Nike Women

I was exploring the Nike website, messing around with Nike+ stuff and I came across THIS page called Nike Women. I think I'm in LOVE!!!



It is so STINKIN SWEET I can't get over it!! You sign up {free of course}. You make a cute little Mini Me. You pick some workout routines and how often you want to workout. Then you simply go in and it has a series of workout video clips all organized and ready to go. You check off which ones you did. It's AWESOME!!

So now you don't have to buy a bunch of workout dvd's! You can also hook up with buddies and cheer each other on. You can join the same workout if you want. I am so excited! I love my Jillian workouts but I'm wanting variety too!!

So go check it out. Look me up. I love cool stuff like this!!

10 Years & Counting

A few weeks ago The man and I packed up the car, left the kids with Grampa & Gramma, and we headed up to the ski resort where we were engaged 10 YEARS AGO to the day!!! Holy COW!!! We stayed in the same lodge where the big event happened. It was the most fabulous few days.

Day One: Arrived at said ski resort & got settled. I SO want this bad boy on my wall!We grabbed a most fabulous dinner; pork loin and halibut... I'm still salivating! During dinner Hawkeye gave me a new wedding ring {to replace the one I lost several years ago}. Isn't is GORGEOUS?!! We capped off the night watching Olympics, which only psyched me up even more!

Day Two: Hitting the slopes bright and early!! No new snow for days so it was a groomers kind of day but even a bad day here is better than the best day anywhere else!!! Here we are on the chair lift up our first run! I still got mad skills!!! What a workout too! My legs were on FIRE!We boarded all over that mountain! We took a million pictures. We smiled, laughed and had just an AWESOME time! There really is no place more beautiful, stunning or awe inspiring as this ski hill.After a killer day on the hill we decided to strap on the snow shoes. It was an absolute BLAST!! Here we are with the ski resort behind us. We had the most amazing view of the hill and the valley on the other side. Well worth the climb to get there!Day Three: We really wanted to board in some powder! Thanks to our hike the previous day we found the perfect place. We were able to get in a few run of perfect, untouched powder. There was even a jump for the man to play on. Oh it was the most perfect way to end out trip!I had to throw this one in there too. We hiked past the horses that the resort uses for their sleigh rides up to a yurt where they serve dinner {we so wanted in on that awesomeness but they didn't run on the days we were there... MAJOR bummer}! Isn't this guy just AMAZING?!It was the trip of a lifetime. I was on cloud 9 the entire time. It was THEE most perfect way to celebrate the beginning of my life with the man of my dreams!

Boo Yeah!

Moving is NOT fun. It is FOR SURE a good workout though! We loaded {& unloaded} the horse trailer three times yesterday! We moved most of the heavy stuff {work bench, motorcycle, beds, dresser, table, tons of boxes...}. We emptied the garage. Lifting all those boxes and all that furniture is a KILLER workout! We were so bushed last night.

We've still got a few heavy things left: our bed, dressers, treadmill and SHREK... my piano. The store named it Shrek, it's the heaviest piano they've ever moved and the only piano they have named!

Last night my legs were really giving me guff. My right shin and knee were hurting something awful. It's been happening more & more often. I went to bed really worried about my run today. But I woke up determined to have a good run. And OUTSIDE run. So I strapped on my Green Pod {still need a good name... any ideas?} and headed out the door. It was the most awesome run I've had in a long time. My knee doesn't hurt, my toes didn't bleed, I pushed it but didn't feel over exerted. It was just a FABULOUS run!!

Three rooms left to box. I'm out...

Good Deed

Today I had a TON of laundry to do. CRAPPY since we don't have a washer & dryer anymore {we sold them when we sold the house, but don't you -or me- fret, we'll have a new set when we move next month} Luckily my sweet sweet in-laws more than graciously opened their home 24/7 for me to come an wash load after load of laundry. We've been doing that for a lovely 5-6 months now.

