How to Choose Fitness Equipment

Disclaimer:  This is a sponsored post written by me and all opinions are my own. 

If you've been a long-time Two Bears Farm blog reader, you know that fitness is a huge part of my life.  I work out almost every single day, and have been doing so for well over ten years.  Of course, my workout of choice is running.  Last year I ran over 1400 miles.  A number of those were on my trusty treadmill.  I've put over 1300 miles on my treadmill since I bought it in 2007.  While I prefer to run outside when possible, my treadmill has saved my sanity on many a wintry day.

When I was trying to choose a treadmill, I was most concerned with finding one that would be able to endure the pounding of a runner.  Some treadmills are better geared towards walking.  I wanted to make sure my treadmill would run smoothly at fast speeds or slow speeds, for long periods of time (I have run up to 16 miles on the treadmill in one workout). 

So I asked around for treadmill recommendations from other runners.  I had to be conscious of cost, as treadmills can be pricy.  I went to a number of stores and did some test runs on some treadmills.  It was a long process to try to find the right fit, and I felt frustrated.  I wished for an simpler and faster way to decide, as I was overwhelmed by all the choices.  Now, there is an easier way, where information is compiled together online in some treadmill reviews.  What a great resource and time saver, and you can get real opinions on the products you like!  I especially was drawn to the "Best Buy" reviews, which list the models that offer the very best value in their price range.  In addition, I found the site easy to navigate.

There is an additional resource for other equipment reviews through fitness equipment source.  If I ever am unable to continue running (I shudder, just a bit, typing that) I will likely switch to hiking and using an elliptical.  I used an elliptical when I rehabbed my knee following a knee surgery in 2004.  I found it felt close to running, but was easier on the joints.  Prices can vary on ellipticals between $200 - $5000, and if you've ever used a low-end elliptical you know that you get what you pay for with gym equipment.  Hopefully I won't be in the market for an elliptical any time soon, since I love running so much, but if I am, at least I have a great resource to find the best one for my needs.

Readers, what is your favorite piece of fitness equipment? 

Running Recap October 2013

Below is a statue that I love, which is on the back part of the greenway, on a loop I run from time to time.  Sometimes, running makes me feel just like this statue.

I backed off some on the running this month.  More than I had planned to.  It's been hard - time constraints, shorter days, an illness, and a hard time finding continued motivation for the treadmill early in the mornings on days I don't have time to run outside.  Still, I ran 108 miles this month.  I also did weights a couple of times. 

Readers, what has you lifting your arms up in joy lately?

Running Recap for July and August 2013

I never got around to posting a running recap for July, so I'll just squeeze July and August together.  I've had two really great months of running.  I love this time of year because I can wake up early and run before Paul leaves for work.  Of course, now we're losing daylight, so I won't be able to do this much longer unless I want to opt for the treadmill.  During the past two months I have backed off on the crosstraining, as I just wanted to use my time for running.  I'll pick up more crosstraining when the days grow shorter. 

July -
weights x 5
hiking x 2
running x 121 miles

August -
yoga x 1
tennis x 2
hiking x 1
weights x 4
running x 134 miles

I tried going off the glucosamine (it makes my blood pressure rise slightly, so I don't like to stay on it for long) but my joint pain came back, so I am back on it for now.  I also went to a health fair at the Vitamin Shoppe, and they recommended this stuff called Cissus, which was on sale.  I am trying it, tentatively, but it seems to be giving me headaches.  So it might not be the best option for me. 

I still don't have any races planned.  It seems I am staying motivated just fine with my running, even without the races. This is interesting to me, as in over 10 years of running, I have never not raced.  I even raced when I was pregnant!  I miss it sometimes, but mostly, I feel fairly happy just to be running day in and day out.  There is a definitely a temptation to jump into a marathon this fall (with my current fitness level, I'm only 4 long runs away from a taper!), but it's probably not a great idea.  Hopefully I will continue to stay injury-free. 

Readers, did you ever rely on something that you thought you needed....only to find out that you were just fine in the end without it? 

