StrideBox- Stuff Runners Want

April 11th, 2013 | Posted by Amy in Motivation | Work Outs - (0 Comments)

A variety of running accessories, apparel & nutrition without spending a lot of money.

I discovered StrideBox through a social media channel and was instantly excited. StrideBox is similar to those monthly makeup boxes you get in the mail, filled with samples of expensive products.

StrideBox mails a monthly assortment of running accessories, apparel, nutrition tips and samples. It is the perfect way to stay in touch with the latest and greatest tips and advice that will help enhance your workouts and races without spending a fortune.

Here are the goodies from March’s Box:

1. Hammer Lips- Winter Mint Lip Balm

2. ENERGYbits.

3. Nuun Hydration Tabs

4. Nuun Hydration Tabs

5. Clif Shot Bloks

6. Hammer Nutrition Vegan Recovery Bar

7. Action Wipes- Full Body Wet Wipes

8. Clif Bar Mini Energy Bar

9. Clif Shot Energy Gel

10. Glow Wrist/Ankle Band

clif bar, running, Shot Blok, stridebox, Workouts

New Running Watch!

August 21st, 2012 | Posted by Amy in Favorite Gear | Motivation | Work Outs - (0 Comments)

It is August 21st and this morning I think I got frost bite on my fingers and this afternoon I got sunburned- Only in Minnesota. It was a chilly morning run and a hot afternoon walk.

So this month I celebrated my 27th birthday. I am officially in my “late” 20s. As a birthday gift from my husband I got this bad boy!

The Nike+ GPS Sports Watch

Before this running watch, I was using the Nike+ Sports Band . It did the job by recording running pace, distance and calories but it was getting old and worn out.

In this post, I am going to share with you my thought process for getting a new running watch.

Why I wanted a new running watch: My running watch was getting old (by five years) and worn from all the runs in the heat, sun, snow, rain, blizzards, etc. I could tell it wasn’t holding battery and the accuracy was not 100 percent. I also really wanted a running watch with a GPS.

What types of watches did I research: I looked at Garmins, Nike+, Timex, Motorola MOTOACTV and Soleus.

Where did I research: I went to several running stores, electronic stores, department stores, browsed the web and read blogs. I even asked my friends and friends of friends what types of running watches they liked.

Why did I like Nike+: I really wanted a watch that was easy and quick to use. I didn’t want to have to sit down and read a 50 page manual on how to operate my running watch. Nike Plus has a touch screen for light, a select button and up/down arrow buttons- piece of cake!

This watch literally came with just a diagram that explained the buttons. The watch is very intuitive- just like an iPad or iPhone.

Nike seems to have everything that was important to me in a running watch- Clock, GPS, easy start stop button, history, records, stopwatch.

Nike also has a software program that is compatible with the iPhone, iPad and laptop. You can sink all of your devices to www.nikeplus.com. There is a really slick USB port hidden in the watch that lets you download all your running history to nikeplus.com. It takes two seconds.

And because I was using a Nike brand watch before all my past runs were downloaded onto my new Nike GPS Sports Watch.

The price point for this GPS watch is also reasonable. It was under $200 and with some of the other running watches like Garmin I would have to pay around $300 or more.

Style: I am not too picky about what my running watch looks like but I like Nike Plus because it isn’t too bulky and I can wear it to yoga, strength training, hiking, rollerblading, etc. It doesn’t get in the way of my exercise.

Other Features: This watch does not come with a heart-rate monitor but it is compatible with one.

I love that while I am running the watch tells me my pace and distance on the same screen. With my old Nike Sports Band I could only see one thing at a time.

What did I learn- Even by speaking to all the “running experts” and sales people I didn’t have a solid understanding to which watch was best for me. All the watches had similar features but what I really wanted to know was how to work the watch. Being a morning runner and living in the Midwest there are a lot of dark runs and I don’t have time to fumble around with my watch. I need something simple and dependable. I am really glad I went with my gut because this Nike Plus GPS Sports Watch rocks! It is super easy to use and does everything I need it to do.

I am excited to start my fall running with my new watch! Amen.

Amy

birthday, garmin, minnesota, nike+, nikeplus, running, running watch, soleus, timex, Workouts

When You Just Dont Have Time

August 6th, 2012 | Posted by Amy in Motivation | Work Outs - (2 Comments)

Wow…it has been awhile since my last post. Summer has really gotten away from me and it has been hard to accomplish everything on my list!