ANYWAY {sorry for the tangent} we got dumped on last night with a fabulous couple inches of snow!! I had a BRILLIANT idea to shovel their driveway in between loads!! I LOVE shoveling snow; our little sidewalk just doesn't do it for me! So I was giddy with excitement to be able to shovel their WHOLE driveway, circle & all!

It felt great! It took me 70 minutes to finish; all but one TINY part that I didn't get to, but they'll knock it out in no time with their plow. Yes, they have a plow and could have done the very same job {plus the part I neglected} in no time at all but what's the fun in that?! It was a fabulous workout {burning over 400 calories}. Plus I got to do a good deed for a couple people who are ALWAYS doing wonderful things for me & my family.

Oh, and I shoveled our sidewalk, the neighbors sidewalk AND their driveway. So tack on another 30 minutes of shoveling, plus the 30 minute run... I burned some MAJOR. CALORIE. BUTT. today!!

Yukon Charlie

Today was GREAT! I decided to break out my Yukon Charlies and go for a little walk around a nearby lake. It was AWESOME!The scenery was great. I could have gone for an even more secluded place but this was the best I could do. I still managed to break my own trail and enjoy the fairly fresh snow!
I got a great little workout too! I did a few switchbacks of sorts, up and down the banks. It felt FABULOUS! I can't wait to go again!!

When I started looking to see how many calories are burned when snowshoeing I found that it depends on a few different things: terrain, snow conditions {packed or powder}, pace {& whether or not you use poles... I did}, and your body size. So according to MY calculations I burned somewhere between 350-450 calories in about 45 minutes. SA-WEET!

A couple things that I LOVE about snowshoeing. It doesn't cost much; buy or rent your shoes and then you're good to go! I get to be OUTSIDE & in the SNOW {one of my first loves}. It's a GREAT workout that's FUN! Definitely something you should try... given you are lucky enough to live where there's snow!

Check out THIS article; it's cool!

The Countdown Begins

So my Sister-In-Law did it. She convinced me to run a marathon. GASP! I've had my reasons for putting it off. And despite the fact that the requirements I've given myself haven't all been met, I'm going to go for it anyway. This is going to be my "MARATHON Year!" Stonewall and I are going to run one together before he leaves too. It will help him be tip top shape before heading in to Basic.

SO... I am starting Jeff Galloway's Marathon Training Schedule TODAY!! On the rest days I will be doing a variety of strength training workouts... pulling from P90X, Wii Fit, Jillian Michaels workout DVD's and the like. I like to mix things up, keep my body {and mind} guessing!

I have already identified my BIGGEST HURDLE: the darn treadmill! I hate the thing. I hate that I'm not outside. I hate that the speed isn't the same as running outside. I hate that time & distance seem to EEK by. I hate how it's so noisy {I don't like to listen to ANYTHING while I run, well except for my feet hitting the street & other outdoor noises!}. UGH! There is more BUT I have GOT to change my attitude.

I picked myself up a couple books on tape: Hitler Youth {I am a WWII geek} and my M-I-L brought over The Time of My Life by Patrick Swayze and Lisa Nieme. I am REALLY hoping that they keep me occupied enough that I forget I'm on the treadmill or at least make it bearable.

Got any pointers for my first marathon?

MY kind of workout

Now I don't know about YOU but I can GUARANTEE that I would get one HECK of a workout on these stairs!!! I can totally see me pulling a "Josh Baskin" {Big...played by Tom Hanks} every morning on these babies!!

Two birds...

What better workout than combining football AND dance?!!!

Body Language

My husband and I were talking yesterday about health, diet and exercise mostly. We decided that a book should be written {we would call it BODY LANGUAGE} about listening to your body and following what it's telling you. When you make good choices your body feels good. When you feed it garbage and never take out the trash {aka exercise} it doesn't function properly. So take care of yourself!