Running Recap May 2013

After a rough start to the  year, my approach to May was to just tough it out.  I decided to push some on my running and hope that things got better.  As a result, I had many runs on very tired legs that I just forced myself to run anyway.  On a couple of days, I ran twice - once in the morning and once in the evening.  Did it work?

Well, I can say I had a week mid-month that went very well and I was feeling much better.  But then I kind of dragged again the week after that, so I'm not sure.  June will be a cut-back month for me, and I'm hoping to see my legs bounce back.  At any rate, I'm pleased to see my mileage higher (because I'm behind for the year!) and I don't seem to be having any injury issues, so that is a positive.

Running - 112 miles
Weights - 8x
Swimming - 3x
Yoga - 4x

I also treated myself to some new running shoes this month.  They are PURPLE.  Not my usual choice, but it was what was available when I ordered them online.  And they seem to be doing the job.

A part of me has missed all the racing this season.  By now I've typically run several races.  But I haven't done a single speed workout, so I wouldn't be ready.  June is going to be a very busy month, but I hope I can hit the track a time or two.

Readers, are any of you behind on your goals for the year?

I am Still a Runner

I just haven't been doing my monthly running updates.  Mostly because I've been kind of disappointed in how things are going.  I am out there running, but I'm slow and sluggish and don't feel right.  It's hard.  Here is a recap of the past 3 months.

February:
I started February strong.  The first two weeks of the month I ran 51 miles, did Shred 5 times, yoga 10 times, abs 8 times, and rode my horse 4 times.  Then the vertigo hit halfway through the month and I didn't do anything the rest of February.

March:
The first week of March I was still battling the vertigo.  But after the first week I started forcing myself to run again.  I could barely eek out 3 miles, and it felt rough, but I kept making myself get out there.  I ran 68 miles, and towards the end of the month lifted weights twice.

April:
Ran 95 miles, lifted weights x 4, hiking x 1, yoga x 3, abs x 1.

It's still a struggle.  I'm not sure why I haven't bounced back.  I've been running for ten years, and I've never felt this bad running for this long.  I guess it it is what it is, and all I can do is suck it up and keep trying, and hope that, eventually, things will get easier.  I'm still a runner.  I'm just not a sleek and racing runner right now.  But I'm still getting out there, and for now, I need to be content with that, because it appears to be the best I can do.  I guess even people who have been running for over a decade have bad stretches. 

Readers, in what areas of your life does your determination and heart show? 

January Fitness Recap 2013

January is always a good month for me with crosstraining.  I seem to find motivation to do more crosstraining than usual each January, and this month was no exception.

Running = 83 miles
Yoga = 15 times
Shred = 11 times (I finally worked myself up to Level 3!)
Abs =15 times
Rode my horse = 2x

I didn't do any races this month, and do not have any plans.  So I won't be adding anything to my collection for a while.  I still use my calendar method to track my workouts though.  I have my calendar and my old medals stashed in my closet.

It's a little junky I guess, but I like the reminders of what I have accomplished in the past there.  Plus, since it's inside my closet, no one sees it but me.  I see them every time I jot down a workout on my calendar, and it gives me extra motivation.

My IT band is hanging in so far.  I had to stop my ART treatments on it for the time being, as I couldn't afford the copay.  Hopefully my IT band will continue obeying while our budget is so tight!

Fitness Recap December and 2012

Happy 2013 folks!  This is a really special New Year for me.  Because today marks 10 years since I made the New Years resolution to stop smoking.  I haven't touched one since.  But oddly, I frequently still smoke in my dreams when I am asleep.  This always upsets me - I often dream that I have forgotten that I stopped smoking and have taken it back up without realizing it.  This is certainly NOT in my plans, and I am proof that resolutions can stick when you set your mind to them.  Of course, in conjunction with the 10 year anniversary of stopping smoking, it is also the 10 year anniversary of starting running.  Which has played such an important part in my life for the past 10 years.  I've run on mountains, on beaches, on pavement and trails, in other states and even on a cruise ship in the Caribbean.  The only times I have stopped running have been for a knee surgery, for injuries, and at the tail end of both of my pregnancies.  Today I'm looking forward to starting my next decade of running! 