There is so much going on with family, friends, work, exercise and grown up duties. The weekends seem to fly by and I feel like I can never catch up on my sleep or to do list. Does anyone else ever feel like that? I seriously do not know how parents can get everything done. Adam and I only have ourselves and a two year old chocolate lab to worry about.

I think this summer is teaching me to become a lot more patient and accepting of the unexpected. I love my routines and can easily get discouraged when unexpected events come up.

For Example-

Dead Battery- About a month ago, I went to get into my car on a Saturday morning to drive to the gym to one of my favorite cardio classes when I found out my car battery died. Annoying! Especially in a car that is less than two years old. Well I had to switch plans fast and go for a run outside in the hot humid weather.

Fewer Two a Days- Last winter I was in a pretty intense routine of two a day work outs. An early morning workout and an early evening workout after work. With summer plans, dinner dates, baseball games, work trips and appointments, I had to learn quickly to get the most out of my morning workouts and not freakout if I didn’t have time to workout at night or get a blog post in.

Work Trips- Long work trips with 16-18 hour work days leaves very little time for any personal time, let alone a workout. I try to be extra careful about my eating choices and try to squeeze some sort of exercise in…even if it is a quick 3 mile run.

Unexpected Family Events- Spending as much time with the people who make me happy is very important so when the weather is nice and we get an unexpected phone call to hang out, it is very hard to turn that down.

My point is that there are only 24 hours in a day and I need at least eight of them for sleep. You can’t possibly always stick to your game plan. You have to learn to be flexible and prioritize what is most important. I am also learning it is okay to go off track and stray away from your routine as long as you can always find your way back. Do not get stuck in a bad routine.

Another thing I am learning as I approach my late 20′s is how much happier I am when I surround myself with smart, happy and motivated people. I don’t want to waste energy or time focusing on the negative, watching the boring or listening to the angry. I know I am only going to becoming stronger, smarter and happier by spending time with the most motivated, engaged and determined people I know!

A Few Summer Highlights!

One of 6 weddings this year.

Being with my mom the first time she tried sushi! (She loved it.)

Making homemade Pumpkin Spice ice cream!

Spending time at the farm with my in-law’s new puppy! Brandi, so sweet.

In closing- I am not giving up on my blog. I just simply need to remember to take a breath once in awhile and not stress out about not running, not blogging or having dishes in the sink.

See you soon!

Amy

Adam, family, motivation, summer, Workouts

You Never Know Who’s Watching

June 26th, 2012 | Posted by Amy in Motivation | Work Outs - (0 Comments)

Three weeks ago I started taking this new group fitness class called “50/50″ on Monday nights at 5:30 pm. I typically took the 6:45pm class on Mondays but started noticing the people before that class and how sweaty they looked. They definitely looked like they were getting a good workout. Plus one of my favorite, high intensity instructors teaches the 5:30 pm class.

50/50- “The first half of the class starts off with cardio training and the second half includes basic strength training.” That description is posted on mylt.com.

One night I just decided I was going to leave work a little early and give the class a try.

In my opinion there are 3 things that make a group fitness class great!

1. Good Music

2. Loud Music

3. An Energetic Instructor

This 50/50 class had all three!

We start class with a light jog and a few moves to loosen our arms and neck. We waste little time and jump right into high intensity cardio. Lots of sprinting, squat jumps, lateral skies, high/low, jacks and more. The instructor is awesome! She gives every move 110% and also shows a modified technique so you can do the same exercise with low impact. For 30 minutes straight we are running, jumping, skipping and raising our heart rates. After a long day at work it feels great to let everything out and let the music play over your thoughts.

The second half of class includes strength training with free weights or body weight. The moves are preformed fairly quickly so you are still getting a bit of cardio too. We typically do exercises where we raise the weights high and low. Because the moves are fast they are pretty challenging for me. I have to focus on good form and speed…not easy.

Because there are very few breaks in the class and the moves are so intense the instructor is always shouting motivating quotes at us. This week there was one comment that really stuck with me- “You never know who’s role model you are becoming so always try your best.”

I am a role model? She was right! I always find myself wishing I could do pushups like that girl or hold plank as long as that person. The people I admire the most are the people who never give up. Who try their hardest. Who work until failure.

Am I someone’s role model? I hope so! After thinking about those words I didn’t become “self conscious” but I became more focused and wanted to make sure I was using good form and trying my best.

Group fitness classes are a great way to get a workout in and they are also a great way to get motivated and pumped it!

Are you someone’s role model?

