Gifts to Get Fit (or Start Your Resolution Now)

Tomorrow is the first of December, which means everyone will be in the gift giving spirit. Well, maybe not everyone, but everyone I know. I LOVE to give people gifts. If I had all the money in the world, I would just spend it all on gifts for loved ones. I also love to give gifts to myself. So I'd spend it on gifts for all my loved ones - including myself. I mean, I'm special and important too, right?

After you stuff yourself on Thanksgiving leftovers this week, then transition to candy canes, breads from coworkers, candy, cocktails and Christmas cookies, most people find themselves in a 3 day regret binge with a determination to make the change in the new year. I feel safe to assume that most New Years resolutions fall under the exercise/lose weight/get healthy umbrella. If you are serious about getting fit - for whatever reason - I feel like January 1st is the worst day to start. Start now.With gift giving season upon us, I want to help you with some tips to help you give up the excuses and get in shape. Now, if anybody asks what you want, you can tell them your goals and give them some good gift ideas.

Excuse One: I don't have the money to get what I need.
Why it's not an excuse: Running and walking are relatively inexpensive hobbies to pick up. As are swimming and tennis. Asking for gifts to get started helps you feel less guilty about spending the money on yourself.
What to ask for: Gift Cards. Not just any gift cards, though, because if you're like me a Visa gift card ends up going towards gas or groceries. Dicks Sporting Goods is a great gift card to ask for because you WILL end up getting some sort of sporting equipment. They have clothes, shoes (good shoes are an absolute must - ask to be fitted!), watches, rackets, swim wear - everything you need to start your new hobby. Plus, you'll likely be investing in some quality gear, which while it may be a little more expensive than workout gear at other retailers, this stuff will last if you take care of it.

Excuse Two: My thighs rub when I work out.
Why it's not an excuse: You don't have to wear shorts to work out in!
What to ask for: If a spouse, a parent, or someone close to you wants to give you a gift, tell them your size and ask for 7" compression shorts. I get some serious chub rub if I try to wear shorts and I hate it! I use to try running out for a day or two and then I could cry in pain. I found out that not all shorts have to be tiny. I have a great pair of Under Armour 7" shorts that come down just far enough to cover the "danger zone." These Nike shorts are only $22! I can't speak to them because I don't own them, but longer shorts are great for running indoors and outside during the warmer months. Also, if you are concerned about modesty or a butt you're not (yet) proud of, you can throw on running shorts over top of compression shorts.

Excuse Three: It's too cold out and I don't have money for a gym.
Why it's not an excuse: Running and walking can be done for FREE, even in winter.
What to ask for: Cold Gear Pants and a long-sleeve compression shirt. Pants should taper in at the ankles to keep them warm. Look for specific cold-gear because they will have an inside layer to keep you warmer than summer running pants. Again, compression gear can always be worn underneath other clothes if you want or need. Learn about moisture-wicking fabrics so you can be specific. Compression clothing doesn't have to be expensive. Reebok, Adidas, Under Armour, Nike - they all have gear. Right now, there are tons of sales so now is the time to look. Also, a nice light but warm jacket is a great idea. I just got an Old Navy Half-Zip Fleece for $8. What a steal!! I add some gloves, a scarf around my mouth/nose so I'm not breathing in the cold, dry air, and a hat. This way I can still be outside during the winter.

Excuse Four: I don't know how far to run or how long to run for.
Why it's not an excuse: There's an app for that! (Also, distance and time don't matter - just do it!)
What to ask for:
Option one: an arm-band for your phone or iPod. Also, a phone or an iPod if you don't have one. Music is great for getting out of your own head when running, but you don't want to carry it in your hand because it will affect how you move your muscles. Put it on your arm and leave it there. I love the Map My Run app, but there are countless others.
Option two: Nike+. My younger brother got this for me a few years ago and I love it. You tie a sensor to your shoe and sync it with your iPod. It will map distance, time, pace, etc. You can choose to run for a certain distance, a certain time, or just to start running and let it record you. A voice will come through in your iPod to tell you every half-mile or when you're halfway to your goal. They also congratulate you at the end of a new personal record (PR). It does include Lance Armstrong, or at least mine does, so if you are against him personally this might not be for you.
You can enter goals. You can be a part of an online community with challenges to keep you going. You give feedback on runs and how you felt about them. This was so much fun to keep me going when I first started running and I still use it today.
Option three: A sport watch. These can be pretty cheap and you don't need anything fancy. Ask for one that has laps and can set intervals. This is awesome for anyone that wants to start out. You can program it to beep in three minutes and then one minute later, three minutes and then one - perfect for interval running.