Just for fun, I went back and totaled up the past ten years.  I ran 9,176 miles total.  My highest mileage year was in 2007 when I ran 3 marathons and finished the year in 1264 miles.  My lowest mileage was in 2006 when I was pregnant with Pierce and preeclampsia kept me from running in the latter half of the pregnancy - I only got in 389 miles. 

As for this December, my IT band injury has slowly continued to improve.  I'm not pushing it too hard.  I've mostly stuck to 3 and 4 mile runs.  I've had to do a lot more running on the treadmill this past month than I like, due to the boys being on winter break.  I'm hoping to get outside more in January.

Shred 1 or 2: x 8
Running miles:  63
Yoga: x 4

Next month should be similar, with hopefully a slight increase in mileage.  And while I did make it to the track once in December (see the picture below for proof - the boys had fun playing on the playground while I ran in circles around them), I am hoping to do so again in January.

My overall year end mileage for 2012 is 1170.  I'm happy with this, particularly considering the injury that has held me back the past couple of months.  I met most of my 2012 goals: I PR'd in the half marathon, and I completed marathon #9.  The only goal I didn't meet was staying injury free.  Also for 2012 I lifted weights 44 times, did yoga 24 times, ab workouts 22 times, and Shred 17 times.

Now for 2013 - I am not actually setting any racing goals this year.  It's just too hard to do coming into the year with an injury.  So really my only goal is to get stronger, and to heal my IT band, and to just enjoy my running.

How about you, readers?  Got any goals for 2013? 

Fitness Recap November 2012

My IT band continues to recover, oh so slowly.  I can now run 3 miles, every other day.  Not very exciting.  I've been doing lots of crosstraining.  The kids continue to do Shred with me.  Paul made them fake weights out of wood.

I'm dreaming of running the track again this winter.  I want to try the track at Pierce's school.  It's crushed gravel, and unusual in that 3 loops make a mile (rather than the usual 4).  Might be easier on my body not to do as many curves.  I'm hoping to be able to pick up some track work in January, if my IT band is strong enough by then. 

It's a pretty place to run on the track, isn't it?  Plus, there's a very convenient playground in the middle, so the boys could have fun there too.

I do have a funny running story for the month.  One of my toenails fell off (a result from the marathon in October) and the twins were really worried about it.  Cort said, "Maybe we can get some glue" and Reid said, "Or some tape!" and Cort said, "Or a bandaid!" and Reid, looking all worried, replied, "Maybe we should give her a hug." and Cort said, "Yes! And a kiss!"  So I was well cared for, in spite of only having 9 toenails left. 

Here's my stats for the month:

Shred (workouts 1 or 2) x 8
Jackie Abs x 4
Yoga x 2
Running = 39 miles

Hoping for something similar in December, ideally with more running! 

October Fitness Recap 2012

I'm ridiculously late doing my fitness recap for October.  Mostly because it's grim, since I've been injured.  Yes, I ran a marathon in October, but that's practically all I did.

I took a week off after the race, patiently waiting for my leg to heal, but after a week I was done resting.  I wanted to run again.  Unfortunately, my leg has not been having it.  I wallowed and grieved the loss of my daily running.  I didn't want to crosstrain.  I didn't want to do anything except run.

After a while, though, even the grieving gets old, and it is time to move on.  And so, every few days I try to test out my leg to see where I am.  As it stubbornly continues to groan and moan over anything resembling a run, I am starting to do workout dvds instead.  Sadly, I didn't do many of these in October.  So we'll just call October the big lazy month, and hopefully everything will be more intensive from here on out.

Miles run - 49
Jillian workout dvds - 2x

Incidentally, I've started doing Shred quite a bit in November, and the boys LOVE it.  It certainly goes by much faster watching the boys have such a great time.

