5 Ways to Stay Active While Iced In

Hey everyone!
The cabin fever had already set in, so I wanted to share with you a few ways to stay active and keep your sanity if you get iced in this winter.

1. Treadmill-  Of course this only applies if you still have power, but it is a great way to get your run on without becoming one of the characters in the movie Frozen.

2. Plank it Out- This is an awesome way to not only work your core but it works all major muscle groups from your legs and back to your upper body. The front position can build up strength in your shoulders, traps and biceps; allowing for more possible push ups, press ups, etc. Side planks can strengthen obliques and thighs, as well as your buns hun. Start with 15 seconds and build your time from there!

3. Squats- with or without weights it doesn't matter, sink down for as long as you can while squeezing your inner thighs. Add pulses or or just do steady reps,  this will lift the butt and sculpt the thighs.

4. Dance- Throw on some music and get that heart rate up if running isn't your thing. Keep your abs contacted and you will be working your core as well. Pick 5 up beat songs and then pick 2 more with a slower tempo for a good cool down!

5. Partner up- Last but not least get someone to join in on the fun. Do some leg throw downs or some high five push ups. Everything is better together!

Be safe in this cold weather but enjoy today and when you can, happy running!

Owen's Birthday Trip 2 Universal Studios

Hey everyone!

Still recovering from this past weekend as we celebrated my amazing son's 6th birthday.  We decided to take him on a special trip to Orlando instead of throwing him a party. It was an awesome experience and lots of family fun at the Universal parks for three days.  We kept his friends involved by having them donate blankets and coats for a local charity instead of gifts. It was a huge success! My son loved the idea of helping others. This was a wonderful learning experience and taught him what it means to have a servant's heart. We treated the trip as a reward for his big heart for putting the children's needs first.

On our trip we got plenty of exercise. On average, we walked twelve miles a day!! I thought my son would have complained but he was much too excited to get to each ride so he didn't seem to mind. Did I mention that two of the three days it was cold and rainy? As we made the drive down the forecast changed drastically. We were all troopers and still had a blast. But Sunday was the best day of all. It was the only day I could pull out the shorts and my favorite long sleeve. Of course it was from Swirlgear because it was cute, lightweight, and I found out it dries fast after two water rides... YES water rides!!

Anyways, I hope everyone is enjoyed the weekend and did something fun and active:)

Enjoy Today and Happy Running! !

Hot Chocolate 15K

This morning my alarm went off at 6 a.m. I got dressed, kissed my sleeping husband and son, and headed out to pick up one of my best friends, Alli. When I arrived she informed me the race info online stated we should get there at 6:30; this was at 6:45. So naturally I go into panic mode. And of course my ding-bat self forgot to fill up my car the night before, so we had to make a stop before we could officially hit the road. Thank goodness there was zero traffic and as luck would have it we were able to get in a parking lot across the street from our corral line up. This is with 45 minutes to spare, might I add.

The whole experince was both challenging and thrilling. Once I past the 10K mark I was overwhelmed with excitement. For those who dont know, this was my first race where I lengthened my distance. Every fellow racer we came in contact with was very nice and encouraging. All the volunteers where great; they were enthusiastic which kept us smiling through the miles. When I crossed the finish line, while a little fatgued I was proud. I was proud of myself for having the courage to do more. Now I can cross it off my New Year Resolution's list!

I don't think this run would have been the same with out my Alli girl! Running not only brings happiness to the soul, but it also deepens friendships. We came closer as we encouraged each other and laughed about the craziest things along the way. So thankful for her.

Here are some pictures from this morning's race. I hope everyone has had an amazing weekend and remember to Enjoy Today!

Saturday Grocery Shopping!

Oh Saturdays, how I adore you. You are always filled with cleaning duties and a wonderful trips to the store! Thought I would share with you guys my grocery list for a week's worth of food for my meal preps and dinner menu. I have meal prepped before, but never took it too seriously. Now that I am actually training and staying active, I can tell my body is lacking in nutrition and could use a better eating schedule. Everything listed below I was able to purchase with fifty dollars! Not too shabby for a week's worth of meals!

Whole Grain Brown Rice
Quinoa
Pam Olive oil spray
Light soy sauce
Mrs. Dash onion and herb
Bag of frozen chicken breast
Mixed Greens
Cherry tomatoes
Bag of lemons
Organic Brocoli
Cauliflower
Zucchini
Sweet potatoes
Assorted Bell peppers
Green Bell pepper
Asparagus

That pretty much sums it up! Check in with the blog later in the week on how I will prep my meals!

Enjoy Today and Happy Running!

Rest Days!

If you have a true passion and love for running as I and many others do, then you find yourself wanting to run everyday and when you aren't running you are thinking about it. This is one and the same for loving a great workout at the gym...It's a addition I'm okay with. Having said this, it is so important to have a rest day!
Even though I ran Monday through Wednesday, I had planned to go out this morning with a friend. She called this a.m. stating she was sick and going to see her doctor. As much as feel bad for her being under the weather, I was happy to have a rest day. I spent an hour just walking and then went home and did some deep stretching on my mat. My muscles are thanking me already.
So don't forget to have a good rest day and drink lots of water!

Enjoy today and happy running! 

My Current Running Playlist

I typically run with friends and we chat or just enjoy each other's company in peaceful silence. On the days I do run solo, I like having something to occupy my mind and also keep me motivated through each mile. There is no set sequence, I mainly put mine on shuffle, however if I need to slow my heart rate I will switch to a slower song or if I'm on my last mile, I will crank up a high energy song to push me to the end. 

1.Sail- AWOLNATION

2. Roar- Katy Perry

3. Burn- Ellie Goulding

4. Wake Me Up- Avicii

5. Timber feat. Ke$ha- Pitbull

6. TKO- Justin Timberlake

7. Started From the Bottom- Drake

8. We Can't Stop- Miley Cyrus

9.Brave-Sara Bareilles

10. Infamous- Abandon All Ships

11. Sex on Fire- Kings of Leon

12. Light Em Up- Fall Out Boy

13. Let Her Go- Passenger

14. Phresh Out the Runway- Rihanna

15. Let the Rain Fall Down- Hilary Duff

16. Unconditionally- Katy Perry

~Enjoy today and Happy Running!