Vitamin Boost!

We can't seem to get away from the common cold in our household ( thank goodness that is the worst any of us have had this season ) so, we are trying to eat as healthy as possible.  I figured we could all use an extra boost of Vitamin C today.  If you are looking for a healthy, delicious, smoothie recipe, check this out:

http://www.yummymummykitchen.com/2013/01/my-favorite-green-smoothie.html

We bought all of our ingredients (organic) at Trader Joes.  SO yummy, even my two year old thought it was good!

Week 2. . .

I had a great training run this weekend with Sonoma, outside in the snow.  Yesterday, I had another great run, but this time it was with Cora and indoors at the gym.  24 laps around and around with a double stroller is not the most fun workout in the world, but it worked and I felt awesome after.  I was supposed to do a 2 mile run today, but one thing led to another and what do you know. . .  it's 9:00 pm and I am just now sitting down for the evening.  It's amazing how the days can seem so long, but are packed full of little surprises from the girls!  Fingers crossed I can get my training run in tomorrow.  Week 2!  Let's go!

Let the Training Begin!

Since my 30 Day Challenge is almost complete, (yeah!) I decided to start my official half marathon training program today. I planned on starting the 12 week training next week, but I felt ready this morning. Also, with so many illnesses going around, I figured I better allow myself an extra week, just in case. I love Hal Higdon's marathon training plans, so I decided to follow the Novice 1 plan this time around. My body has definitely changed a lot after having two babies. I am a very competitive person, and have extremely high goals for myself when it comes to working out and staying in shape. However, I have slowly been learning that I have to give myself a break and lower my expectations just a bit. The first time I trained for a half marathon, I only had one baby, and she was 15 months when I began training. It was also the summer and fall when I was doing my runs, 95% of them which were outdoors. Flash forward to today, I have a toddler and a newborn, plus we are in the middle of the dead of winter here in Chicago. As I've said before, planning your workouts around an exclusively breast-fed baby, and only being able to run right after a feeding,  plus keeping in mind the schedule of my other daughter, is quite exhausting. I'm not using these things as excuses, but it's reality.  I get so frustrated, but then I take a deep breath and remember that things are a lot different this time around. (and i wouldn't change it for the world!)  

Honestly, it was so cold and yucky out today after our big snow, that I really just wanted to lay at home in PJs all day. Instead, I got all three of us ready and we hit the gym. We have been home bound the past two weeks, all battling colds, but today we finally were all 100%! I dropped Sonoma off at the daycare and Cora and I ran and did a little strength with the double jogging stroller.  Let the fun begin!

My little nugget all ready for a workout with her Momma

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30 Day Challenge

30 DAY CHALLENGE!

I started a 30 day challenge yesterday, organized by one of my fellow NFL Cheerleader alums.  While I can't be as strict as some of the other girls who are doing it ( breastfeeding! ), I'm really glad that I accepted and started this challenge.  After one day of eating clean, working out hard, and not eating after 7:00 pm, I am already down 3 pounds!  Just 4 more pounds to go to my pre-pregnancy weight.  The 30 day challenge consists of no fatty foods, limited calorie intake, no fast food, no sodas, not eating anything past 7:00 pm and working out 3-4 days a week for 1 hour.  It's actually a Facebook group, which is great, because I have the support of a few other women to hold me accountable.  We share diet tips and tricks, journal entries about our days and struggles, and motivation.  If you are interested in joining, it's not too late - it's only Day 2.  Let me know ASAP!

Yesterday I had a KILLER headache all evening, and I am sure it was from sugar withdrawal.   Since the holidays I have been eating something sweet every day and most evenings, but not last night!  I feel a lot better today, and have been trying to drink as much water as possible.  I worked out the past three days in a row ( running, Pilates, running ) and so today I am giving my body a break before Pilates in the morning.

I read a statistic that most people quit their New Year's resolutions by January 10th, which is 2 days away.  I feel good that I started a challenge almost halfway through the month so that statistic will not apply to me.  I'm definitely not quitting this challenge.

