Fitness Friday...Time for Mama

Now that Summer is here, I have joined the ranks with other say-at-home moms and dads.  While I do honestly love my children...I would love if they could give me one hour while the sun is still up when I can run or workout ALONE!  However, with the hubby unable to walk due to his knee surgery and the fact that they wake up the moment the sun breaks over the horizon, that is not my reality right now!  While I wish I could do this...

Source

I can't!  I also know that I am not alone with this so here are some things that have worked for me in the past and am going to continue using!

Wake up early...Like I said above, this doesn't always work perfectly!  The girls have recently decided now that I am on vacation that they are going to wake up at 5:30.  I had given myself the pass yesterday and today to sleep until 5 but it is looking like I need to go back to my 4am wake-ups!  Lets be honest...waking up early sucks at first but once you get used to it you're good.  I like to get my runs/workouts in early before anyone wakes up since you never know what gems are going to come your way!  I can face it a lot better after a workout! 

Babysitter...I know it sounds crazy but hire someone to come watch the kids while you go run.  It would really be just an hour, or two depending if you also want to shower (details!).  This way you don't have to feel bad asking the grandparents/friends/neighbors for the 5th straight time.  You can go and do what you need to do!  I have changed my schedule this past week so that I can utilize the kid room at my gym.  For an hour they are just a few feet away playing.

Bob it up...One of the best ways for me to get in a run these days is if I bring my lovies along with me!  Now yes it takes planning (working around naps, bringing enough snacks and entertainment) but it is one heck of a workout pushing them and they can be outside in the fresh air.  I started with a Bob single jogger that I had to put on at least 80 miles a month!  Now we are sporting the Dualie and are already racking up the miles!  I have a 3 mile loop close to our house so if Em needs the potty we aren't too far!  If your kids are older, have them grab a bike and go!

Break it up...This weekend I have 12 miles on tap but I know I won't have someone to watch the ladies for the full 2 hours.  My plan is to break up the mileage between pushing them and running on the mill...just writing that makes me tired but you have to do what you have to do!  Breaking up the run is not ideal but occasionally it can work!

Be creative in your planning.  It can be a great time to teach your children the importance of being active not just for your physical health but your mental health as well.  Sarah and Dimity hit it on the head with their new AMR shirt...

 What works for you?  How do you manage all you need to do AND get in time for you?

TTT...Summah Summah Time!

BOOM it's Thursday!

Grab your iced coffee and enjoy this week's random three!!

Lifting arms optional?...Yesterday was my first appointment with my trainer.  She did a lot of assessment just to see where I was strength-wise and showed me the proper form for the most common kettlebell moves.  After foam rolling the crap out of my legs, we moved on to the rope (the people on the Biggest Loser always make this look easy), and then the kettlebells!  I am proud to say I only bashed my ankle once (figure 8s) and this morning I woke up with some sore shoulders!!  For some reason my shoulders/biceps are areas that even though I train hard they are rarely sore...so this is a score.  I can lift my arms tomorrow!

Flying by...Yes I know that my summer break only started yesterday but I already feel it flying by!  Could be that every time the sun is out, we are out...leaving the house an array of towels, flip flops, and random shells!  Today is foggy so after we go pick some strawberries at a local farm, we are totally tackling this house...and our summer bucket list!!!  Next week we are headed to my hometown for the 4th and then VBS the following week.  Em loves being with her cousins and running all over the property at my parent's house.

Paddle board...Last summer while I was sunning/flopping my giant belly on the beach, my sister an I saw a class using paddle boards.  They would paddle out and then come back on shore and do squats or other exercises.  We vowed that this summer we would get out there and try out paddle boarding.  Watching friends surf when I was a teenager, I always wanted to surf too so this may be like the 30 year old version!!  Any suggestions?  Do you surf/paddle board?

Almost Wordless Wednesday

First day of summer break....sounds like the perfect time to make these bad boys mine!!!  

First personal training session with kettlebells....DOMS are always a little easier to handle soaking in the ocean!!

Monday Motivation

A little late posting today...a true reflection of this weekend...busy but filled with memories!  This quote came to me when I was getting ready for work today.  Do you remember those No Fear shirts what had quotes like this on them?  Am I dating myself?  Either way...My goal is in September.  3 months to train hard and get to my goal.  3 months to work around the many obstacles in my way and get to that starting line stronger than before!  It's going to take work....scheduling...early and late nights....but #IWILL get there!!

What goal do you have your sights set on these days?

Fitness Friday...ZOOMA Training Group

One of the things as a ZOOMA Cape Cod Ambassador that has been awesome to experience is the power of a group....power of determination...the power of women (sorry boys)!  Last year I was so inspired hearing so many of the runners stories about what got them to the starting line in Falmouth and watching them grit it out as I cheered at the water station!  I'm so excited to be actually running it this year (last year there was a good chance I would have gone into labor had I traveled the 13.1 miles) and getting to get the full experience of ZOOMA...i.e. wine and massages at the finish! 

Want to join me?  Don't forget to use the code CCAMB4 when you register for a discount!

One thing that I would LOVE to do but am not able to since I am wearing my Nurse Nancy hat this summer is the training groups run by Bayside Runner in Yarmouth and Plymouth. 