I hope that my leg starts healing soon.  I miss running.  Working out to dvds is like eating canned biscuits - it just can't compare if you've had the real thing. 

How do you deal with disappointments, reader?  Do you allow yourself a few days to wallow before picking yourself up and moving on?

Fitness Recap July 2012

I had a fairly nice month of running.  Most notably, I loved running around Chincoteague and Assateague Islands.  I ran through town, on trails, and on the beach.  My favorite of the runs I did started at the townhouse we rented, went down Maddox Boulevard, around the traffic circle, over the bridges on the marsh to Assateague, through the woods, and finally along the beach for a bit before heading back.  I did this run one evening, and there was a nice salty breeze as the sun set during my run.  It was 10 miles total, and one of the most beautiful and enjoyable runs I have ever done.

I did run one race this month - Four on the Fourth.  I ran 1:02 faster than the same race last summer and placed first in my age group.  Not a bad performance, although there is always room for improvement.  I won the boys some sparklers (which we keep forgetting to use) and candy.  Once again, they gave out beach towels in lieu of t-shirts, which came in very handy for our beach trip!

Total overall mileage:  115

I'm considering a big race this fall.  I'm overdue for a marathon.  My runs in August will be the deciding factor.  If my glute holds up and my running goes well, I'll register by the end of the month.  If not, I'll probably take it easy this fall, and then plan on hitting the track for speedwork consistently again this winter, in hopes of a strong spring racing season.

June 2012 Fitness Recap

Does anyone else find themselves shocked that July is here?  Suddenly it's mid-summer and I have no idea how that happened.  Before I get started on my fitness recap, I just wanted to let you know that we are among those suffering and whining without power (and, in our case, water).  As a result, I have not been able to do much blog visiting, although I am trying to return all blog comments, at a minimum.  I miss reading your posts, but I hope that we will have electricity reinstated very soon (particularly since it is soooooo hot without a/c) so I can catch up.  My incredibly awesome aunt and uncle were kind enough to loan us their generator yesterday, so at least we won't be losing all our chicken and beef from the deep freezer - we did lose some food, but our deep freezer has held strong throughout. 

Now, about running!  I had a good month of running in June.  But you know what happens to me every summer?  I tend to stop cross training.  This year I'd hoped that wouldn't happen, but it seems to be a pattern for me, and I guess it isn't that horrible to stop doing the weights for a couple of months each year.  After all, I keep up with my running, and that's the main thing.  I just can't ever seem to enjoy the weights, and by summer each year it's hot and sticky and I lose my motivation.  No doubt I'll pick it back up this fall.

I ran one race in June (Sundown Classic) and it was a night race, which was a bit of a change for me.  It was hot and hilly, but I really enjoyed it.  Just before the halfway point of the race I realized that I was having fun!  In a 5K!  I feel like I ran pretty well too, considering the heat, the fact that it was a weird time of day for racing, and the hills.  The best part?  The race was a benefit for my local humane society, which desperately needs the money. 

A friend of mine organized the race (she did a wonderful job!) and her husband took this picture of me.  They were kind enough to share, so I finally have a picture of me running to put on my blog.  My time was 23:50 and I placed second in my age group. 

Total running mileage in June: 115
Weights: 2x

Do you find yourself falling into workout patterns throughout the course of the year?  Do you just roll with it, or do you fight those tendencies?

Happy 4th of July!  Stay cool folks, and if you happen to have power where you live, take a moment to appreciate how wonderful electricity really is!

