Friday, August 15, 2014

Working on My Fitness: Update

TGIF.  I am so glad it is the weekend!  We have fun dinner plans tonight and a birthday party tomorrow.

I wanted to talk about Fitness today. 

 It took me about 6 months after Frances was born to finally get back into exercising again. I am in a really good routine now and my workouts are paying off.  I am proud to say I am one pound from my goal weight and pre-baby weight.  I am not going to lie it has been slow getting the pounds off, but I know I did it in the right way and not with a quick fix cleanse or crash diet. I think the weight will stay off.  Sadly it is pretty true nine months to gain the weight, nine months to lose it!  I eat pretty healthy for the most part so I did not have to change my diet too much, it was exercise that was lacking in my life.

Running is what works best for me.  It burns the most calories and tones my whole body.  Every other day I get up at 6am and run.  I started off just doing 2 miles and I now have worked up to 4.2 miles.  I may eventually get to 4.5-5 miles but that is the max I plan to run.  I am no athlete, this stuff just doesn't come easy to me.  Cheerleading was the extent of the sports I did growing up.  Running is still hard as crap for me, it really has not gotten easier, but I am able to push myself to go further now.  The whole time I run I am basically ready for it to be over.  I never hit a runner's high while running.  But I do it for the way I feel afterwards.  It is the best start to my day.  I have more energy and I am just in a damn good mood.  I do it as much for the mental benefits as the physical.  I run about a 10 minute pace, slow I know but it gets me huffing and puffing.  I am drenched in sweat by the end of my workout.  


It is hard to get up when my alarm goes off, but I am getting used to it.  The best part of my runs are the hour alone by myself with no yelling, crying,  or someone asking me for something.  That is what gets me out of bed, the thought of pure silence:)  Plus I get to see some amazing sunrises.  The beach below is one mile from our house.  It is how I start my run, I run there grab some water and watch the sunrise and have some quiet time with God and then I finish my run. 





I wanted to share a few of my favorite Running Essentials:

I love this watch..  It tracks your distance, pace, miles and calories burned.   I use it every time I run.  It alerts me when I run my best time and I really love seeing how many calories I burn.  For those curious I aim to burn between 450-500 calories each workout.


I mentioned these a few weeks ago, but they really are the best running shorts.  I love the side slits and the waist band.  They are flattering and comfortable.
Also available in pink and gray HERE.



This is the tank I am wearing in the above picture.  That is my standard running uniform: the scoopneck tank + Brooks Shorts.  I love these tanks because they are longer and not skin tight.


There are so many options of running shoes out there it can be daunting.  I have been really pleased with my New Balances.  They are light weight and offer the right amount of support.


I also love the New Balance Sports bras.  If you are lucky you can find these at TJMaxx but if not Nordstrom carries them.



Good music is key for me when running.  A good song can make me bust my ass that much longer. Here is my current play list.  Any songs I should add? 

 

I love this quote from Gwyneth- I know alot of people hate her but she is so right about working out.  It is not easy you have to put the time and effort in to see results.


How do you stay fit?  For me the key is doing it first thing in the morning, otherwise I put it off and won't do it. 
I loved these four simple rules, I try to always follow. 
It ain't easy but its worth it!
Happy Friday!

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For all my Charleston friends, my friend Melissa who started the baby food company, Giggle Bites is doing a delivery to Charleston next weekend.  Since it is currently not carried in any stores down here now is the time to stock up.  It is all I feed Frances, we love it!  If you want to place an order email Melissa@gigglebitesfood.com.  There is a $20 minimum order and orders need to be received by next Wednesday!






17 comments:

Brooke and Meggan of Somewhere, Lately said...

Love this! I really need to get back to working out - good for you mama!! xx

Portuguese Prepster said...

good for you girl! I usually end up working out after work and it is so hard sometimes to resist the couch! I try to convince myself that all my walking around NYC counts as exercise haha

Unknown said...

I am placing my order for Giggle Bites now!

Kelsey | Southern in Love said...

It looks like you're doing awesome! I love that you're still eating like a normal healthy person. I've finally found an exercise routine that works for me and it feels so good! You look awesome, period. The fact that you also have kids makes it even more impressive. And I love me some Gwynnie.

A Manolescu said...

I think I just need to live near a beach, maybe that would motivate me to run ;) Seriously, congrats, though! I used to workout to stay thin, but now really appreciate how good I feel when I exercise (and notice how grumpy when I don't!)
I also work out in the am, although not first thing...I do a mix of DVDs (physique 57, ballet beautiful, tracy anderson, and some of popilates from youtube) plus walking.

Alissa

Baby Shopaholic said...

I've grown to like morning workouts too. Knowing you already worked out for the day just makes things easier. Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Loving your running views! I would get up everyday if I had that to look at while running! Great Playlist.

Susan said...

I just started walking/running in the mornings after seeing your gorgeous sunrises on Instagram. Thanks for the inspiration! It's chilly in the mornings here in PA right now, but worth the alone time.
I would add "All About That Bass" by Meghan Trainor. Totally makes me jump around on my walks.

Meredith said...

You go girl! That's awesome you're only 1 lb away! Exercise keeps me sane and happy :)

All Things Big and Small said...

Good for you! Those morning views are gorgeous! And I totally agree with you and Gwynnie (my favorite)! Thanks for sharing your playlist--I need to update mine to get more pumped!

Unknown said...

You are doing so awesome with your workouts and I'm still so impressed. I've got to get myself in the routine! I'm with you on getting it done in the mornings too. It makes such a difference!

Stephanie said...

Great job! I just started running again a month ago, I squeeze it right when I get home from work, and before the hubby and kids get home. I am right there with you on running not being my favorite thing to do. I don't really enjoy it in the moment, but I love how it changes my body for the better. I always have to remind myself, the more I run and the less I walk, the faster I will get done. Keep up the great work!

204 Park said...

Being 7 months preggos, this was awesome to read! I can't wait to get back into the fitness game once baby comes and you're totes going to motivate me so thanks girlie! XO, Sarah

Meredith said...

I just started working out in the morning this week, and I really want to stick with it. It made me feel so much better, and its good to get it done and out of the way early.

Jen Watts said...

You're awesome momma! And you look amazing. Your hard work is paying off. And I completely agree... Part of the fun of running is the me time.

Allie said...

Way to go!! I am just getting back into a workout routine--I am so sporadic. I have started taking barre classes and am liking it. It's different than any other workout I've done, but it's nice to mix it up. It also is a bit pricey, so having paid for a package motivates me to go more and not lose the money.

Unknown said...

I'm just over 3 months postpartum, but I started working out a couple weeks after having her {my 3rd}. It has been harder this time, and I gained more to make matters worse. My first I gained 30 and it was magically gone in 6 weeks without trying. Oh to be 22 again! I'm finally just about into my pre-prego jeans, but there are still plenty of lbs to lose. Now that my son is back in school, I'm in the gym every day for at least an hour after I drop him off {thank God for gym childcare!} I consider it my "me time". Hoping to see the last of this fall off a lot faster now!
-Morgan
California To Carolina
The Gym Bunny