energy

running update

ya…so…. remember my last running update? I sounded really motivated and was going to DOMINATE the training plan I had created. Well, to make a long story short. That DID NOT happen.

I have a million and one excuses as to why it didn’t- but I will spare you. I have, however, been running- but the longest I have run so far is probably 6 or so miles. I have been working on my speed and strength- and I have been really consistent on my weight lifting- so I haven’t been totally off the wagon. I have some amazing new workouts that I’m doing at home- just in my nasty unfinished basement- but I feel like they are working. Would you want me to share them!?

With hesitation I share my favorite workout clothes- only because I don’t want yall to buy them all up in my size 😉 : sports bras & long pants & top | colorful shorts

So- there’s my update. Nothing fun. Nothing exciting- but the truth. I am rededicating myself to running though- I have signed up for a half marathon to run with some friends in a few months so I now have a goal that isn’t moving! Wish me luck!

Maybe I can follow my original training plan- just slightly tweeked- starting now.. well actually, starting next week because I just got my touch up for my microblading (post on this to come!) and can’t sweat for 9 more days hah:

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happy running!

xox

February 27, 2018February 27, 2018

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Boston let down.

*I warn you- this post is raw and unedited. Take it as you will.*

I was notified a few weeks ago that I was not accepted into the Boston Marathon. Those who qualified by 3:23 or more got in. I qualified by 2:43.

To be completely honest- I was shocked when I received the email. Friends who have run Boston several times had been telling me I was safe and good to go…But, when they released the cutoff time- this is the strictest Boston cut off time they have ever had, by over a minute. The posts flooded in on their instagram and blogs about how they needed to change the qualifying times if the cut off was going to be that strict. Or limit the number of charity runners etc and give more spaces to those who trained their asses off to qualify and are now not going to toe that line in April.

Now.. I qualified over a year ago and have been pregnant and had a baby since then- I was planning on quickly getting back in shape and going to Boston in April to take on the Boston Marathon and earn my jacket. That is clearly not going to happen this year.

I thought I would be really upset – maybe even cry if I didn’t get in- but you know what, I didn’t. I surprised myself. The week I received the email- my oldest daughter had been in the hospital for 4 days and was having surgery that day for what they thought (and it ended up being), osteomyelitis and bacterium. As horrific as that week was with her in the hospital, it put things like the Boston Marathon (and LOTS of other things I was stressing over lately) in perspective for me. Yes, I want to run it (and I will!), but – it’s not in the cards for me this year and I am completely ok with that. That week- whether or not I was running the Boston Marathon, was the last thing on my mind.

I can qualify again. I can train harder. I can run faster.

I might fail a few times along the way – but that is ok. I have my three beautiful kiddos who will see their mama work hard for something she wants – and that starts now. I am officially released (post csection) to start running again- so this pup and I️ are back at it.

Boston – I’m coming for you.

November 6, 2017November 6, 2017

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healthy, vegan (gf!) brownies

I always have a stash of these in my fridge. My kiddos beg for them after all meals and have no idea they are actually good for them! My Hershey’s chocolate loving mom was in town this week and made a face at the thought of a brownie that was healthy and without sugar/flour/eggs etc while I was making them; however, I kept catching her in the fridge sneaking them once they were finished 😉 She later admitted they were delicious and needed the recipe!

Healthy, vegan, gf BROWNIES!

Ingredients:

Brownies:

425g (approx 2.5cups) Medjool dates, pitted (if dry, soak them in warm water for 10minutes, then drain) **Must be Medjool dates!
1 cup walnuts
1 cup almonds
3/4 cup cacao powder unsweetened cocoa powder

Frosting:

1/2 cup coconut oil- melted
1/4 cup cacao or unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup roughly chopped walnuts