Excuse Five: I don't want to / can't be out without keys, ID, etc.
Why it's not an excuse: There are always options!
What to ask for: If you have to drive somewhere to run, many pants have a key-pocket. Sometimes, if I'm at a hotel or literally running to the store, I need a place to store extra things like ID, room keys, credit card or whatver. I love, Love, LOVE my Miche hip bag. Although it's not the intentional use, I wear mine like a fanny pack (although mine has a much thicker strap than the one pictured). It's the perfect size to fit in the small of my back and the strap is adjustable so I can make it very secure on my hips. It's a stylish alternative to a fanny pack and it fits my phone (Galaxy), keys, cards, etc. It takes the worry out of being out alone. Ask for one, or go out shopping with a girlfriend and find something similar.

My gift lists have included things like swim cap and goggles, light barbells, a DVD gift set (hello Yoga Booty Ballet!), resistance bands, a yoga mat - anything that helps me get in shape without feeling like I'm spending a ton of money on myself. These are truly gifts that keep on giving. You'll feel guilty if you don't use them, so you'll have more reason to get out there and go! Oh, you might also ask for a few SpaFinder gift certificates (or one to a favorite spa if you have one). Those new-workout-muscle pains are tough to get around. Stick to this new you from Dec 26th-Jan 15th (or any 2- to 5- week goal) and then treat yourself to a lovely massage :)

What are some of your favorite workout gifts?


 

Spring Walk

Back in February, I posted the pictures from my Winter Walk on the Huckleberry Trail. I also promised some spring time comparison pictures, and here they are! I love the history of this trail, of this whole area, with it's coal mining heritage. So much stop and read if you want, beautiful sites to see, or just a wonderful place to run and be at peace. I love this trail because every time I'm on it, I fall in love again! (Too cheesy?)

Walking towards my favorite bridge

Wood covered bridge

If you can't tell - there is still coal all over this trail

This is the same bridge from the winter walk picture. It's the halfway point on the Coal Miner's Loop

You can probably see how this trail has helped me fall in love with running. And walking. And southwest Virginia. I hope wherever I move next I can find another trail to explore.

I ran, I plunged and I conquered!

Well this is it! I know it's been a week since I ran and plunged but darn it, I've been busy and tired. It's true, though, I have accomplished my first goal of the year! It feels so amazing in ways I can't describe - accomplish a goal I've been working on, help out so many people in need and to just be shocked so alive by the jump! Not to mention that I got to spend the weekend with some great friends and had hands down the most amazing, feeling-so-blessed-by-the-world type experience.

I took off the whole day on Friday (my first day off in 19 days, just a little fyi). I woke up around 7:30, cleaned the house and took my time packing. I didn't leave until around 11 or 12 and started my journey to Virginia Beach. Fortunately, they weren't blasting that day. (The state is trying to cut into the mountain for much needed interstate expansion, but it comes with a cost of HOURS of traffic. I once sat on an on-ramp for 1 hour 15 minutes waiting for the blasting to finish, them to clear the road,  and then do whatever else is needed before they open the road again.) My trip took no-time and I hit very little traffic. Other than having to pee really badly when I got to my friend K's house in Chesapeake, it was a great ride with beautiful weather. Already a stress-free start to the weekend. Another friend arrived shortly thereafter so we went to see a basketball game for the high school K teaches at, caught up on some great teaching stories, and oh I could gush forever because it really was an amazing time. It also really made me yearn to move back near a city - small or large.




Saturday morning I got up ready to go! Not! Ugh I was tired from driving all day. So I showered, put on my running clothes and had a breakfast for champions. I knew the Cliff bar would get me through but I was nervous about the coffee. Luckily, I had a small cup and was totally fine. 




It was sooo cold that morning! About 30, not including the breeze from the ocean. By the time the race started I was able to take my jacket off and run in short sleeves so that was a really good thing. The run was AMAZING. My friend V ran, too. We started together but then I took off on my own. I really wanted to push myself for my first race. The sky was gorgeous, the weather warm by the end. We ran down one side of the board walk and up (literally - it's at the slightest incline the whole way back) the other. I kept telling myself to keep running - I wouldn't let myself walk - and luckily I had my woman in my Ipod who kept updating me as to my status. (Thanks Nike+!!)  At one point I almost cried because a woman was sitting on a bench holding a sign that read "Thank you for being a hero." I though about how much all the money we raised was going to help so many well deserving people. Remember, the race was for Special Olympics of Virginia. I raised $500 and altogether we set a record $1.12 million! So awesome to be a part of that.