If you live near either of these two locations so yourself a favor and sign up!!  Not only will you have a supportive group to run with two days a week, but you will be able to work with a skilled coach to guide your training to the start line!  You don't even need to be training for the ZOOMA race to participate in the group.  There will be a 10k and a half marathon training group in each location.  The Yarmouth store will be doing their runs on Thursday and Sunday while the Plymouth store runs Tuesday and Saturday.  Kick off is July 1st so get your rear in gear and sign up!!!

Can't you just see yourself lounging here this September basking in your post race glory?!

Work It Out Wednesday

I'm keeping this short and sweet since this week multitasking is at an all time high...I didn't however want to let this go by without mentioning it.  I mean what kind of blogger would I be?!

Since having Aub, I have made a huge effort (especially lately when sleeveless and short are starting to enter my fashion vocab) to incorporate a lot more strength training.  While I could honestly justify carrying Aub in the carrier (seriously she weighs just shy of 20lbs and then that GIANT carrier must add at least 10lbs) as weight training, I know I need to do more.  This week I started Blonde Ponytail's Summer Shape-Up Plan and I couldn't be more psyched! 

They are killer workouts!  She's awesome and is now a new mom to a beautiful baby girl (and already looks AMAZE)! 

Last night however, I went outside my comfort zone (yes I love classes but I am always nervous on the first day) and went to a Team class at my gym.  We did 9 exercises for 45 seconds on and 10 off for 3 rounds.  Let me just say these brightly colored balls of lead are deceiving....

They look cute and nice but they kick my butt!!!  I left with a giant smile on my face and a personal training appointment for next week...I mean when the trainer says, "I can see that cute, rocking body in there" how can you not book an appointment on the spot?! 

Have you ever used kettle bells?  What is something you've gone out of your comfort zone to try?

Running with my Girls...My New Normal as a Mother Runner

Meet the girls...

Beauty #1

Beauty #2

Yes I realize that if you are a follower of this blog there is a good chance that you have already met these ladies, however, today is a reflection on how these two beauties have changed my running life.  I was thinking of this post as we ran this past weekend in the Mackenzie's 5k for Crohn's Disease.

I found myself giggling at how different life is now...from the ponytail pulling to the extra 70lbs I was pushing, we had a blast and Em even thought we won!...I mean actually walked over to the table and asked them if the trophy was for us (never lacking in confidence that one!)  We did pass a few snarky ladies who said, "Don't worry she'll lose steam and be walking in no time!"....Oh heck no!!

Pre-race prep:

Before mommyhood this entailed me waking calmly making sure I had enough time to have a relaxing breakfast that was perfectly cooked and ready.  I had more than enough time to get dressed (since I knew where all my running gear was located at all times), pack my small bag with a change of clothes (don't want to sit in sweaty clothes for the drive) snacks, GU, and water just for me. myself. and I.  I would saunter out the door with more than enough time on my hands looking perfectly quaffed and ready to tackle the race.

After mommy hood...I wake up at an ungodly hour in order to get in a quick breakfast before one of my beauties wakes up (usually unsuccessful...they can hear me breathe I swear!).  This leads me of course to getting their breakfasts ready and fed to them while I sneak in a bite here and there of a burned English Muffin that I wasn't paying attention to!  I chug down some coffee while I pull on my race outfit that was laid out the night before and try to find my missing Saucony (which is usually in my daughter's closet since she was trying it on) and my Garmin which is probably in the car from the last race!  I stumble out the door trying not to run over my sauntering 4 year-old carrying her sister in the baby carrier, my running bag with a jacket if I'm lucky (mostly used so that my sweaty clothes don't ruin my seats!), and a baby bag packed with enough snacks, bottles, and clothing options to last us a week on the road!

Race time:

Before mommyhood I would arrive to the race with plenty of time to visit the expo (if I hadn't already the night before....because really no one to lug around but me), get my number, and have it pinned and centered on my shirt.  I would take a leisurely jog around to warm up and stretch in order to line up right on time!  The race is all about me. myself. and I as I watch my splits closely and push myself as I leg out another great race!  Not to mention the fact that I am perfectly hydrated and fueled (due to the fact that I don't need to share it with anyone!)

After mommyhood (this is from our experiences Saturday) we arrive at the race a little too early since by the grace of God we got out the door on time!  After picking up our bib, I then proceeded to panic a bit knowing I had too much time to fill and restless beauties that wanted OUT of the stroller!  Out come the snacks and a walk around the school hosting the event in an effort to put Beauty #2 to sleep (no luck)!  We stumble upon a blessing ahead...a playground!  We climb and swing and slide until just minutes before the race is scheduled to begin.  I wrangle both beauties into the Dualie again as they both yell their displeasure.  Snacks and bottles fly as I try to fill their bellies before it's go time.

We're very serious about hydrating!

Running along is a myriad of scenes from screeches of joy to screeches of pain due to Beauty #2's obsession with pulling ponies!  One final push as we fly through the shoot knowing a potty break is needed NOW!

You can see the difference right?  Time and calmness!  Don't get me wrong.  I had a blast running with the ladies Saturday as I do a lot of the time.  Saturday morning long runs entail me getting in as many miles as possible within the time frame that I have.  Running while pushing 70+lbs managing snacks and technical difficulties with the iPad has become my new norm...and while I have days when I crave the days of running having only to worry about myself, I wouldn't trade these days for a second! 

 It is not lost on me that this girl time is fleeting fast and that there will be a day when they are passing me!  For now I will giggle at what a difference a few beauties make and be thankful for faster running times (after all having to fit 13 miles into 2 hours requires speed!)!