Directions

For the Brownies: Place the 1 cup of almonds and 1 cup of walnuts in a food processor and process until finely ground.
Add the cacao powder and pulse to combine. Transfer this mixture to another bowl and set aside.
Put the dates in the food processor and process until only small bits remain. Remove and set aside.
Add the almond/walnut/cacao mixture back into the food processor- now, while processing, drop small handfuls of the dates into the food processor. This part is key- only process until a dough consistency is achieved. You DO NOT want it too sticky. You only want to add enough of the dates so that the mixture will hold together when squeezed in your hand or fingers. A brownie like pebble consistency. You probably will not use all of the dates. If you get it too moist, it will become more of a fudge like texture/taste than a brownie..
Add the brownie mixture to a small parchment lined 8×8 dish. Press down with your hands until it is flat and firm. Then, lift the parchment paper to remove brownies from the dish and use your hands to slightly squeeze in the sides to create a smaller square- this will make the brownies a little thicker and more dense.
Place back into the dish and put in the fridge to chill while you make the frosting.
For the Frosting: Melt the coconut oil and mix with remaining ingredients EXCEPT for the walnut pieces. Once smooth, let it cool slightly so it thickens up. Once slightly thickened, spoon and smooth over the brownies. Sprinkle with the walnut pieces. Then return to fridge to set.
Once set, remove from dish and cut! Store in an air tight container in the fridge for the small amount of time they last before everyone eats them!

enjoy!

xox

July 18, 2017

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Pregnant & fit-ish : arms

Continuing on our pregnant & fit-ish journey:

30 weeks and counting people!

On the days I run, I typically do arm day. The incline walking days I do legs. Today we will chat about arm day!

I’ll preface this like I do all our pregnant & fit-ish posts: I am not a doctor, or a professional, or a super fit chick! Just a mom/gal who likes to sweat to feel better- so, please consult with your doctor if you are pregnant and wanting to start a workout routine.

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Some days I do 10 reps, other days I bump it up to 15. Just depends on the day!

Here are examples of some of them- if you don’t know how to do one that isn’t pictured- just google it and I’m sure you will get tons of examples!:

Inside curls

Outside curls

Hammers

Butterfly

Upright row

Shoulder press

Front raise

FullSizeRender 79

Palms in – shoulder press

Shrugs

– hang your arms by your sides and shrug your shoulders up towards your ears.

Lateral raise

– same as front raise above except out to your side vs the front

Triceps

Now, what I am comfortable with, may be completely different than what you are comfortable with! The main thing is keeping your heart rate in check (Can you talk in a complete sentence?) Staying hydrated, and not overdoing it! As my doctor told me, think more reps, less weight. Longer distance, less incline & speed. etc. But please—consult with your doctor and figure out what is best for you and your babe!

There have been weeks I’ve done nothing and weeks I’ve worked out every day- I just listen to my body and go with it!

happy arm day!

xox

July 14, 2017July 14, 2017

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pregnant & fit-ish : running

I thought during this pregnancy, I would start a series called ‘Pregnant and Fit-ish’. This is my third pregnancy, and even though I am FAR from a super fit pregnant chick, I do try and stay active. I consider myself a middle of the road pregnant chick when it comes to working out. With my first babe, I did nothing but eat and maybe some walking. With my second, I kept up spin classes through most of the pregnancy and lots of arm workouts. With this one, well, read on and you will see!

Today, let’s chat about Running while Pregnant

Let me start by saying- I never ran during my other two pregnancies. With my first, I really didn’t do anything and with my second, I did some weights and spin classes. This time, however, I wanted to keep up running to help with the horrific anxiety I get during pregnancy. Running is a release for me- so I thought I would try it.

A little background: I had to stop running the month before getting pregnant because my body was basically revolting against me. I took the month off, found out the next month I was pregnant. My doctor advised me at this point to hold off on running until the end of the first trimester – due to various reasons – which really wasn’t a problem because I felt like CRAP… Plus I was having to organize our out of state move which sucked up any amount of energy I could possibly muster. So, at my 12 week appointment, I got the green light from my doctor to start easing back in to running. She suggested I start just like I was a new runner- which is what I did.

Fast forward to now: I try and run Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays. I do incline treadmill walking on Tuesdays and Thursdays. My weekday runs range from 3-4 miles and my Saturday run ranges from 4-6 miles. My incline treadmill walking goes about 2.5 miles. After I complete the run or incline walking is when I then do either my arm workout or my leg workout (more on these workouts to come!)

