Fitness Friday - 7/20

Another week has come and gone and it's Friday once again...which blows my mind. Wasn't it just a weekend like yesterday? I don't know what it was about this week, but it truly went by fast for me!

Since it's Friday, that means it's time for another weekly workout recap!  How did my week go? Take a look below! :)

Currently Training For:

• Dopey Challenge 2018 - Walt Disney World
• Rock n Roll New Orleans Half Marathon 2018 - New Orleans, LA 
• Contraband Days 5 Miler 
• 4 on the 4th
• Rock n Roll San Antonino Half 

Sunday - Rest day
Monday - 3 mile run outside
Tuesday - Orangetheory power day
Wednesday - Rest day
Thursday - Orangetheory strength day
Friday - Rest Day


On Saturday, I'll admit - I was lazy and wanted to sleep in. Super warm temps at 7 a.m. were not appealing to me, and Brayden would have had to come with me...so I skipped it. Oh well, I guess I'm allowed that every now and again. It's just so dang hot outside!


With missing a "long run" this weekend, I was going stir crazy by Monday! So, on Monday evening, I loaded Brayden up in the Bob and headed out for a 3 mile run.

Even at 7 p.m., the temps still "felt like" 101 degrees outside! What in the world...??

However, this run was a grand one. I started off at my usual pace and around mile 1, I realized I wasn't running hard enough. So, I picked up the speed at mile 2 and somehow managed negative splits for the remainder of the run...along with a pretty decent pace (for me), too!

All of this took place while pushing a 30 pound toddler on a hot July day. I attribute it all to Orangetheory. It really has made me a faster and better runner!

Brayden and his foot were pretty proud of us, too! :D

On Tuesday afternoon, I made my way to Orangetheory for a workout. It was power day and the entire workout felt amazing for me...which shocks me because I ate a bit of junk food that day. Regardless, my all outs were faster on the treadmill and I had a ton of energy! Whoop!

 

Thursday afternoon's Orangetheory workout was a strength day and not near as great as Tuesday. I ate so much better all day and felt like garbage. Oh well, I made it through and that's all that matters! Also, the OT Beat screen turned itself off with about 8 minutes left in class, so I know those splat points and calories should be a little higher.

In other news, Chef Brayden received his "kitchen" this week and he couldn't be more excited!

The look on his face when it arrived was priceless! 

My mom has been wanting one of these for him for a while and when a friend of mine posted hers for sale, I had to jump on it! Brayden is seriously in love!


Speaking of love, our "Mickey Mail" arrived this week!

Just means we are one day closer to our next trip! This is our Eastern Caribbean redemption cruise, to make up for the one that was canceled last year due to Hurricane Irma. I can't wait!


How was your week? Any fun weekend plans?

Running With A Toddler

Running with an toddler can be a bit of a tricky situation. Toddlers love to be on the move and sitting still is usually not there forte. Due to my husband's work schedule, I find myself running with my toddler more times than not. This means I've had to devise a way to keep him occupied during our runs which can range anywhere from 3-5 miles at a time (we even managed a 6 miler once)!

How do we do it? Keep reading to find out!

Tips for running with a Toddler

• Find a good jogging stroller - one that you enjoy and is a comfortable ride for your toddler. We purchased a Bob stroller and added the handlebar console which helps with additional storage for cups and my phone.

• Bring along all the things - sippy cup, snacks, toys, etc. It's best to have things to keep your toddler occupied while out for a run. We found that having snacks along for our run really works out for both of us!
• Handheld toys are also a great thing to bring along for the run as they can help keep your toddler occupied. Having the toy on a strap that is attached to the stroller will also help if your toddler tends to drop things. 

• Be prepared for anything - toddlers can be unpredictable! 

• If it's summer time and warm/hot outside, bring along a fan. This is a nice bonus and will keep your little one from getting too warm. Also, don't forget water for them, too!

• Provide shade/hat/sunglasses (if they will keep the hat and sunglasses on!) Exposing your toddler to too much sunlight can be a hazard to them in the future (this is the oncology nurse in me coming out!) Our Bob has a great pull down shade which helps tremendously in the summer time. 

•  If it's possible to run an out and back loop, try this! It will help your toddler stay focused and won't cause boredom if they see the same thing over and over again.