Grandin Court Baptist 5K Race Report + May Fitness Recap

While Paul had run the Grandin Court Baptist 5K before, this was a first for me.  Grandin Court Baptist offers free child care - complete with a bouncy house - for parents who are running the race.  This allowed Paul and I to run the race together.  The race started on a downhill on pavement for a little over a mile, and it went by fast.  I passed the first mile in 7:13.  Not long after that, we headed into the woods, on trail.  The trail was well marked, but there were some stairs involved early on and they were tough!  After the stairs things smoothed out on the trails and I felt light as I jumped roots and went around corners.  I was second female at this point, but third was right on my tail.  After I came off the trail, she passed me just before we got back on pavement, putting me in third.  This is where things got hairy, because fourth place was then right on my tail.  I wanted to hang on to third, so I pushed really hard.  The finish is on a very long gradual up hill, and the lady in 4th had a person biking next to her, coaching her on.  He was saying, "Just 30 seconds left at this sign, push hard, you can take her, you can do anything for 30 seconds!"  Believe me, I dug deep at this point to try to hold on to third.  I dug so deep that I was hoping I wouldn't end up tossing my breakfast at the finish line.  Luckily, I managed to hold on to my stomach and my 3rd place.  I finished 4 seconds behind Paul (one of these days I'm going to take him!), and 2 seconds behind second place.  The girl behind me finished 2 seconds behind me.  My time was slower than usual for a 5K due to the trail portion, but I was happy with it - 24:36. 

We dragged the kids away from the bouncy house so they could participate in some events themselves.  Cort and Reid did the toddler trot.  They just stood there after 'GO!' so Paul had to grab hands and lure them along.

Then it was Pierce's turn for the Kid's Fun Run.  You can see Pierce and I at the back center - I'm in a dark purple tank top (although in this picture it looks dark blue) -

It was maybe half a mile total, and Pierce did well even when he got tired on the uphill at the end.  He didn't complain, just slowed down a bit. 

My prize for 3rd place wasn't a trophy this time, but a $20 gift card to a local running store.  How cool is that?!  Pretty sure we'll be doing this race again in the future - it was a lot of fun for our entire family.

Overall, May turned out to be a great month for fitness.  Total miles = 107.  Free weights x 9.  Ab/Core work x 8.  Hiking x 5.  I also ran a 10K this month (thanks so much to my parents for babysitting!) and was able to break the 50 minute barrier again finally.  I've been chasing after that for a while now.  It wasn't a PR, but I was happy with my time of 49:51 and placed 1st in my age group (and 9th female overall).

Hopefully June will bring more fun running adventures!

WOD Fitness Toys for Toddlers and Kids

Twice a week I work out with free weights - doing a combination of circuits for about 30 minutes.  Whenever I do this when the kids are around, they always beg to try using weights too, but I never let them, for fear that someone will drop a 10 pound free weight on a foot and get hurt.  Recently, though, we got the opportunity to review WOD fitness equipment for toddlers and children, and my boys finally got to try out some weights. 

 When I opened the four boxes of items we received from WOD, it was like a mini gym right in our living room.  I could practically smell the testosterone.  Pretty sure this is how things will be all the time in about 12 years.

 The barbell weighs 2.2 pounds.  So you don't have to worry about your child straining something in lifting it.  The boys also loved stepping up on the Plyo box and jumping off. 

 The Plyo box has a weight limit of 60 pounds, but it's very sturdy.  My kids are so skinny they will be able to use it for years.

The kettle bell was a fun addition to their workout routine.  I was just a little jealous.  After all, I don't even have a kettle bell!  Now I think I need to get one so I can be like my boys!

By far, the biggest hit was the medicine ball.  At just 1 pound, you don't have to worry about them throwing it at the wall - or each other.  Cort and I played with the medicine ball all afternoon - he was particularly taken with it.  We rolled it back and forth, and worked on his catching skills.  Pierce worked on his catching skills too - he's not the most coordinated when it comes to this sort of thing. 

Cort demos practicing on the Plyo box.  Excellent for kids still working on their up and down steps skills.

Reid did a routine he made up himself, where he hooked the kettle bell over his feet and then pulled it in towards his belly.  A sort of kettle bell crunch. 

Happy boys, finishing up their extended workout.

We loved these products!  They were durable, fun, and physical.  I want to add that these would be an excellent addition for the child that has sensory issues or gross motor imbalances.  They are a fun way for the child to work on weak areas and strengthen them.  These items were just released, but I wouldn't be surprised at all to see occupational therapists using them in the future with young children. 