Now, this is what I am comfortable with. This is what makes me feel like I am getting in a good little workout without overdoing it. It is slow, steady, and with lots of bathroom breaks- but I am loving it. I keep my pace comfortable – and something that allows me to complete a full sentence if I were to try and talk. That way I know I am keeping my heart rate in check. This is not something I am doing to keep my weight down, or anything like that – because gosh knows I am weighing WAY more this pregnancy than I did in my other two at this point…(10lbs more to be exact).

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FAQ’s

Is it ok to start running if I wasn’t running before pregnancy?

My first response: talk with your doctor. Generally speaking, don’t start anything new during pregnancy, but this also depends on your fitness level before. Start walking and gradually increase how fast and far you are going and see how it goes!

Are there benefits to running during pregnancy?

Yes!! Increased energy, easier labor & delivery, quicker postpartum recovery- and for me a sense of calmness and decreased anxiety! Exercising during pregnancy has also been shown to positively affect baby!

Any special things I need to run while pregnant?

Yes, and no. If your pre-pregnancy running stuff still fits you- Great- but for me that’s just not the case. I’ve needed a bigger bra first and foremost (keep the girls nice and tight!) and now a couple maternity running tops- just because they are more comfy. I also highly recommend a support belt. These help take the pressure off of your back, belly, and bladder as you run! This is the one I use, and so far, I love it. I highly recommend not running without one during pregnancy. Bonus, you can wear it post baby as well while your core is healing! Also, make sure your shoes are not worn out. You want supportive, good shoes always- but especially when running. See my post about shoes, here. And lastly, a water bottle! You need to carry water with you on your run. Non-negotiable! See my favorite water bottle here. Here is my favorite sports bra– when I’m pregnant and before! Here are the tops I’ve ordered and am loving thus far.

| fitsplint |

What should I eat after a run?

While what you eat is important, the most important thing is your hydration. You HAVE to stay hydrated when pregnant- especially if you are working out. It is dangerous if you do not- for yourself and baby. Post workout nutrition food wise should consist of something healthy and nutritious. Think- green/fruit smoothie or some greek yogurt with some homemade granola. Or some of our favorite protein fudge!

How much should I run and how fast?

I personally don’t have any hard and fast rules I follow on this- I have a generally mileage I like to stay near but if I’m not feeling it that day- I stop. Or if I feel great, I keep going! This will primarily depend on your fitness level before and how comfortable you feel during your pregnancy. Fighting through pain is something we do when we are NOT pregnant- to push ourselves to get stronger. Pregnancy is not the time to do this. My doctor told me to use the ‘talk test’- This means if I am struggling getting out a sentence, then I am pushing it too hard. I should be able to get out a sentence. Or, if you have already gone pee two times in a 2.5 mile run- you might just call it quits for the day like I had to today! Just go with it.

When should I stop running during pregnancy?

The answer to this is: when it doesn’t feel good or beneficial anymore. If every time you go out, it sucks and you feel awful. Try switching to walking instead. Listen. To. Your. Body. It is the best gauge of whether or not you should be doing something. Again, pregnancy is not the time to push through something.

Enjoy this time with your babe! Get outside, get some fresh air! Get sweaty! All while knowing you are bonding with you babe and helping you both out.

happy running!

xox

May 28, 2017May 28, 2017

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workout motivation ootd

Pants | Top | Shoes | Watch | Sunglasses
Nothing gets me more motivated to work out than some new workout gear! It’s the middle of March- and the first day of SPRING- so you may still be going strong with your new year’s resolution or you may be starting to lose some ‘oomph’. Well, my advice, tell yourself, “if I do all my work outs this week- I can treat myself to a new outfit!” Or, buy it before and then tell yourself you can only wear it if you go do your workout! Works for me, every time 🙂

What I love about this ootd the most, are these pants! They are the best for mainly one reason- they have a pocket on the leg, on each side! Perfect for your keys, phone, and/or some cash/card. I wore these to the zoo the other day and they were a lifesaver! I always had my money and phone within easy reach without having to dig into the stroller in my backpack for them. The top- have you seen cuter detailing?

happy workouts!

xox

–Let us know what kind of workouts or features you would like to see in our ‘energy’ section on juniper lemons!

March 20, 2017March 20, 2017

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