• Running shortly before nap time can help relax your toddler - this has worked well for nap time as he has always transitioned well from a car seat/stroller to his crib. I know this doesn't work for everyone, but it has worked for us!
• Be prepared to slow down your pace. You won't be able to run your normal pace while pushing a 20-30 pound toddler. It's good resistance training in my book, though! :)
  
• Make sure the stroller tires are aired up. One time out on a run, I couldn't figure out why we were running slower than normal. Once I realized it was the tires fault and we filled them back up, it was smooth sailing from there!

I hope these tips will help you if you find yourself in a similar situation! I love running with my little buddy and although it can be challenging at times, I truly do enjoy our time spent together!

Fitness Friday - 1/27

Currently Training For:

• Rock n Roll New Orleans Half Marathon
• Disney's Princess Half Marathon & Glass Slipper Challenge

Saturday - 10 mile run
Sunday - Rest Day
Monday - 3 mile run with Brayden
Tuesday - Rest Day
Wednesday - PT routine/leg exercises
Thursday - 2 mile run
Friday - 5 miles with Jason and Brayden

Saturday's run with Heather was our first without the running group. I'm not gonna lie, it was SO strange to pull up at our usual meeting spot and see a desolate and empty parking lot. Whomp whomp sad times.

We had a great run, though...and I hit another record on my Garmin! Longest run since Christmas! Yay!

After the run, I stopped by Starbucks to pick up breakfast for Jason and I. Y'all...this Iced Smoked Butterscotch Latte...omg. To die for. I'm going to have to figure out how to make it "skinny" so I won't feel so guilty ordering it again!

Side note - how adorable is this sleeper? I'm going to be so sad when he outgrows it...

On Monday afternoon, Brayden and I went out for a 3 mile run. This week has given us low humidity and cooler temps...it's actually feeling a little like winter in the south! I'm loving it!

It definitely makes it easier to breathe!

We also finished up our king cake this week and look who I found...the baby! Of course.

After work on Thursday, Brayden and I set out for a quick 2 mile run. We had friends coming over for dinner and I had to finish cooking, so we only made it two miles but I didn't care. It was a GORGEOUS afternoon and I'm so glad we took the time to go out and enjoy it!

Last night, we gave my friend Melissa a gift from all of us. Her dad is the one who passed away a few weeks ago and we wanted to give her something she could always cherish.

Well, her dad was a Mickey fan like us and also a Sergeant with the Louisiana State Police. We gave her a giant Mickey dressed in a police uniform, complete with an LSP badge. He also had a little voice box in his back that played the prayer her dad prayed over her and her husband at their wedding. Needless to say, last night was a very emotional night although we did enjoy the girl time and the laughs!

This weekend will hold my final weekend training run before Rock n Roll New Orleans! I can't believe it's already almost here!! Have a fabulous weekend!

Items I Would Buy Again

Today's Friday Five Theme is: Items I Would Buy Again.

When I first heard today's topic, I began thinking of items that pertain to me in my everyday life right now - so anything from running to baby and holiday related.

Here's my list!

#1 BOB Jogging Stroller

I sure do love this jogging stroller and so does Brayden! The ride is super smooth and the handlebars are comfortable for holding on to. The BOB sure comes in handy for days when my only option for a run is to take my little guy along with me!

#2 Baby Brezza

I was first introduced to the Baby Brezza by my friend Heather when we visited her last year. This thing is amazing and reminds me of a Keurig for babies! If you are planning on formula feeding at all, the Brezza is a LIFE SAVER! I highly recommend it!

#3 Legend Compression

I know I've discussed my love for all things compression in the past - and although I am a Legend Compression Ambassador, I have to say that these are by far the best compression socks I've ever owned. I wouldn't say that if I didn't mean it. The compression is just perfect to fit my needs and I love the wide variety of colors available. If you're interested in a pair, check out my referral link - it will save you $15 on your first order! These are great for Christmas gifts, too!

#4 Fit Bit

I love love love my fitbit! When deciding on a type, I went with the fitbit One (clip on style) - that way I could wear it at all times no matter the outfit! It's fun to see how many steps I've taken each day and it's motivating to look back at the end of the day and see if I need to take a few more steps.

#5 Garmin

Although I have asked for a new one from Santa, I can't run without my Garmin! This watch has been with me through marathons, lots of races, and many training runs.

Bonus: #6 Operation Christmas Child

Although none of these items were purchased for myself, I did help put them together for a great cause! Operation Christmas Child grants Christmas "boxes"/gifts to children in other countries who wouldn't otherwise receive a gift. I love this cause and they were fun to put together!

That's all! I hope you have a great weekend!

What's one item you would buy again?

Runner's Gift List

Can you believe it's already the holiday season (well, almost)?! With Thanksgiving upon us next week, it'll be December before we know it!

