I've Moved

Hey ya'll,
Please check out my new website at www.backatsquarezero.com
I upgraded and got rid of the .blogspot
I'm basically starting over so I'd love for you all to support and follow me to my new site.
Once there be sure to subscribe so you can stay up to date:)
Thank you so much for your support,
Abby

Guest Post - Jen - Motherhood & Running

Hey all - I'm out of town for the weekend and wanted to bring you a great post.  Jen is kicking some running butt, seriously I dream of being that fast, and doing it all while raising a family.  My question - How do you balance it all?

*I am a 30 something mom to a toddler, wife to a triathlete, grad student and competitive runner. I work as faculty in a small private college and as a running coach allowing me some flexibility. Check out my blog at http://runnershoe.blogspot.com

Is it possible to be a mother and stay active at the same time? I get asked this frequently and the answer is “of course” but it takes a little work and compromise at times. When I was pregnant with my daughter I often heard the three words “Just you wait” followed by some inevitable change that I was going to make strictly as the result of becoming a parent. These changes often involved some aspect of running or being healthy. I was probably told daily that I would never run as well again, but as stubborn as I am I aimed to prove these people wrong and was quickly back and running PRs and reaching new goals. I find it odd that no one ever says to a pregnant woman “you will never watch TV again” but they are quick to say you will not work out again.

I won’t say there haven’t been changes or that it is always easy, but with work it isn’t tough. I recently saw a sign that said “you would never skip an important meeting with your boss so why skip a workout”.

If you don’t think you have time then figure it out: Okay maybe not so simple, but look at a typical day and write down you obligations. Figure out where you can fit in things; maybe this means walking to the store for groceries instead of driving or hitting the treadmill while you watch your favorite show.

·    Plan ahead: write down your time at the gym, running, biking, etc. in your planner for the coming day, week or month and stick with it. Along with this plan and make meals ahead, I often spend Sunday afternoon naps making a few freezer meals for the week ahead allowing me extra time during the week to go to the gym, play outside with my daughter or just relax on those busy workout days.

·    Get up early: I often sacrifice extra sleep to be up for 4:30 am run, bike or most recently my new 5:30am boot camp. It is a tough routine to get into but you set the clothes out at night, crawl out of bed and go without thinking. I am often halfway through a workout before I am fully awake. This way I am done in time to either spend the day with my daughter or get to work.

·    Enlist help: Whether you are a mom who needs a babysitter or someone needing an extra kick to get moving on a workout, ask someone to help. Join a gym with childcare, this is good for everyone, kids can play while mom has some me time. My husband and I often split workouts while pushing the BOB or days for long runs.

·   Allow yourself this time: As a mom, wife and grad student with a job I deserve me time and for me this is when I work out. I have time to think and de-stress. This short time away from my family (or bringing them along) to go run makes me a better person in all aspects.

·   Know yourself: your strengths and weaknesses and work with it.  I prefer the morning to work out and am much more apt to skip a workout if I save it for after work. 

    Find the things you like: hate running, find a fun spin class.

·   Make a date: Grab a friend, join a group, hire a trainer. Even on the tough days if someone else is counting on you it is more likely to happen.

·   Take advantage of naptime: This has been huge for me on days I am home. The first year of my daughter’s life I spent a lot of time running on the treadmill during naps. I sacrificed a clean house some days to run, but I didn’t care!

·   Accept that it will never be perfectly planned: Even with the best intentions there are days when meetings run late, kids are sick, weather is bad, etc. Roll with these inconveniences and throw in a workout DVD at home, walk at lunch or skip a workout (the world will not end) just don’t let this be the norm!

·   Set goals that are concrete to motivate: Run a 5K, do a triathlon, buy something for sticking to the plans.

Yes, it takes work and good time management but anything is possible. If I can make it work anyone can. In the past couple years since becoming a mom I think my body has gotten stronger and healthier through better workouts, eating healthier through planning and working to be a good role model. - http://runnershoe.blogspot.com

FitFluential Friday, Nuun, & Pro Compression Thoughts

1st - I'm all over the place.  Check out some fabulous FitFluential peeps, me included (FitFluential, working on the fabulous) on the blog today.  You'll see this cool picture of me being goofy on my Asheville, NC hiking trip and stopping to workout play on the rocks instead of using them to cross the stream.   