WOD also has soft versions of these items for babies!  Yup, your infant can even get in a workout safely!  You can find WOD on Facebook and Twitter too.  Also, if you would like to order some of their products, enter the code twobears2012 for a discount coupon! 

Disclaimer: I received four products from WOD for review.  The opinions stated above are my own. 

April 2012 Fitness Recap

April offered some unique challenges for my running that made it difficult for me to meet my mileage goals for the month.  I was unable to run during our days at Williamsburg (no one to watch the boys), and then the rest of the month involved a throat infection and a strained back which took me off my runs a bit.  I did my best to run when I could, and overall didn't have a bad month. 

I ran two 5Ks this past month.  The first was the Roanoke River 5K on April 7th.  It was nice weather and a flat course.  I did have problems with my lungs burning the last mile (and then for about 10 minutes afterwards).  It was strange.  I ran alright though with a time of 23:26 and a medal for placing first in my age group.

 The second 5K was this past weekend - the Vinton Dogwood Festival.  I actually ran this race when I was 4 months pregnant with Pierce, and I had memories of huffing and puffing up this HUGE hill during the race.  A friend running beside me at the time was so concerned he asked if I needed to stop, but I am stubborn, if nothing else.  Thankfully, the hill shrunk significantly since I was pregnant (ha ha).  It was still a somewhat hilly course - enough to slow me down a bit - but not too bad.  I ran 24:06 and other racers claim the course is just a tiny bit long.  I was fortunate enough to place 3rd female overall and won a trophy.  Pierce was very impressed with the trophy and put it on display in his room.

Total running mileage:  100 miles, just by the hair of my chinny chin chin.
Weights: x 8
Abs: x 2 (plus daily plank work)
Yoga: x 4

Next month I won't be able to run the 10K I was targeting because Paul will be out of town, and I don't have anyone to watch the boys.  So I'll probably just do a 5K in May and hope to hang on to some of the speed I built this past winter.  My glute is still quite bothersome, but hopefully it won't become a bigger issue.

Any goals for you in May, readers?

Fitness Recap - March 2012

It's been a good month for me.  So much better than last March, when I was injured.  I ran a half marathon this past month, and increased my long runs to 15 miles.  And at the track, I finally broke the 7 minute mile barrier and ran a 6:58 mile - for the first time ever!  As for the spring weather?  Well it made for fantastic running too.

Total miles = 103
Yoga x 13 I've been really stressed out, and you can see it in all the yoga. I don't think I've ever done this much yoga in a month.  Just trying to find some solace.  Thankfully, I don't think you can ever do too much yoga.
Weights x 9

You know what I've been loving this month?  No bake energy balls.  I've made them twice and they are delicious!

I've seen quite a few recipes online for these, but I've been making the recipe I found on The Sweet Detail. 

I'm going to be cutting back on my speedwork at the track for the next couple of weeks, upon the recommendation of my ART (active release therapy) practitioner, who feels that is what is aggravating my hip/glute.  Hoping a 5K in April will keep my legs a little speedy - I've worked hard and I don't want to lose that - but I also don't want to battle a long-term injury again.  The last week of March after my half marathon I barely ran at all - just a measly 11 miles for the week - and the glute is still bothering me.  If things don't improve, I'll be making April a very light running month in hopes of keeping serious injury at bay. 

What are your plans for April, readers?

February 2012 Fitness Recap

It's no secret that February is not one of my favorite months, and I'm always glad to see it end.  This month was no exception.  I did have a good month for workouts, though, and I managed to work out every day this month except today - I'm taking the day off in celebration!

This month I ran 100 miles, lifted weights 8 times, and did yoga 4 times.  I also ran a 10 mile race and didn't find out until after the fact that I won my age group!  My mom was kind enough to go pick up my award:

Always nice to get an award that is different from the usual medal.  I don't drink coffee, but my husband will put this to good use.  Just as he has that other coffee mug I won a few years ago, and the huge beer mug I won last fall.