Everyone wants to know how to lose weight. They'll try ANY drink, shot or other new fad but they WON'T stick to what is a guaranteed formula... EAT LESS, EXERCISE MORE!!! I understand that there are circumstances where due to other health issues that isn't the case BUT for most of us, that IS the answer!!! Is is EASY? HECK NO! Is it FAST? DOUBLE HECK NO!! But it IS the way to take it off and keep it off; you have to change your entire lifestyle.

EAT LESS & EAT RIGHT. I am just like everyone else; I love to eat. Sometimes I over eat. Which I think is OK every once in awhile. I'm of the opinion that you SHOULD splurge sometimes {all things in moderation though, right?}. HERE are a few tips on eating better:

* Eat a variety of nutrient rich foods. Check out MY PYRAMID {there is a link on the side bar} to find out exactly what portions you should be eating {it really is great. They calculate your age, weight, height & activity level to determine what portions your body needs. TRY IT, you'll love it too}
* Eat WHOLE grains, FRUITS & VEGGIES. They are SO good for you!!!
* Watch your portions. It's amazing the misconception that people have as to what a portion of something is. Check into it; you'll be surprised!
* Eat regular meals. Don't you dare skip breakfast!!! It has been proven that those who eat breakfast lose weight easier, and have better health in general!!
* Know your weaknesses. Keep track of what you eat so you can see first hand where your mistakes are. Then fix them!
* Change gradually. You're more likely to succeed that way!
* There are no GOOD VS BAD food {see Intuitive Eating for more info}. Just be sure that your diet is BALANCED!!!

EXERCISE MORE. This is where I think most people give up. They don't see the results they want as fast and they want so they quit exercising all together. Exercise isn't something you do just to lost weight; you should do it continually for good health! You don't have to go out there and run a marathon either, just GET OFF YOUR BUTT and do SOMETHING! Here are a few ways to be more active:

* Get a pedometer. It's recommended that you take 10,000 steps a day.
* Yardwork and housework. Mowing the lawn, gardening, laundry, sweeping/mopping/vaccuming...
* Walk or ride your bike. Park farther away from work or the store and WALK
* Use stairs instead of the escalator
* Find others who walk/run/hike {whatever YOU want to do} and join them
* Take dance lessons
* Play with your kids
{this list is HUGE, find your own ways to be more active, every little bit counts!}

I don't focus on numbers and I don't like to throw my personal numbers out there but I think it applies here. Today I weigh 123 {which for my 5' 3.5" height is a good weight, it may not be for you; that's a whole post in itself}. It has taken 8 months to lose 16 pounds {remember I had a baby nearly 1 year ago?}. This isn't something that happens in 30-90 days! It takes a LONG time to see lasting results. Even after that "goal weight" is reached, the journey doesn't end there. Stay active to stay HEALTHY!

Hit The Hills

Yesterday I took my 4 kids on a hike with my cousin and her little one. We chose a hike that was a little on the easier side for the benefit of those with little legs {though they have A LOT more energy}. The first 1/3 of the trail is paved, then it has a big loop that gets more difficult. All along the way there are signs that talk about the area, plants and animals. It's a great hike!

I carried my 10 month old in the Kelty; a MUST HAVE. He loves that thing. We use it ALL the time!! But for hiking, it really is a lifesaver. While we were hiking I was noticing all the muscles that were getting a GREAT WORKOUT!!! Which was increased by the added weight! It felt AWESOME!!Hiking is one of my favorite exercises. You get a GREAT workout but you don't realize that you're exercising!! Well maybe you do but I get too caught up in the scenery and the amazing beauty that is around me. That and keeping an eye on my kids so they don't wander off the trail!! But it's easy to forget about the work and focus on the hike!

What I love is that you can pick a trail to fit what you want!! You want to spend the entire day hiking, you can. But if you only have a short amount of time, you can find a short trail too {or just go up and ways and then turn around}. There is SO MUCH out there to see!!!

