sunny right about now! 

Time to Start Training Again!

Hi! 

Its time to start getting back into training mode which is exciting and nerve racking.  I bought Train Like A  Mother and I am following their Marathon: Finish It plan.  I am doing most of the training this time solo with the exception of a few longer runs with Katie.  She has a new schedule and now has to work on our regular group run day.  Since I live a good 30-40 minutes from the group runs I'll probably do most of it on my own.    I am making a few adjustments to the plan but I am going to plan on 4 days of running along with 3-4 days of cross training.  Its a 20 week plan so that'll put me on target for spring marathon season, woop!  

I am excited to collect more of these pictures in 2013!

This morning I started another 90 days of Chalean which wasn't as easy as I thought it would be.  I guess taking time off isn't always the best idea!  I was all wobbly and couldn't lift very heavy but I am glad to be back in my routine again.  I didn't want to wait till after Christmas because I know that longer you stay off your routine it only gets harder to start up again.  I am glad I took the break though because now I feel motivated and refreshed instead of burnt out.

  

Hello ladies, I am back! 

If your from the Portland area you should try and come to Sherwood's 1st Friday Holiday Run this Friday the 7th at 5:00 pm.  We are meeting in Old Town at Symposium to do an easy 3-5 mile run and then afterwards enjoying all that 1st Friday has to offer.  I hope to see you there! 

Do you ever take breaks from your regular workout routines?  

Do you have a training plan for your upcoming races or just wing it?

Cooookie Monster Num Num Num!

Hi! I finally was able to pick up my new weight set today!  What did I finally end up getting you ask?!  Drum roll please.....

The Target brand weights.  These are so 1987 I know, but they went up to 30 lbs and I really want heavy weights when I do the squats, etc.  12.5 just didn't feel like it would heavy enough to get the job done.  So these aren't as cool as the ones I thought I would get, but they have more weight options.  Plus they were less than $50 so it was a pretty easy choice!  Now to figure out the assembly...I really shouldn't be allowed to make decisions on my own.  Honestly, I am surprised I am left alone all day with the girls.

I also grabbed some bars to keep in my car so I don't go through the fiasco I did yesterday.  

Those Chocolate Dipped Coconut bars are calling my name!  Don't you love when you see that red sticker on something you love at Target.  Its the little things.  

 Once I got home I couldn't handle the disaster that was my fridge.  After it was cleaned up I didn't have a home for the refrigerated cookie dough, so I was forced to make them.  

The husband comes home tonight from Detroit so I saved him 3...hopefully I don't spiral out of control and eat them before he walks in the door.  I have nothing if I don't have self control, BAHAHA...right.  

Do you organize your fridge?  Where do you keep all of the condiments?  

- I seriously need a fridge just for condiments and all of Jesse's hot sauces.  

ChaLEAN

Hi!  I hope your all having a great Monday!  I thought I would share some of my thoughts on the ChaLEAN program since I am finally getting to my first 30 days and I can give you some feedback.  So far I really love it!  I actually look forward to the workouts and never thought lifting weights to build muscle would be something I would ever want to do.  I currently use 3, 5 & 8 pound weights which is nothing to brag about, but let me tell you it gets the job done.  I am going to eventually bump up to 10 and 12 pound weights but that might come with the final 30 days, we'll see what I can do then.  This program definitely makes you want to push yourself!

Do you see the little timer in the bottom right hand of the screen?  That little box tells you the next move and how much time is left in the workout, which is something I really like personally.  I like to turn on a DVD and know exactly how much time I am going to need to wrap it up.  

All of the workouts involve multiple moves, they aren't just stationary.  Chalean really emphasizes how important it is to do each routine with controlled slow movement.  She is really good about showing you proper form and how it should be feeling so you know you are doing right.

I am really happy that I ordered ChaLEAN and I am starting to see the results that I was looking for.  I can feel my body changing which is really exciting.  Plus it is amazing cross training for my marathon training.  Another part of the program that I really enjoy is that it hardly requires you to lay on the ground and do crunches.  I don't know about you, but I seriously hate ab work.  Blah.  There is a short 10-15 minute workout that you do once or twice a week that and it is hard don't be wrong, but its short and manageable.  To be honest though, I feel most of my core work after the Burn DVDs not the Ab DVDs, but that might just be me!  

I am really excited to see what 90 days brings me.  Between this program and my marathon training by October I am going to feel like a new person!  FitFluential just posted this picture on their FB page and I had to share it because I 100% agree.  Also you should check out my friend's blog, her name is Amanda and you can see her results and what she thinks about the workouts.  

   

Have you ever done any DVDs from the Beachbody company?  

-I tried P90X and was just overwhelmed, my SIL had great results though!  

Besides running, what is your favorite form of exercise? 

-Running is still my go-to, but ChaLEAN has been a great supplement

5 Great Years

Good morning!  CLX Burn 2 completed, I am behind on my Chalean this week but I'll still finish everything up tomorrow so that's good!  I complete my first 30 days on August 20th and I'll share with you my measurements, I don't know if I'll share pictures yet, that might have to wait till 60 Days or maybe even 90.

We are taking the girls on their first camping trip next week so I have a ton to do today and tomorrow to get us ready...the list keeps getting longer.  It doesn't help that I've never camped before and I am pretty much on my own to get us ready.  This should be interesting!  A friend of mine had some great ideas for the girls to do while we are camping, like painting rocks, seriously they would love that and it never would have crossed my mind!  