I may be giving new meaning to the phrase "trophy wife".  My husband likes cereal too.  Anyone know of any good races giving out cereal bowls for awards?  I'm game! 

I'm thinking about signing up for a half marathon in the latter part of March.  It's a great time of year for racing.  How about you, reader.  Any March goals?  Running, mug-collecting, or otherwise?

Quaker Heart Healthy Challenge - A Recap

 A couple of weeks ago I joined the Quaker Heart Health Challenge which is inspiring women to take charge of their health by making small changes each day.  You can do this through exercise, healthy cooking, or other small lifestyle changes - and Quaker has loads of tips to help you along the way.
My goals were to add in stretching and lunges, and to run a 10 mile race.  I already have a fairly solid exercise regimen, so I didn't want to overhaul that.  Since the challenge, I have worked out every day.  I've run, I've lifted weights, and I've done yoga.  And yes, I've incorporated more stretches and lunges in!
I also ran that 10 mile race.  To tell you the truth, I had a bit of a cold and wasn't too excited about doing it as race day approached.  But because I'd pledged on my blog to do it as part of this challenge, I knew I couldn't back out.  I'm glad I ran it - while my time wasn't quite what I'd hoped for, I got outside on a beautiful day and gave it my best.  I have no doubt that my lungs and legs are only stronger because of it, and this may help me in my next race.  I'm hoping to do a half marathon in March.  I haven't registered yet, but I think having successfully completed the Quaker challenge may be just the push I need to send in my registration!
I hope you'll try this fun challenge!  And you don't have to run 10 miles to do so - just be committed to making small healthy 5 minute changes to your daily life.

Here is your change to leave a comment!  February is National Heart Health month. Even if it’s only 5 more minutes a day, what extra step will you take to stay fit?
For your chance to win $750 complete these two steps:

1.Share the challenge with your friends

2.Tell us that you’ve invited your friends to join the challenge AND share the extra step you’ll take to stay fit below

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Quaker Oats Company. The opinions and text are all mine. Official Sweepstakes Rules.

Making Health and Fitness a Priority

You know how important fitness, particularly running, is to me on a day to day basis. It is my mental pacifier. But even the enthusiastic exerciser can get caught in a rut and lose mojo. In January, I skipped a couple of key workouts. Yes, me! I skipped a track workout because it was bitterly cold and pouring rain out one Saturday. And I skipped another track workout plus a long run because of the stomach flu. The stomach flu couldn't be helped, but I should've run that workout in the rain. So I'm starting February afresh and with new inspiration by joining in on Quaker's Nourish What Counts challenge which supports good health and lifestyle choices.
This challenge is open to anyone, and it's as easy as adding a 5 minute activity to your day. I know when I post my monthly fitness recaps each month, so many of you comment that you'd love to find some motivation - well here's the perfect chance! You could go for a 5 minute walk, toss a frisbee with your kids, download a free 7 minute abs workout from Itunes, or choose a healthier and more balanced snack.  When you join in on the challenge, Quaker will give you the inspiration you need with workout tips, recipes, and more.
Last month I ran 100 miles, lifted weights 8 times, and did 3 sessions of yoga. A pretty well-balanced month for me, but there is always room for improvement. As part of the challenge, I have signed up for a 10 mile race this month. Weather permitting, I'll be there at the starting line, and will run my best. I already workout 4-5 days a week, but this month I'm going to commit to doing some stretching every other day - which will help prevent injuries. I am also commiting to doing the lunges that keep my IT band strong - I have slacked off on those lately. Injury prevention is the focus in these new activities - I want to be well prepared to have a fun and excellent racing season this spring!
So come on readers! Rally together with me this month to create a healthier lifestyle and put yourself, your heart, and your health as a priority by joining this challenge. You need only complete 15 activities in the next 30 days, and I know that you can do this!
Joining the Quaker Heart Health Challenge is my first step towards becoming healthier and more balanced. I'd love to to know - what motivates you to stay healthy?
For your chance to win $750 complete these two steps:

1.Share the Challenge with your friends

2.Tell us that you’ve invited your friends to join the Challenge AND share what motivates you to stay healthy below

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Quaker Oats Company. The opinions and text are all mine. Official Sweepstakes Rules.