You don't need ANY equipment for this killer workout!! Just a good pair of hiking shoes! It's a great way to lose weight! It helps with mental health; it's impossible to be out in nature and not let your mind wander, you will be rejuvinated... I PROMISE!!

I am planning a BIG hike in a few weeks!! It's one of those hikes that will be really hard but so worth it when you make it to the top!!! I can't wait. It's going to be so FABULOUS!!

The President's Challenge

I've been working on The President's Challenge. It's a simple program that is geared toward encouraging active lifestyles. You can choose what level you want depending on your current activity level. For beginners {those who are active less than 30 minutes a day, 5x a week} the goal is simple: GET OFF YOUR BUTT!!! Ok, so THEY don't use those words... they say to set & MEET an activity goal of 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 6 weeks {you get 8 weeks to complete the program}.

For those who are already ACTIVE there are more difficult programs for you. You log your fitness activities and earn point values depending on the amount of energy expended. There is a daily cap of 750 points. You earn the BRONZE award at 20,000 points. From there you can continue to work toward the SILVER or GOLD awards. {You actually get something too, not sure what it IS but I'm sure that it's PRETTY COOL... yes there was a tiny bit of sarcasm there, sorry that's how I am} Seriously though, you get a certificates or you can purchase medalions, pins, t-shirts... that's pretty cool right?!

Then there is ANOTHER program for those who are even more INTENSE and COMPETITIVE!!!

You can create groups and WORK TOGETHER with FRIENDS or FAMILY!!!! {Can you tell I LOVE that idea?} Check it out. Sign up between MAY 1 - JULY 24!!! GET ACTIVE!!!

What a Workout!

Last night I went on a little 3.5 mile run. I ran the 3.5 miles in 33 minutes and had a .5 mile warm up and cool down on top of that. It felt GREAT! I had a bit of a stressful day and it was FABULOUS to hit the pavement and get some endorphins flowing! I especially love running past the canal and hearing the water, past crops and the wonderful smells, and of course past the fields of cows and how they turn their heads and look at me... some even say hello. I DON'T love the dogs that want to come remind me that I'm breaching their turf. I really should get some bear spray to show them a thing or two.

I've got my first 5K race EVER on the 13th; I ran distance in high school but I haven't raced since then! I am hoping to go run the course a couple times before; it's all up hill for the first half!! I think it would do me a lot of good to try it on for size!!! My whole family is running too; it's going to be quite the day!

Today I woke up and did the chest & back P90X workout with my husband. I am sure feeling it!!! I even took it easy {I have a lovely cut on my hand that is trying to heal and is still stinkin sore, darn box cutter!}!!

I ALSO mowed the lawn today. No I do NOT have a riding lawn mower {ok, yes I do but it's in the shop getting fixed} and No I do NOT have a self propelled mower. It took me 2 hours which means I burned an AWESOME 580 calories!! How SWEET is that?! Pretty sweet if you ask me!

Workout Buddies

I have realized that one of my best tricks to making sure that I get my workout done is having someone to do one with! I NEVER miss my Tuesday & Thursday turbo jam workouts {okay I've missed once and I'll miss tomorrow but it's a rarity}. But I've got friends there!

Last night I went on a run/speed walk with a couple friends. It was GREAT! We went about 3 miles. My legs are pretty short so I found myself having to really lengthen my stride while speed walking to keep up. We're planning on getting out together more often. I can't wait!

So if you're having a hard time with actually getting out there and doing a workout... find a buddy. It helps to have someone to motivate you AND having someone waiting for you really gives you a kick in the PANTS! So here's to GOOD friends & GOOD workouts!!

Wish List

Today I was looking on Amazon.com for a few things. Specifically a book, WINGS, by my friend Aprilynne Pike; just released on Tuesday... which my husband actually bought for me for Mother's Day and lo & behold it arrived TODAY!! Good thing I didn't buy it eh?! But YOU should!!!So I'm looking around a bit and I somehow wander onto THESE and I am wanting them ALL!!