Amy

cardio, group fitness, life time, motivation, running, Workouts

Tips to Conquering Those Hills

May 3rd, 2012 | Posted by Amy in Motivation | Work Outs - (0 Comments)

Raise your hand if you dread running up hill? At about mile 23 of my 2011 marathon, I can still remember how I also burst into tears when I saw that slight incline.

I think we all struggle with the thought of reaching the top and the amount of energy it is going to take to get there.

When I’m in a race or out for a run and see a hill approaching, I first release a big sigh but then I force myself to move my arms faster and focus on my breathing. I know the sooner I get to the top, the sooner I get to relax and flow to the bottom.

Here are my tips to getting through those tough hill runs-

1. Lean Forward- Point your body in the direction you want it to move

2. Push with your Arms- Use your arms to drive forward and push you up

3. Focus on your Breathing- Stay mentally tough and focus on consistent breathing. Get into a pattern.

4. Take Longer Strides- Use your legs

5. Focus- Focus on getting to the top, not on the pain, not on the distance

I don’t think it ever gets easier to run up hill but it does become less stressful once you train your mind and body to power through.

For me, practice helps a lot. In my neighborhood I have several hills but I never thought about them until a friend commented on how many there were. I must have trained my mind and body to overlook them. But when it comes to race day, hills are always intimidating and required extra strength and focus.

There is nothing better than passing another racer on a hill! Don’t be the one who gets passed.

Get to the top so you can come down!

Amy

focus, hills, motivation, running, training, Workouts

Just Not My Day For A Long Run

April 29th, 2012 | Posted by Amy in Feel Good Sweet Treats | Motivation | Work Outs - (0 Comments)

Today was just not my day for running.

This morning I set out on a 12 mile run with a friend. The sun was out and the weather was perfect- high 40s/low 50s. It was a perfect Sunday to go for a run outside.

I guess no one told my body. The first half of the run was good. I was feeling okay and we were keeping a good pace- 8:30s. The second half of the run and the hills were a little bit harder. My head was in the game and so were my legs but my stomach and butt muscles were on the bench.

I was a little more sore from my Saturday work out than I thought. My glutes were burning from the start which made the run a little tougher. Must have been the one legged squats yesterday that caused all the soreness in my butt. Thank you Life Time Fitness

My stomach also has been a little “weird” this weekend. Not sure why. Maybe I was dehydrated. Sometimes these weird little annoyances come up and they make workouts a little more challenging. You just have to work through them. No pain, no gain…right?

The good news is I finished our 12 mile run and survived…I always do.

So What Got me Through it-

A Good Friend- Having a running buddy always makes it better.
Mind Over Matter- I have ran 26.2 miles before, I think I can finish 12.
Pure Determination- I just wanted to finish.
Being Greatful- There are some people out there who physically can’t run and I am lucky to be strong and healthy.
I Stuck with my Plan- I told myself I was going to run 12 miles today and I did!

Now to the Yummy Part- Post Run Fuel

My new favorite food combination is plain Greek Yogurt and peanut butter. It sounds a little weird but trust me, it’s delicious!

With my new favorite food combo, I put together this bad boy! A Greek Yogurt, Peanut Butter, Banana, Almond Whole Wheat Wrap.

It is super easy and filled with good protein.

All You Need:

One Whole Wheat Medium Tortilla
1/2 a Banana
A Handful of Plain Almonds
A Huge Spoonful of Greek Yogurt
A Big Spoonful of Peanut Butter

I recommend spreading the peanut butter on the wheat wrap first and then the Greek Yogurt. I did it the opposite way and It was a little difficult. Slice your banana and sprinkle the slices and almonds on the wrap. Fold everything together and in 1 minute you have the perfect snack!

Cheers to Hard Runs and Peanut Butter/Greek Yogurt Treats!

Amy

26.2, banana, bananas, determination, greek yogurt, health, hills, motivation, peanut butter, post run fuel, run, running, snack, whole wheat, Workouts, wrap

I LOVE that song

April 26th, 2012 | Posted by Amy in Motivation | Work Outs - (2 Comments)

I am that girl who bolts out the chorus to my favorite song on the treadmill (at the public gym).

I am that girl who listens to Christmas music in August.

I am that girl who plays a song on repeat 5 times in a row.

Music is one of the best motivators and it can sometimes make or break a good run for me.

When I run alone I use an Apple iPod Shuffle to listen to music and a cheap pair of Sony headband headphones from Target. They are the best! Those ear-buds never stay in my ears!

Here is a list of some of my all time favorite workout songs. Please don’t judge And Enjoy!