More updates later. . . .

Hello, 2013!

I cannot believe that 2013 is here!  2012 had lots of ups and downs, and while I'm a little sad it's over since it was the year I gave birth to Cora, I'm anxious to welcome 2013.  My last workout of the year was Pilates, followed by my first actual run outdoors with Sonoma.  She is such an active kid that I decided to take her on not quite a mile run, and she did great!  My first workout of the new year was a walk outside in 20 degree weather with my dog, Dixie, followed by another Pilates class. 

 I'm SO happy to be back at Pilates classes, since I found one that works with Cora's nursing schedule.  I'm really good at pushing myself to do cardio and strength, but when it comes to intense ab sessions, and full body toning, I can get lazy on myself, so a class is really my best bet.  I'm definitely feeling the soreness this week, but I welcome it with open arms.  I'm ready to get toned!  

I must admit....with the past month + being full of holidays, I wasn't really watching what I ate or working out like I should have been.  However, I'm really okay with that.  The holidays are my absolute favorite time of the year to bake and cook and eat treats and goodies, so I was happy splurging and not being so hard on myself.  Plus, the majority of all my pre-pregnancy clothes fit, except some of my favorite cocktail dresses 

(I HATE that your hip bones get wider after pregnancy UGH!)!  I've still got 5 pounds to go ( don't we ALWAYS seem to have 5 pounds to go?!?) and I'm a lot more focused and only have a few sweets lingering around the house that I am having a hard time saying goodbye to. . .

Half marathon training is coming up and I need to get my butt in gear!  

Snow Runs!

I've been so busy preparing to host our first Christmases in our new house, that I haven't had much time for anything else.  Every spare moment has been spent shopping for the girls, wrapping, cooking, cleaning and baking.  I realized this weekend, when our first set of family arrived, that I actually had some free time to go workout!  If it's the holidays and you are a Mom, chances are that everyone else is holding your baby and playing with your kids.  If that's the case, then I highly recommend sneaking away for a 30 minute run or quick workout outside.  You will feel so much better and I bet with everything going on, no one will even notice that you've disappeared!

Yesterday I went on a cold weather snow run with my sister outside around my neighborhood paths. Snow runs always sound so miserable in my head, but after I put on my cute cold weather running gear, and get moving, I usually end up feeling really warm and good after my run is complete.  Yesterday we went 3.47 miles and then today I ran 2.5 miles by myself.  It was slick and icy in some spots, so it was a little stop and go, but a great workout nonetheless.  Plus, I got to wear my awesome new Lululemon running gloves that also allow me to control my iPhone and iPod while running (Thanks, Krista!)

 I'm definitely going to take advantage of family being around to entertain the girls and try to sneak in a few more snow runs outside.  Then, I won't feel so guilty for all the treats I've been indulging in!

 

Running Out of Time!

Every day I feel like I am running out of time. There's not nearly enough hours in the day to get it all done. Lately, I've looked at the clock and it's 5:00 and I've yet to shower or even start on my "to-do list." And it certainly doesn't help that it's dark outside by 4:00. I suppose I need to embrace my life and its craziness for the time being. I am starting to realize that I can't do it all, especially with a toddler and a newborn who still feeds on demand.

Unfortunately my workouts have suffered the past two weeks. With Thanksgiving, traveling, being sick, and taking care of my babies, I've had to lay low. My health has to take priority in order for our crazy lives to keep on going. I hate taking time off from workouts, but it's been the best thing for everyone.

Today it is 60 degrees....can you believe it?! I found the time to squeeze in a run with Cora, followed by meeting Marcus and Sonoma at the park. It was just too gorgeous to not take advantage of this rare December weather.

I'm off to finish Christmas decor for our house. We have been working on it for an entire week and we still aren't finished! Again, not enough time in the day! However, I'm so happy it's the holiday season and I'm trying to stay positive and keep on moving through my sleep deprived state. I'm very thankful for my health and just happy when I can squeeze in a workout here and there.


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