First there is Gold's Gym Cardio Workout. Looks FABULOUS! And who doesn't LOVE Jillian Michaels? I ♥ that this has nutrition helps too... food substitutions, cooking tips, healthy snacks and tips for dining out! Bob Greene, Oprah's good buddy, went the extra mile on this one. It includes a resistance band.There are things that I LOVE about my wiiFit. But I need to change things up. Muscle confusion right?! My birthday is in about 2 weeks so you can purchase any or all of the above and mail them to.....

Kidding. Sortof...

5K

I am running my first 5K of the summer in about 6 weeks. LUCKY ME I got to go with my neighbor again to the gym and try out that nifty 5K setting on the treadmill. I haven't pushed myself that hard for a long time; possibly since I ran track in high school! It felt GREAT!!

I ran it in 32:15 or something. I didn't look at the final time, SHEESH! That was DUMB! But it's good to have a number in my head. Something to shoot for. I'm curious to see the difference between running on a treadmill and road running. Oh MAN that felt good!

I am really excited to be able to go again!! I don't want to wear out my welcome but I will DEFINITELY go every chance I can!! It's FANTASTIC to have someone to workout with; she pushes me and she says that I push her too so it's a WIN WIN situation!!!

SparkPeople

I REALLY wanted to give this website a try before I felt like it was post worthy {good or bad}. So I first heard about SparkPeople awhile ago but didn't really give it a shot until recently. And technically I shouldn't use Spark People because I am still nursing. It sent me to a different website BabyFit; which I didn't love. So, like most things concerning fitness & diet while nursing, I am doing what is best for me under the circumstances. So PLEASE keep in mind that I am not taking full advantage of EVERYTHING on there yet; but I will.

SparkPeople is a site for all your health & fitness needs. You track your strength training & cardio, your daily nutrition intake; both of which can be completely customized to track specific things that you NEED to focus on. It is about making LIFESTYLE changes; which is what I am ALL about!

I have read through their SparkDiet Overview and I am completely satisfied with the way they have it set up. I HATE DIETS!! {If I'm completely honest, I've never been on one... and NEVER will}. Diets DON'T WORK! But monitoring what goes in my body is just another thing I need to do to TAKE CARE of myself. But because I hate the four-letter D word so bad I am going to use NUTRITION instead. Cool?!

You can follow their laid out NUTRITION &/or EXERCISE plans OR you can customize your own. You set small goals that you can accomplish and then you set higher goals! It's all about making HABITS and CHANGING your LIFESTYLE!

It's a BEAUTIFUL thing to take care of yourself and be able to ENJOY life at its fullest!

Lots of Randomness

I have DETERMINED to have a good workout week and thus far I'm doin GOOD! Monday I did the P90X Chest & Back workout and my family went swimming so I was sure to do a few laps {I ♥ laps}. Tuesday I did my Turbo Jam {rather than the P90X Plyometrics}, 15 minutes abs {done every Tues & Thurs when we do our Turbo Jam workout} and the P90X Ab Ripper. Today I will be doing the P90X Shoulders & Arms. A few thoughts I've had lately:

* Park your car farther from the store or work and WALK

* Do some crunches, leg lifts, plank, wall sit {or SOMETHING else} while watching TV.

* Don't drink so much stinkin SODA! And while I'm at it; lay off the ALCOHOL! {those two deserve a post}

* With Spring comin soon {not for me, we're still getting SNOW} work in your yard, push mow your lawn, plant a vegetable garden...

* Get a friend to workout with; help each other stick to your GOALS

* Set realistic goals. Set SMALL goals and LONG TERM goals. Celebrate when you achieve them!

* PLAY! Get on a TEAM {basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer... ANYTHING} or just play with your KIDS!

* Get a group of friends together and TAKE A HIKE! Find new trails in your area. EXPLORE & ENJOY the great outdoors!

