My 8 Tools for Running

I started this post months ago.....better finish it-- so here it is!
I have been a runner for over 20 years. Sometimes I run a lot, and sometimes I run a little. But through the years one thing has changed: the amount of stuff I need to run. Now this is what I currently run with, - if I am running  long distance- and no- I don't carry that book with me.
Some of these things are essential, and some are a luxury.
Let me explain each one and why I use it to run:
1. Train Like a Mother- a motivating book. There is also Run Like a Mother. Both of these are great books, that are also fun reads. I have felt re-energized after reading a few pages of these books. If you haven't run for a while, or want to start, or just want to become a runner, find some good reading about running. Runner's World magazine is a great magazine for running. Once in a while I pick up an issue at the store and read it cover to cover.
2. Water, water, water! I can't run in the desert without water. I found these Nathan handheld thing and I love it. It might not work for you, but it works for me. It has a handle and a pocket. Before I was just carrying my water, and it was a little harder to hold. Since I need water like every mile- I usually take this with me every run.
3. Shoes! I have all kinds of shoes. I always buy 2 pair at the same time. I have found that by switching my shoes every other day or so, I have less injuries and less sore muscles. I have also tried the Minimus shoe. I am not big on running long distances in these, but I do like them. I prefer traditional running shoes. Find a good running shoe- and brand and stick with it!
4. Sunglasses-I run in a sunny dry climate, so this is a must! I like a smaller pair of sunglasses when I run. I think I have some Ironman sport sunglasses I bought at Target.
5. IPOD or IPHONE- MUSIC! I have to have music....sometimes I like the silence, but I always bring my tunes. If I'm just going for a short run, I usually hold it in my hand, but I do have a little velcro pocket strap so I can wear it on my arm. I also change my songs every once in a while, or make sure I have enough on my IPOD so that I don't get bored.
6. Energy- for long runs- I like these gummy energy shots. They are easy to carry, and sort of taste like gummy candy. I have found I must eat them in the first part of my run, so that I have the energy during the last half of my fun. I don't use these everyday- just for long runs.
7. Vitamin C Sore Throat/Cough Drops-I always take a few of these  with me. I don't know what it is, but they help me get through some moments when I run.
8. Chapstick, Vaseline- for long runs I bring this tiny thing of vaseline for chaffing. And chapstick-with sunscreen in it for chapped lips.
9. Garmin with Heart rate Monitor- I have enjoyed having my Garmin for long runs, for everyday morning runs. It maps my runs, tells me my pace, tells me how many calories I have burned, and keeps track of my heart rate. Recently- since I am now very pregnant and not running- I have switched to a Body Bugg. I love this gadget! It keeps track of my sleep, how many calories I burn, and many other things.

These are the main things I need for long runs! What do you need when you run?

Sort of Busy...making babies.

Hello! I'm still here. My life has taken a different turn....I am pregnant with twins, and so weight gaining is the plan- although I do not need to gain much!!

I will be back in the fall/winter, as I focus on shedding the baby weight, while trying to take care of twins...plus four.

You can join me over here for now.

Thanks for reading!

Arizona Half Marathon

Sometimes I do things that DO NOT help me lose weight. Like eating too much, baking late at night, not writing in my food journal, and not exercising-you get the picture. And sometimes I do things that you think would help me lose weight and in fact, it does the OPPOSITE. Like running a half marathon. YEP...when I run long distances, I DO NOT LOSE WEIGHT! Apparently, from my reading, this happens to lots of women. It is frustrating. You set a goal to do something challenging and good for yourself, yet, you gain weight and look like a fattie doing it. Doesn't seem to make sense. But when you run long, you get really hungry and tend to eat more than you should. This is not the first time I have done  a half marathon- I have been running the distance since the age of 19...but not for the past 8 years. I ran 7 marathons, and numerous 1/2 marathons, for about 11 years. Then, I had kids. I gained weight. I got busy and tried losing the weight the regular way. {Thank you Weight Watchers} And it worked. BUT this time, I did something different. I lost some of the weight, but not nearly enough- and decided I needed therapy. I needed to run, long and far, and set a good goal. But the weight did not come off. In fact, some of it came back on. And even though I struggle a lot with that- every single day- I gained something else. I gained the confidence to know that I can do something I once did, even though my circumstances are different. I gained the belief in myself that everything does not have to be perfect to be good. I also gained a lot of muscle. My arms and legs are stronger than they have been in years. {Please note that gaining muscle does not make up for the 40 lbs. of extra fat I am also carrying. While muscle weighs more, it does not weigh that much more!}
Overall, I feel good. I feel strong. I feel that I can do hard things. My next goal- is to focus on my core and get stronger. I know as I do that, I will lose weight. For me, I have to lift weights to lose the weight. And that is just what I shall do.