Fitryo Total Bar - A Review

I love fitness gadgets.  It's always fun to try something new, to work out muscles in different ways, and to shake things up to prevent boredom and burnout.  I was really interested to try the new Total Bar by Fitryo - I'd never seen anything quite like it before.  It stands for Fitness, Training, Yoga. It's a long, very slender pole that is slightly weighted on the ends.  All together it weights about a pound and a half.  The weights on the ends allow you to vibrate the pole as you work different muscles, giving more frequent reps than you would get from using standard weight lifting equipment.  It arrived with a carrying case, a nutritional guide, a workout poster and a training brochure.  

 I tried the different poses by following the brochure and the poster.  In particular, I liked working the core.  I often get vertigo from doing crunches, but I had no problems from using the Fitryo Total Bar.  It works the entire core by forcing you to use stabilizing muscles, so it's a more gentle workout than crunches would be as well.

 This position works the triceps, as well as the quads from doing the lunge.

This one works the back.

You hold each pose for 30-60 seconds, while doing the small repetitions.

You can watch a video to get an idea of how it works:

I think this is a wonderful product for people who are looking to just get started with weights.  It may take some time to get used to how to perform the movements.  I had to mess with it a bit and watch the videos before I felt like I was using it correctly.

For those who already have an established weight routine, it offers a fun alternative.  I came up with a few exercises not in the book to offer a bigger challenge - such as doing the yoga boat pose while using the Total Bar.  After having three kids, I can use all the intense core work I can get! 

Disclaimer: I was provided with the Fitryo Total Bar to try out and write a review on my blog.  The opinions expressed are my own.

Fitness Summary for 2011 and New Goals for 2012

Well, 2011 didn't start off so hot.  An injury to my right IT band sidelined me for months.  Several doctor visits later I finally found someone who could do ART (active release therapy) which helped me to recover and allowed me to start running again.  But when June rolled around and I only had 222 miles for the year, I realized that I would have to let go of some of my running goals, including the one where I'd hoped to run my 9th marathon.

Fortunately, June is where things came together for me and I started getting back to normal running mileage.  With normal running mileage, I was able to pick back up on my goals to salvage what I could.  Here are the stats from the year broken down:

Yoga: 23 times
Ab work:  44 times
Weights:  31 times
DVD workouts (Shred, etc.) 21 times
Running workouts at the track (this was one of my goals - to be consistent with this): 21 times
Running mileage:  1004 miles

In addition, I ran two 5Ks, a 10K, and a half marathon this year.  I was able to (just barely) set a PR (personal record) at the half marathon, which had been one of my goals for the year.

Considering that I only had 222 miles at the beginning of June, I think I finished off the year strong.  I know that I have improved my speed (which was one of my goals for the year), although I am not the fastest I've ever been.  And although I'm disappointed that 2011 didn't have a marathon in it, the running year wasn't a total letdown.  In fact, I think I had some good moments.

So what am I looking for in 2012?  I'm still leery of setting goals much, still scared my IT band will go out again.  So I'm going to set 'light' goals that I feel like should be easy to achieve as long as I stay uninjured, and with a little luck maybe I'll exceed them.
1.  1000 miles
2.  Consistent and continued track workouts - more than last year
3.  PR in the half marathon again

I'm looking at a few winter/spring races, and in particular there is a 10 miler in February and a half marathon in March that I will likely run.  Beyond that, I'm reluctant to plan.

We did start off the year with a run up Mill Mountain with the local running group, the Star City Striders.  It was humbling to try to get up the mountain pushing a 5 year old in a jogging stroller.  I confess I had to walk some sections.  But it was a fun way to start the year.

What about you, reader?  Do you have any regrets from 2011?  Any goals for 2012?