* Try something NEW this summer: rock climbing, waterskiing, kayaking, dance...

The point is to live a healthier more active lifestyle! And have fun too! What works for you? Let me know & maybe it will help the rest of us!!

The GYM

Last night I was invited to the gym with my friend, WAHOO! She has a membership and they are able to bring a guest with them on occasion. LUCKY ME!! We ran on the treadmill {my favorite}, lifted a few weights and had a go with the elliptical. I must admit that I am TEMPTED to get a membership myself {I can't but it's tempting none the less}!

Here's what I LOVED about it:

* NICE EQUIPMENT!! Those machines can do just about anything and probably do the dishes too. The treadmill had a button for a 5K; how sweet! NICE STUFF!!
* MOTIVATION!! Having a friend to go workout with helps me actually go workout. Said friend has been going every night for about an hour. Plus if I was paying for a membership I'd want to make sure I used it so I wasn't flushing my cash down the tube!

Here's what I DIDN'T love:

* $. I would LOVE to be able to afford a membership but it's not something I can justify right now.
*Goin at it ALONE. I stand in front of all those free weights and weight machines and I think to myself, "Hmm. Self? What should I do? I have NO IDEA!!!" I need someone there to show me what muscle groups to work that day, how to work them, what order to work them in AND make sure that my form is correct so I DON'T INJURE myself!!! {Side note: that is one thing that I DO LOVE about P90X; he makes sure you're doing it correctly}

I had a great time. And I hope that I get invited along again sometime in the future!

P90X

My husband started the P90X program a few days ago. I'm excited for him.


I am debating doing it myself. It's definitely a killer workout and one doesn't start a program like this unless they are ready to "Bring It!". Maybe my reluctance stems from being sick and I definitely DON'T think I could BRING IT right now! I need to though. I'm still doing the turbo-jam-kick-in-the-pants workouts on Tuesdays & Thursdays. But I have found myself slacking on the other days! Working out with my husband would be fun & it would be great to help motivate each other.

So what do you think?

Turbo Jam

I did it. I got up at 5:45 and went to this workout group. WOAH!! Now that I've been home for almost an hour, showered and feel more like a woman than a sweat drenched monkey I can say that I really enjoyed it! It was a great workout, HARD but GREAT! I got a neighbor to go with me so we're going to rotate driving T/Th; that way we can keep each other going! I would be STUPID to pass this up!

This woman is TOO cute. She is petite, in perfect shape, ENERGETIC, fun and motivating. I have to admit that I felt awkward and big BUT I did just have baby #4 just 5 months ago. So I am not going to entertain that kind of thinking. AND the more I go & learn the routines I won't be so awkward NOR as big!! And THAT, my friends, is something to be EXCITED about!

Some workout tips that she gave us are:

*SHOES. Always wear good workout shoes when exercising. NEVER wear outside {which means I have to have a SEPARATE pair of shoes for running!}.

*ATTIRE. Wear layers. You want to keep your body warm before you stat, then remove according as workout progresses.

*FOOD. Eat AT LEAST 20 minutes before your workout. Preferably something with protein and carbs for long lasting energy. Eat right after your workout - protein- as your body needs it to repair itself.

*H2O. ALWAYS drink water before, during and after your workout.

*CALORIC INTAKE. If you want to LOSE weight, make sure to eat less calories than you burn. NEVER justify eating more just because you worked out! If you want to MAINTAIN your weight, eat about the same amount of calories as you burn. If you want to GAIN weight, still workout but just eat more HEALTHY calories.

*EXERCISE. No matter what you're doing, make sure you change it up as often as possible. It will help prevent the PLATEAU. Workout the same time everyday, you're more likely to stick with it. Make it FUN! Get a buddy to workout with you. Workout at least 6 days a week for a MINIMUM of 30 minutes for the REST OF YOUR LIFE!!

*SLEEP. Make sure to get adequate sleep every night!