Last year, I had no clue what I wanted for Christmas. I was pregnant, my brain was mush (well, it felt like it anyway), and I had no clue what to get for everyone else let alone what to ask for myself! This year however, I've got it down! I always include a few running themed items on my gift list each year and this year is no exception!

I'm prepared this time around! Keep reading below for a sneak peak at my 2016 Christmas wish list!

Garmin Forerunner 230/235

 

Source

I've been in need of a new fitness tracker since..well, a long time. I even purchased one several years back but returned it because I didn't care for it.

This one is still a toss up, though. I'm debating between the 230 and the 235. As far as I can tell, the only difference is that one tracks your heart rate without an extra strap. I also am in love with the really cute wristband colors!

Anyone have one or the other and love it? I'd love to know your opinion!

BOB Single Handlebar Console

 

Source

 
On Black Friday last year, I made my first baby purchase...a BOB Jogging Stroller. When Brayden hit the 6 month mark last month, I was granted permission from the pediatrician to finally give it a spin (with Brayden inside, of course)!

One item that wasn't included with the stroller itself is a handlebar console to store keys/water bottles/and my phone. All necessary for carrying along on a run, of course! This is definitely a must for my Christmas list!

Mizuno Wave Inspire 13

Source

As a runner, I go through several pairs of shoes each year...especially once the fall training season kicks into high gear!

I've been a faithful Mizuno wearer for years and a pair of the latest Wave Inspires are always on my Christmas wish list.

Aren't these so pretty?! I just love the color of the Wave Inspire 13's!

Planner

No, I'm not joining the planning craze here...I am just in need of a planner that can help me better organize my life. The iPhone has worked for dates and appointments but I would love to have a place to better organize my schedule, especially when it comes to blogging and life extras.

The Erin Condren Life Planner is in consideration, but I haven't fully decided if that's "too much" of a planner for what I need. I've also dug through a few I found at Hobby Lobby that were super cute as well as a the Create 365 collection at Michaels.

Aaah...decisions decisions! We will see what Santa decides to bring! :)


(None of the above links are affiliate links, by the way...and I didn't receive any of the above items for free. They are truly all items that are included on my Christmas list this year!)

Any thoughts on any of the items I listed above? Anything you've tried that I should stay away from?

Today, I joined up with these ladies for a Tuesdays on the Run link up! Thanks for stopping by! :)

Fitness Friday - 10/21

Hello and happy Friday once again! The weather forecast this weekend promises for a beautiful one...so I'm crossing my fingers it stays true!

Currently Training For:

• Cajun Cup 10K (Lafayette, LA)
• Cajun Country Half Marathon (Lafayette, LA)
• Disney's Princess Half Marathon & Glass Slipper Challenge
• Rock n Roll New Orleans Half Marathon

Saturday - 6 mile run
Sunday - Rest Day 
Monday - 2 mile run/walk with Brayden
Tuesday - 1 mile walk with Brayden & PT/Leg exercises
Wednesday - Rest Day  
Thursday - 3 mile run
Friday - PT/Leg exercises

This week was a great one here! On Saturday, my friend Heather and I went out for a 6 mile run. Nothing exciting happened, and the miles flew by while we talked. That always makes for a great run!

Sadly, my running group is disbanding in January. Yes, this is the SAME running group I joined when I began running 7 years ago. It will definitely be bittersweet to say goodbye. 

I've heard talk of plans for other groups forming, so we will see what happens! Heather and I pretty much know the routes well and we know the water stops around town so I think we will be alright...it's just sad to see our group leave and have to say goodbye.

Brayden's 6 month appt with his pedi was on Monday and he was given the green light to ride along in the BOB while we go for a run! This made things MUCH easier as far as adapting to my husband's work schedule and afternoon runs.

It was super easy to put together, too...I'll share more about my thoughts on the BOB in a blog post next week.

I wasn't sure what Brayden would think of the stroller, but he loved it and the gentle rocking motion helped him fall right asleep! Win win!

I went out for another run with him last night - this time for a legit, real run to see how he handled the BOB.

We made three miles which was awesome - in the walking stroller, 2 miles was usually his limit.

I'm definitely looking forward to more training runs with Brayden now that we can be more flexible with the jogging stroller!

This weekend, I have a 12 mile run on the schedule (eek)! We are also going to take Brayden to the local pumpkin patch for pictures! I can't wait!! :)

Have a fabulous weekend! What are your weekend plans? Anyone running a race? If so, where?