Guess what else is going on around here?!  Today is my 5 year wedding anniversary with Jess, 5 whole years!  They've been a pretty full 5 years to say the least and if they are any indication to what our life together is going to be like than I am really looking forward to all of it, well most of it.  HA! So I am a slideshow geek and love to put them together.  Jess, this is your anniversary gift from me.  We have everything in the world and by that I mean two little girls who are our entire lives.  Nothing brought us closer than having Sarah and Katherine and I am so glad that my little girls have a daddy like you.

Happy Anniversary Babe, here is to another 50 great years together!    

My Non-Scrapbooking Night

Up way to late, suppose to be working on my project life album but instead I just finished watching USA May and Walsh just win GOLD!  Good job ladies!

But my friends are working very hard on their albums 

I am so behind, I haven't done my pictures since February and I don't even know where to start.  Oh well, I did do my CLX Burn It Off workout this afternoon so I am not a total sloth.  I wore my new Mizunos and I love them, my insoles feel really comfortable and so far they are a winner.

What are you watching during the Olympics? 

Do you scrapbook or do anything with your pictures?  Or do they sit on the computer?

Marathon Training

Good morning!  Another beautiful day in Oregon, but don't get use to it tomorrow its back to June Gloom.  To say its been a crazy week would be putting it mildly, but the insanity is calming down and I had a really nice run this morning.  Plus its Friday eve!

Because of the insanity of this week I am way behind in all other things that need to be done, oh well I guess that is what the weekend will be for.  That and my long run on Saturday, 14 miles, it'll be my longest run which will probably become a reoccurring theme around here until I finally reach 26.2.  Speaking of marathon training, who is else is training for a marathon and which one?  I think Katie is mad at me for coming up with the idea to run the Portland Marathon this year...actually I think I am mad at myself! HA!  Well I was until I realized that I don't have to do anything I don't want to do and if I want to just give up before even trying than I can go right on ahead...not happening.  

Instead I got up this morning put on my big girl pants and had a great summer morning run.  I listened to MTA's podcast about Marathon Training and how not to let it get the best of you.  One thing they mentioned was to incorporate a medium length run into your weekly schedule.  This will help to keep the long run seem not so weighty and also help alleviate any dread you may be feeling about those miles...oh maybe that's just me.  So I am going to try and incorporate a longer mileage run somewhere during the week during this marathon training, probably 8-10 miles depending on what we are doing that weekend.  

Also they talked about my favorite activity....cross training.  SOOO ok fine I get it, its important, I give in!  So luckily Old Town Sherwood has a really awesome yoga studio that has opened up and offers some morning classes that are early enough for me to attend.    I have learned that if I don't do my workouts in the morning, I don't do them and that is basically how that goes.  

So I am learning quickly that as much as the physical training plays a part in getting ready for a marathon, about 60% of it for me is going to be a mental game.  And I will win.  

Who else is training for a marathon and can share any advice or tips?  

Any one else love Thursdays as much as me?  

Seriously it has been my favorite day of the week forever.   

I'm Just Not A Joiner

Hello!  Today is Cross Training day!  I thought maybe putting an exclamation point after that statement would make it exciting...it didn't.  I haven't actually done the cross training yet, I made the cardinal sin of saying I'll do it tonight, I keep telling myself that I WILL do it tonight and lets hope I hold myself to it.  Honestly I would rather go out for a run, but I know I need to start getting in the different muscle groups if I want to start seeing any improvement and all of that blah blah blah.  I've been looking into different options of gyms and whatnot to join so that I have a group environment and some accountability.  But gosh dang, they are expensive!  Miss Tina from Carrots and Cake talks about CrossFit a lot and I know we have a local CrossFit right here in town.  I got in touch with the main guy and found out about their programs and schedule and then came the obscenities...like $120 a month, GAH!  Maybe if I planned on going 5 times a week and all of that, but I would go once MAYBE twice as my cross training for running.  I just can't swallow that pill, sorry Cross Fit.

Then I looked up the prices for the local Boot Camp at the YMCA also here in town, super easy.  I am thinking its the Y how much could they possibly charge?!  GAH!  $80 for 1x per week!  1 time!  $225 if I can muster up the courage and pennies to go 3x per week.  Whoa.

Then it was on to a more corporate gym, 24 Hour Fitness.  They weren't so scary, I could pay $34 a month and have access to the entire gym plus the group classes.  Thing is I only have a few options of classes to chose from since I need to be there and back preferably before the girls wake up and Jess takes off for work.  So I am going to stick with my dear friend and personal trainer Jilian Michaels.  Girl knows her stuff and she is all about circuit which is good for someone with working out ADD.

So my search today brought me back to a lot of the reason why I really prefer running over other types of exercise, its a no brainer!  For the most part you pick a time of day that works best for your life and you strap on a good pair of fitted shoes and you head out.  You can come up with your route while you out there, you pick the music or no music and you don't have any $ coming out of your pocket each month because you've signed away your life on some contract.  You make a contract with YOURSELF to get healthy, feel good and improve by your own standards and goals.  Yes today has concreted in me why I just love to run, the freedom of it is everything I have always tried to find in a gym.

I have a couple more hours of procrastinating...