Category Archives: get fit challenge

Go Green, Get Fit Challenge (week 2): Heading Off Road

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It’s been a mixed bag for exercise this week, based on the heat, my husand’s work schedule, and of course, the kid’s activities.  For the first time, however, I experienced the joy of a few hours to myself each day that the girls were in camp.  This so rarely happens that my mind becomes frantic with all the many thing that could be done with a couple hours of independence.

I discovered that it is A LOT easier to eat breakfast when someone else makes it!  Hot, ready, and tasty, not early in the a.m. but perfectly around nine.  Eating breakfast everyday is one of my goals for the challenge– and it is a hard one for me.  Getting kids (and myself) ready to get out the door, with all the stuff they need for the day’s activities, who has time to chew anything?

So I treated myself to a few bagels and a tasty crepe with a girlfriend this week.  Truly lovely.  So, breakfast, check.  Hard on the pocketbook, perfect for my breakfast aversion.

Next up was running and yoga. I did a few shorter runs this week, and had the time to do an 8 and a 1/2 miler loop of the most beautiful Vermont dirt roads.  I felt strong and so, so happy to have the opportunity to do it.  Then later, of course, I was very sore.  During that run I was on a particularly rocky section of dirt road and I ate it, full on, and caught my body with my hands. In that moment I realized I need to practice running on trails if I am going to survive the Vermont 50 mile relay I hope to complete this September with friends.  I’ll be researching trail running tips and sharing them here.  I’d love to hear if you have any tips for me as I head to the trail for more varied and challenging runs.

I did some yoga after a short run that focused on my arms.  This one from Yoga Journal. I love the mellow and thoughtful style of the instructor, Jason Crandell.  This one leaves your arms burning and your whole self invigorated.

Speaking of challenging, the camps are over, and for the last two days I have not been able to fit in any running. It was a super hot day here, even in Vermont, and not one inch of me feels like doing yoga or going down to the basement treadmill.

How have you managed the heat?

image:  http://hub.sierratradingpost.com/blogs/agardner/trail-runner-mag-cross-training-diet-strategies-188/

Rituals of Self Care: Starting the Go Green, Get Fit Challenge

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I’ve been an athlete for as long as I can remember.  The catalyst my running life was in 9th grade, when a friend of my dad’s said that I had the legs of a runner– and the fact that my best friend started running track.

Nevermind that we first started running to my house during practice, making popcorn, and watching Oprah.  Eventually I actually started to run– and have loved it ever since.

Running has taken me more places than I ever thought possible. It has saved me, on many occasions, from the throws of grief, stress, the isolation of new parenthood, and sparked creativity, goal setting, and joy in my life.

While I try to run as much as I can, it is never as much as I want to. And I have trouble, as many busy moms do, with self care.  I don’t get enough sleep, don’t eat as well as I should, and don’t allow myself much needed down time for fun and relaxation. This of course effects everything:  my parenting, relationships, running, and overall wellness.

Rituals of self care.  Activities like yoga, playing my guitar, eating healthful meals–slowly, and yes, running. I need more of these in my life.

That is why I am joining 25+ fabulous green bloggers in the summer 2012 Go Green Get Fit Challenge as part of the EcoMom Alliance Sustain YourSelf™ Program presented by PlanetShoes.com. This 12 week health and wellness series is where we will share inspiration, motivation, progress (or a lack there of), and encouragement  for whatever fitness goals we have.

And what of my latest running goals?  I’ve got two big events planned for the fall–more on that later.

You know what comes next!

Will you join us?

What are your rituals of self care– and your fitness goals for summer?

 

Joining the Go Green, Get Fit Challenge

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Managing, teaching, and caring for 23 students and 2 daughters, while meeting freelance writing deadlines, and keeping up with the causes important to me– well, it consumes almost every part of my day.

 

But there is a problem. And that is looking out for me– my health, wellness, creativity and self care. Of course these are interconnected with how I care for others.

 

 Like many moms, sometimes I don’t do a good job with that balance.

 

 Two weeks ago, I ran a half marathon.  It was a challenge, it was joyous, it was exciting and fun.  Then my daughter got very sick and my school obligations super intense.  I haven’t exercised much and have been feeling low on energy.

 

 I’ve signed on to the Go Green, Get Fit Challenge, with a team of mom bloggers who want to collectively take better care of ourselves. We all have different goals, and we will post and support each other in our progress, and in our failings. But you can bet we will all make good progress toward getting healthier, especially together.  Won’t you join us?

 

The Go Green, Get Fit Challenge officially starts June 18th, but I am setting my goals now. This challenge will run 12 weeks, and I will be blogging about these goals (and more as I have them!):

 

1. Each day, go for a run, a hike, or do yoga. At least 5 or 6 days a week. This is hard because I usually run or do yoga every other day.  I’d like to have more consistency and see better results.

 

2.  Eat a healthy breakfast every day.  I don’t like eating breakfast and often skip it. Believe me, each day I hear my mom’s voice in my head telling me, “It’s the most important meal of the day!”  I know, I know. I need to make this a priority for good health.

 

3. Pick another event to inspire and motivate me. Half marathons are good because they are a challenge but don’t overwhelm my life like marathon training did. I’m searching for a fun, exciting fall event in the Northeast.  Any ideas?

 

I’d love to hear about your fitness and health goals, and please join us for the Go Green, Get Fit Challenge.  Together, we can improve women’s health and take better care of ourselves.  We (and our families) deserve it!