Life is a little different these days. People are being asked to socially distance themselves at the minimum to shelter in place at the maximum. Some people are making the personal choice to self isolate due to either exposure or being in the vulnerable categories. We as a family are doing our best to self isolate. In the last few days, I've run two errands that HAD to be done (can't let the animals starve...), but mostly my outside time has been running or walking the quiet streets of my neighborhood. In fact, I have a daily checklist that includes both getting in a workout and getting 20 minutes of outdoor time. (Yes, I'm that person who has to have checklists and to do lists or I'll spend this whole time doing nothing.) I'm a firm … [Read more...]
Reasons to Lift Weights after 50
OK, I'm not *quite* to 50 yet, but that big round number is looming in my near future. 2020 is a big year around here - Beer Geek and I will have been married 25 years, Jones goes off to college, and I hit 50. And I've really been struggling with my fitness since the 50K training messed with my hamstring. I'm finding that my body does not recover as well as it used to and all those things I skipped in my younger years are coming back to haunt me. I'm currently back on the FWTFL program, which has 3 weight workouts each week, plus HIIT which can range from a kettlebell workout to bodyweight tabatas to sprints. Since life is a lot busier than the days when I had time to run for more than an hour every day of the week, I find the super … [Read more...]
Move More, Sit Less: Keeping your heart healthy with exercise
Confession: I want to be that lady running races in her 90s. While I will totally admit to being a bit of a serial racer and a mileage addict, when I'm being completely honest, I run so that I can be healthy enough to run when I'm older. That's why I'm partnering with the American Heart Association to run their Lawyers' Have a Heart 10K. Since I'm training for a 50K right now, I will be running the Lawyers Have a Heart race in the middle of a long training run. We'll call that a tempo run with a long warm up and a long cool down. The location is perfect for me to run to the race, race, and run home. In addition to running a race with the American Heart Association, I'd like to share some of their tips on improving and … [Read more...]
Tips for getting back in the exercise habit
Yesterday I got a text from a good friend: Trisha and I met right after Shoo was born and immediately clicked. She was there as I worked off all of the baby pounds (and literally ran from postpartum depression). She rolled her eyes at me as I became addicted to races. She supported my crazy decision to run a marathon (and even offered to watch my kids so I could get my runs in.) So, it made me feel good that she reached out to me to help her get back in shape. I called her and shared all of the suggestions I could think of (because really she doesn't need to hire me, she just needs a cheerleader and I'll do that for free.) What I suggested: Find a time in your schedule that works for you - don't worry … [Read more...]
ZOOMA Summer Fitness Challenge
Confession: I've fallen off the running wagon. Life has just been crazy. Not necessarily busier than usual, but just more things from different directions. It's like trying to keep 1000 balloons in the air rather than five balls - they move slower but there are so many more of them! I have, however, been doing an informal strength fitness challenge with friends and I've done great with that. Shocking, I know! But it's time to get back on a more formal program. I'm going to be spending this week getting the Hansons's training plan onto my calendar to get ready for Marine Corps Marathon in October. (Why, oh why, is my favorite marathon a fall marathon??? I hate training in the summer.) But I don't intend to just run this summer. I like … [Read more...]
Shaking things up to get #SummerStrong
Bob's Red Mill and FitApproach sponsored this post. All opinions are my own. Y'all know I love to run. In fact, running is really the only fitness activity that I do because I love to do it. I occasionally do other things, but it's never because I'm excited to do them. I do them because I know I should or I get a chance to take a free class or someone guilts me into it. But that has to change. My core is weak, my upper body has zero definition, and my hips and legs have been sending up "pre-injury" signals for a while. I know that building some muscle will only make me a better runner, so that's my goal as I get ready to start marathon (and maybe ultra) training. So, how do I plan to get #summerstrong? Strength … [Read more...]
Home Gym Essentials
For the last few months, I've been slowly but surely turning my children's playroom into my personal home gym. The room that used to be filled with legos and cars and balls is slowly but surely being converted into a place to exercise for me. After all, at 14 and 10, my kids really weren't using the space any longer. In fact, they gave me carte blanche to throw or give away anything out there. Since it's Friday and the topic is "fitness", I'm going to share the five things I think every home gym should have and what versions I happen to have. A cardio machine - Sometimes running outside or riding a bike or getting to a class is just not an option, whether that's because of the weather or a kid home sick or needing to work out at an … [Read more...]
Five Sources for Great At-Home Workouts
One of my goals for 2016 has been to set up a workout room in our house. As you've seen, I recently cleaned out the kids' playroom and got a new treadmill. In addition, I happen to have a Fit Desk (AKA an exercise bike with a platform for your computer), weights, bands, and a Bosu ball. I'm not quite ready to give up my gym membership (I still like the elliptical and sometimes I just need to be around other people LOL), but I am working on making it possible to do all of my working out at home when I'm not out on a run. Having all of the equipment is great, but I do better if someone else is telling me what stuff to do. And everything I've read has said that variety is the spice of life is the best option for strength gain and injury … [Read more...]
Cross Training for Runners around Washington DC
This week has been a bit of a rough one. Circumstances beyond my control have prevented me from having a convenient time to run or go to the gym and my own emotional struggles have kept me from putting myself first. I did manage to run on Wednesday with a group of friends and I'm working in my running clothes today and WILL find at least 20 minutes to get out for a short run. (If nothing else, I need the endorphins.) But while I've been stuck waiting for things, I've been thinking about all the cool workout options I'd love to explore in the DC area to get some cross training back in my life. Orange Theory - This combination treadmill, indoor rowing, and weight class keeps you in a target heart rate to torch calories during the … [Read more...]
5 Reasons to Hire a Personal Trainer
It's not exactly a secret that I'd rather run any day than hit the gym. When I do hit the gym, I'd rather take a spin class or jump on the elliptical. I'm not sure when this started - I used to weight train 2-3 times a week before we had kids. I think it's because I don't get quite the endorphin "high" from weight lifting that I do from cardio. And, as a mom, I need that high. Really. Anyways, after I ran Marine Corps Marathon, my body was begging for a break from running. I joined a gym and on a whim, took them up on a personal training deal. The five sessions were amazing and I really wish it was in the budget to continue. Here's why I think you should hire a personal trainer... Accountability - this is huge if you are good at … [Read more...]
iFit Classic Watch Review
When I was sent the iFit Classic to review, I have to admit my first thought was "wow, that's big", followed by "and white". So, right there, you know my two cons to this combination watch, activity tracker, and calorie counter: I wish that they had a women's size and I would have chosen black if asked. SOURCE But those are my only two cons and I have teeny little wrists, so most watches look a little big on it. (Also? I can't read time on a watch quickly, so I have always used a digital. Some times it takes me a bit to figure out the actual time, but I'm calling that a brain workout. It's definitely not an issue with the watch.) I've been wearing the iFit Classic for about a month now and I'm pretty much in love with it. I had … [Read more...]
Holiday Fitness Challenges
I believe in embracing the holidays. I believe in indulging myself during the holidays. You won't see tips here about how not to overeat at a party or how to avoid holiday weight gain. Nope. Don't get me wrong - I don't change my generally healthy eating habits and I don't treat every event as a party (and we keep our events to a reasonable number at the holidays.) I just allow myself to enjoy the tasty treats and drinks at those parties we do choose to go to. Instead of policing my eating at events, I maintain my water intake, eat extra veggies when I'm at home, and try to move more. To that end, I am participating in a number of fitness challenges this holiday season. First, I am joining Another Mother Runner's Stride Through … [Read more...]
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