Also, check out Running Escapades to read the story of my fitness Aha moment along with many other wonderful stories.  

Finally, stop by MommyRunFast to see tons of great interval workout and find links to more, like my favorite one, at the bottom.  

2nd - Nuun is rocking my world.  I'll admit I kind of messed it up the first time by putting one tablet in this 32oz water bottle.  Whoops read directions - 1 tablet = 16 oz.  So the next time I did it right and the flavor was great, strawberry lemonade.  I have never been a big fan of recovery beverages so I always drink plain old water post long run.  I hate putting all that extra stuff in my body after I just worked it so hard, but I was intrigued by Nuun, liked the ingredient list, and loved the calorie count - only 8 per tablet.  I am so glad I tried it because I feel like I can happily drink it post long run, rehydrate better, and not feel guilty about putting junk in my body.  I already went back to the store and bought the one other flavor they have Tri-berry.  (Plus I am thinking about ordering the Kona Cola online.)

3rd - As I have been injured I haven't gotten to do any of my longer runs, but I have tried out my Pro Compression socks because I could not wait.  I wore them after my short run and was surprised at how lightweight and comfy they were.  I must admit I was worried about them being too tight because I have never owned compression socks before and I have kind of big legs compared to lots of girls, but they fit just right.  I can totally see myself slipping these on post long run to lazy around my house or even go out and run errands.  Love the bright pink.  May need the baby blue or a purple soon.

Your Opinion Needed - Participation Welcome

Check it out - A little request/challenge/question in honor of my 3 month blogiversary.
I know.  Can you believe it has already been 3 months?  Doesn't feel like very long and somedays I have to remind myself to calm down a bit as I am still brand new and figuring all this out.  (I know some of you are thinking dear heavens it seems like she's been around forever, nope, just feels that way because I never stop talking.)  

Recently I was lucky enough to have a Google+ hangout (think Skype) with the fabulous, sweet, and super helpful Bex from Bex Life.  We talked about blogging and I being the newbie asked a million questions about...well... EVERYTHING!  Luckily she was wonderful about it because most people probably would have hung up on confused newbie blogger me.  While answering countless questions she also suggested lots of ideas.  One idea I found very cool was an idea for a blog she had gotten at a conference, done herself, and then suggested I could do.
  
The idea - Pop this question to your readers:
What do you all think my blog is about?
Then I can see if I am putting the right vibes, info, etc. out there.  

Like if you answer a whiny girl complaining about her injury - I know to dial it down a bit with the poor pitiful me junk (trying to - stupid hamstring).  

Or if you say someone who is addicted to sweets - I know to up the fitness part to make it match the food part.

Or if you say a lady who is way too obsessed with her nephew - I think get over it, cutest baby ever!

So basically it's like doctor's visit time and this is my 3 month blog checkup.  Am I on the right track?  I need your diagnosis.  

What do you all think my blog is about?

Please comment and let me know.  Thanks:)

Liebster Award

Liebster Award

Alana from Merry Alana emailed me last week to let me know she choose me for a Liebster Award!  I felt very honored, first that she read my little blog, then that she thought enough of it to want to know more about me. This is a fabulous way to get to know more about the people behind the blogs you enjoy reading and also to discover more great bloggers. 

So what in the heck is this:

The Liebster award is given to upcoming bloggers who have less than 200 followers.  (I'll be honest, I didn't look at how many followers any of these blogs have, but I think of them all as fabulous up and coming bloggers - next step world domination- so if they have over 200 whoops.)  The meaning: Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing and welcome.

Rules for receiving this award:

1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves.
2. Then answer the questions the tagger sent for them, plus create 11 questions for the people they've tagged to answer.