Thanks for reading. I have a  few posts planned about running.... coming soon.

For the Love of Running

source: me- Pacific Beach, WA...and I don't know who the people are in the pic...

Just a  reminder of why I run. I love to get outside and see the beautiful world around me. There is also something about overcoming obstacles that comes out when you run- overcoming the exhaustion, the heat, the pain, the thirst, the next hill, etc. And you feel empowered, blessed, amazed, and happy about what you are able to do. I might not be as skinny as I want to be or used to be, and I might not be as fast as a runner as I used to be or want to be- BUT I can move! I can get out there,  see this beautiful amazing world, run, sometimes walk, and challenge myself.  

This Week -goals and inspiration

I started out strong. Running long and fast. Getting up early to do so. And then I fell flat on my face- well not really- but my kids started throwing up all week- even today- and so my weight loss efforts had to be put on hold. I don't know how women who have several children work out like a crazy horse all the time and every day. My goals and efforts are interrupted by the needs of my children. BUT that is O.K. with me. I am a mother first. So I may not look like how I want to look...but I will get there eventually.

THIS WEEK:
I registered for a 5K!! We'll see how it goes but I am hoping it goes well !
RECORD my food. ALL of it, not just breakfast. This means measuring.
Get to bed early and get up to workout early

And here is a little inspiration:

 no source- found on pinterest and the link was reported as spam

source: fitfabcities.com



Body PUMP from Les Mills and Beach Body..."Cause we want to Pump-YOU UP!"

In December, Les Mills came out with a home system for Body Pump. Perhaps you have heard of Body Pump or done their classes at a gym.  Let me tell you a little about it and my story with Body Pump. Once upon a time- a long time ago- I taught aerobics classes. I took the training to be a Body Pump Instructor. I never finished. Although I was like 40 lbs. lighter than I am now, I found it to be very challenging. Then I met my husband...and well the story ended with me getting married and having kids instead of continuing my aerobic teaching.....

Since I had done the training to become an instructor, I had a Body Pump CD and VHS. Yes, that is how long ago this was- they were still making VHS tapes. SO I started doing the Body Pump video in my living room. After I had my first baby, I found doing this even once a week, was helpful to my weight loss efforts.

There are two basic types of exercise one needs to shed pounds: CARDIO- you have to work hard to burn off the fat- aerobics, running, biking, walking, swimming, etc. {Of course interval training can speed this up and help even more but that is another post for another time.}

The other type is WEIGHT LIFTING- you have to work those muscles so they can burn more calories. The great thing about lifting weights, and doing resistance training, is that your body burns more calories for a lot longer afterwards, than it does after a cardio workout.

After my first baby, I taught elementary school P.E. I was doing a lot or walking and exercise all day long. When I came home, I would run, walk, or do Body Pump. The weight came off very easily. I also watched what I ate! Watching what you eat is KEY to getting results!

HERE I am 6 years later...and Beach Body teams up with Les Mills and brings us the home version of Body Pump. I had just had my 4th baby in less than 6 years. I NEEDED BODY PUMP!

So I purchased it. You can purchase it HERE. Just in case you are interested.

Here is what it includes:

You get about 7 CD's, the bar, 2 weights that are 5 lbs and two that are 10 lbs. You also get a Nutrition Guide and a few other things.

I am not getting paid a penny to share this with you.

BUT since doing Body Pump at home, I have lost inches, pounds, and gained muscle!

I still have about 30 lbs. to lose to get to my goal, but I am amazed at how much weight I can lift now. I feel so much better, stand taller, and have more energy.

Body Pump is really fun too! They have the best music, which makes working out in your living room much more enjoyable. There is a learning curve to lifting weights.  Good form is essential for results. If you have never lifted weights before, this comes with an instructional DVD- the first one of the set. It might also be helpful to find someone who knows the basics of lifting weights to show you and help you with your form.

Please know I am not a personal trainer or a nutritionist. I am just sharing things that have helped me to get some results!

Inspiration for the Week

Last week was a bummer of a week in the weight loss department. While my clothes are fitting better, my  weight is at a stand still. STRESS does not help in this department, and I have really had a little too much of that -- last week -- last month. BUT NO MORE! The crazies are not going to get me. I will win.

So each Sunday I will post a little inspiration. Here is the one for today:

AND the GOALS for the week:

KEEP my workout PLAN- I'll share that w/ you later- Stick to it.
FOOD JOURNAL- no cheating- record all bites, licks, tastes

HAVE A GREAT WEEK! More later.