Workout Gear Wishlist // A Girl Can Dream...

Workout Gear Wishlist // A Girl Can Dream... by anni-s featuring black watches

NIKE activewear pants
finishline.com

Roxy yoga activewear
roxy.com

NIKE activewear shorts
nike.com

NIKE activewear shorts
$64 - zalando.co.uk

Smartwool
athleta.gap.com

Zensah clothing
zappos.com

Asics fluorescent running shoes
nordstrom.com

Samsung black watch
bestbuy.com

girls' activewear
target.com

Old Navy Girls Active Graphic Running Tanks - Bright white
oldnavy.gap.com

Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycling Bike - Fitness & Sports -...
sears.com

Fitbit Flex Wireless Activity Sleep Tracker Violet (FB401VT)
target.com

Nike Expandable Running Waist Pack
$25 - jdsports.co.uk

Sofsole Women's No Show Tie Dye Running Socks 6pk @ Sun and Ski Sports
sunandski.com

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Bye Bye July! // Still running!

Happy August 1st! Is it just me, or did July fly by? This will be our last month of summer in 2014 - well, maybe not for us, since we are in southern Arkansas. But I'm hoping for a wonderful Indian summer during September & October for all of us though!
What happened in July? Exercise wise I have started a new challenge. Means: I have started a new running training plan, and this time together with M. Since he applied for the Police academy, he has a fitness goal as well. Let me tell you: Working out with him is pretty awesome! He keeps pushing me, which is really motivating! He quit smoking end of June as well; still uses his Vapor every once in a while though. Nonetheless, I'm super proud of him!

I WANT THEM ALL!!
Left & Middle: via ConstantlyVariedGear on ETSY // Right: via teespring.com

So this new app we started using is called "Learn To Run". As I told you earlier, I have hit a plateau when it comes to running. I was doing alright on my 5k runs, but I wanted to run longer and especially faster. So this app is all about intervals. Walk. Run. Walk. Run.... 

The App comes with 2 training programs:

• Basic: 0 to 60 mins run

• Advanced: 60 to 120 mins run

Since I do 2 mile runs at the fairgrounds and take rest days as well, I finished "Day 15" of the Basic program today:

It's tough, especially when it is super hot and humid outside, but it's pretty effective as well! When I started, I was running the 2 miles in 24:54 minutes. 2 days ago, I achieved one of my goals:

2 miles in 21:06 minutes!!! And I've still had power and energy left, so next time I can try to push harder and go a little faster. Man, I was so happy when I checked my Polar FT7! Next goal will definitely be a 5k in under 31 minutes. My PR so far is 32:50. 

I still have tons of weight to lose. I still have to work on my push-ups and sit-ups. But I will get there! It's tough, but I will make it!

Another app I'm using to track all my workouts is called "Sports Tracker". Are you using it? If so, add me as a friend! My Username is: annischenk. So, while checking the app online today to see how I'm doing so far, I have realized this: 

I'm speechless. And this is just the beginning! :)

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Are you a strong mom? // DSG'S STRONG MOM PROMOTION

Are you a strong mom? Know one? I've got you covered, just in time for Mother's Day. Head to the DICK'S Sporting Goods Facebook page and click on the "Strong Mom Contest" tab for a chance to win one of eight $250 gift cards to DICK'S Sporting Goods from May 1 through May 11. 
To enter simply choose one of the images on the tab, or select any image from the web, that shows what you think will help keep a #STRONGMOM going. Then, fill out the form and press "Submit & Pin" for a chance to win.

You can also enter on Instagram by uploading a photo of a strong mom using #STRONGMOM. 

Enjoy and good luck!!

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5 Ways to Keep the Holiday Season Healthy // A Post from Emily Stone

Hello ladies and gents!

Today I have the lovely Emily Stone guest-posting on my blog! Relax, and enjoy:
   

5 Ways to Keep the Holiday Season Healthy

  At this year’s holiday parties, you probably won’t see me camped out at the dessert table. No, I’ve got a better plan. The bowl of mixed nuts is mine, you hear? That might seem a little aggressive, but the holidays can be a horrible time for weight gain. If I want a healthier holiday season, I have to be reasonable. That doesn’t mean I can’t indulge, but I have to prepare for it so January won’t hit me like a truck.   1. Plan Ahead. Everywhere I go at this time of year there is a deluge of sweet treats to tempt me. If I plan to expect these treats, I can find ways to subvert them. I keep healthy but sweet and filling snacks in my car, and I make sure to eat regular meals. That way, if someone offers me a dessert, I can have a bite or two, and not eat half the pan. I have workouts ready to go, as well. I maintain a program of easy exercises on my smartphone that I can perform almost anywhere (think squats, calf raises, wall sits) and I keep a bag of exercise clothes in my car.   2. Rest Well. Ugh, who can sleep when there’s so much to do? Not most moms. When I had my first child, I swore that I would never lose sleep for presents and holiday parties. This has paid off. Not only do I avoid that haggard, exhausted look that most people get around the holidays, but I also cannot procrastinate. As a result, my holiday shopping is usually done by mid-November, with presents ready to hand out just after Thanksgiving. Sleep gives me energy that no amount of caffeine can adequately replace. I take it seriously.   3. Make It Healthy. As an amateur cook and baker, I have learned to make a few healthy ingredient exchanges. For example, butter. It’s good in small quantities, but that does not mean I can slather it on. In many recipes, mashed ripe bananas or applesauce will replace butter. Extra-virgin coconut oil is another fantastic alternative. It’s a saturated fat, but considered healthier than butter since it is a medium-chain fatty acid. When I first started using it, I was amazed by the flavor and texture that coconut oil contributes to my cookies and cakes. It’s light and delicious, without drying out the crumb the way butter can.   5. Go For Fullness. Rolls, cookies and cake breads, oh my! All it is, my friends, is carbohydrate overload. When I see a luscious spread in front of me, the temptation is go right to the brownies and the fudge. But step away from the sugar! When I hear temptation calling, I load up on protein. I add a scoop of protein powder into my morning fruit smoothie and it keeps me feeling full for hours, plus it helps to keep the sweet cravings at bay.   6. Detox. After my blood sugar has got back to normal after Thanksgiving, it’s time to go into detox mode. Despite the inclination to just eat my way through to New Year’s Day, I want to avoid the holiday weight slump. However, I also don’t like the “liquid only” type of cleanses. I recently ordered, and started, the reset cleanse from Beachbody to fill in the gap between Thanksgiving & Christmas. It’s a 3-week detox so it fit into my schedule perfectly and I’ll be finished (and hopefully feeling great) just in time for Santa’s arrival.   The holidays are wonderful, but they take a toll on my health. If you want to lose or maintain weight this season, like I do: plan ahead and minimize the diet damage.  

Emily Stone is a proud stay at home mom, a dedicated wife, and a wanna-be fitness freak. Emily left her full-time writing career to pursue her career as a full-time mom and she’s been loving every minute of it! Emily is in the process of starting up her own blog, but for now you can find her at @FitMommaEm

Thank you, Emily!

 

If you want to be a guest blogger on here, just shoot me an e-mail!

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