3. Choose 11 people and link them in your post.

4. Notify the people you have tagged.

5. No tag backs.

11 things about myself 
1. I am 5'10 and wear a size 11 shoe.

These are really normal sized people.  I'm just that tall (and in flip-flops).

2. According to my hairdresser I am the only person who goes in with blonde hair and asks to have it dyed darker.

3. I am a ridiculous klutz which makes many forms of exercise terrifyingly hilarious, but I try because I like to see improvement.  (I've flown off multiple boxes trying to do box jumps.)

4. I finished my MEd in Languages (ESOL) last year, but am currently back in school again taking a few Spanish classes to help me better communicate with my students.

5. The only show I must watch on TV is True Blood.  The cliff hanger endings to each episode keep bringing me back.  Plus Alcide is super hunky. 

6. I am convinced you are never too old for Disney movies.

7. Blue is my favorite color, but purple is making a run for it.

Both pairs of my current run shoes = Purple!

8. I am pretty sure I have the coolest family ever and actually love spending time with them.  Plus I am crazy aunt level obsessed with my new nephew.

Any excuse for a Jackson picture.

9. I was excited to turn 30 and actually rounded up starting 6 months early (no clue why).

10.  I would love to travel more:  visit new countries, have big adventures, run races in amazing places, but I am too budget conscious and know I cannot afford it.

11. There are certain things from my childhood I can never get sick of, namely: The Princess Bride (as you wish…), Dirty Dancing, and New Kids on The Block.

    

Alana's Questions to Me: (you'll all answer my questions below instead)

1. What is your favourite summer activity?  In Charleston summer is sweltering, but I love having extra time off work to do things I normally wouldn't.  Walk/run the bridge, take barre classes, piddle around the Whole Foods salad bar and eat lunch there, etc. 

2. What is your guilty pleasure? Sweets and gossip magazines like US Weekly.

3. Do you have a favourite book? I love books. I have so many favorites.  I love kids books like Harry Potter and The Hunger Games, but I also love historical fiction because I feel like they teach me something - check out Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.

4. What is your favourite topic to blog about? My overall favorite blogs are those that really get people thinking about running in ways they haven't before.  My two favorite so far have been one on 5Things Newbie/Nonrunners Need to Know and my National Running Day Post on What Running Has Taught Me. 

5. Coffee or tea? Coffee if it is in mocha light frap from Starbucks otherwise iced tea.

6. What decade do you identify with the most? Present day, past decade?  I'm really happy with where I am in my life right now.  There is so much I have learned over the years, but so much more I am sure I will learn still.  I am just enjoying living in the moment.  Check out my letter to my 20 year old self to see how I've grown.   

7. Where do you feel most at home? Falling asleep on my parents couch while watching a movie with them after Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

8. What do you do when you're having a bad day? Run, call a friend, blog.

Helps, Trust me.

9. Have you met blogging friends in real life? I am brand new to this, tomorrow is only my 3 month blogiversary, so I haven't really traveled to any bloggy conferences yet and there are not many health & fitness bloggers in SC.  My adorable sister-in-law juststarted blogging so that is one blogger I know in real life:)

10. What is your favourite subject to blog about? Health & fitness

11. What's your favourite way to relax? Reading in bed.

My Questions for You All:

1. Why did you start blogging?

2. What has been your favorite part of the experience so far?

3. If you could gain one thing from blogging what would you hope it brings to you?

4. What are you most looking forward to right now?

5. What do you do when you are stressed?

6. What is one food you could not live without?

7. If you could only watch one TV show a week what would it be?

8. Where is your dream vacation?

9. What is one goal you are currently working towards?

10. Do you have any children or fur babies?

11. Favorite ice cream or fro-yo flavor?

My 11 People Victims:

1. EatTeachBlog

2. A Walk in the Woods

3.Becoming a Healthier Mama

4.Dish 'n' Dash 

5.Live Travel Eat Run

6. Push.Pump.Progress

7. Road Runner Girl

8. Mom Running on Empty

9.Run With Kate

10. rUnladylike

11.The Chocolate Mile