 Physically, it felt amazing to cross the finish line. I was so invigorated and could have kept running forever - or at least a few more minutes. My finish time was 32:56 - well under my 35 minute goal! V finished in 37:50 which was under her goal of 40 minutes. We both did really awesome. Out of the 186 women in my age group, I finished 90. I'm thrilled with how well it I did. It's even inspired me to set a new goal of an under-10-minute mile so I can do even better in my NEXT 5k!!!

So after bananas, a lot of water and some stretching, we went back to K's to shower, read and nap. I relaxed until it was time to go to the PLUNGE!! I actually ended up plunging twice. Traffic was bad so my friends dropped me off and went to find a parking space. I had to run to check in and run to the beach. Then everyone plunged and I tried to wait but I didn't want to miss the whole opportunity! I ran in and ducked under the first wave - the only way I ever get into the ocean! It was cold, but definitely not as cold as I had expected. So I waited on the beach (with beautiful 52 degree weather I had no trouble hanging out wet on the beach) until my friends came with cameras in tow! I went back in to get some official pictures - just as much fun the second time around.

In the ocean! In February!












Me and K on the beach - I had my hair braided so it wouldn't tangle but now it's half-out.

 My hair is so long I thought this take on The Birth of Venus would be a good idea. 

 We didn't go to the events during the day, but they had sand castle building and ice sculpting. The "sand castle" on the left stood at least 20 feet high.

We went out Saturday night and it was nice and chill. It's been a while since I've been out like that. I got to wear my new shoes - which were a just-because-turned-Valentine's-gift from L. He has great tastes - which he says is because he knows what he likes to see. They're six inch platforms, which only puts me a foot shorter than him :) But back to Saturday night - we ate seafood and danced just a little, listened to some live bands and had great conversation. I love my girls.



Here's a couple close-ups of the events. L says I shouldn't have been "show boating" at the ed of the 5k because "it was a race. A 5k race. Not a 5k finish whenever you feel like it!" and apparently 5 people passed me while I was slowing down for the picture.  I love how much he cares :) And edits me as I type this. And adds in his extra comments but then asks if I'm "really going to keep that in." Love him and his support. Here is a video of the finish - it would be really cool to imbed the video but I don't know how. Boo.

 Thanks for all of your support!!! One goal down, more to come! Stay tuned - I'll keep you posted on my running goals and I am pretty sure the cake decorating course will happen within the next two months!

Okay Scratch That

So I know just yesterday (was that really 36 hours ago? It seems like yesterday morning was years ago) I said it wasn't going well, but today I've changed my mind. After snoozing for an hour (literally), I woke up and went to school. I taught my lessons and filled out a much needed travel request for the Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics conference at which I am presenting in about 3 weeks. We had DI practice until 5:30 and I got some tests graded. I had salad for lunch and soup for dinner. I spent about 23 minutes "judging" a MACC competition - which means I really did nothing but they gave me money anyway. AND STILL, after all that, I went to the gym! Not only did I make myself go, but I EXCEEDED my 3 mile goal! I did 3.2 miles, which to some of you might not be a big deal but to me it means the world. Instead of stopping at 3 miles I finished the full 5K distance. SO EXCITED! And surprisingly I am still quite alive and not in much pain. I had to power through the middle and between 2.75-3.00 miles but I did it. Finally got home around 8:30 and my first thought was to share this great news with you!
Actually, my first thought was to stretch my quads and hip flexors. My second thought was to share this with you. :)

Now I have to take advantage of this "warm" weather and spend the next couple of weeks running outside. This is what I am looking forward to:

 

In just two weeks I will be running my first 5K race and then doing a Polar Plunge at this very beach! Luckily, there's still time to sponsor me if you'd like - all the donations go to Special Olympics so you know it's a great cause!

Update: It's Not Going So Well

With only two weeks to go, the quest to get ready for my first 5K is not going so well. It seems like things keep getting in the way but I know that I'm probably just making excuses. You decide:

It goes like this: I signed up for a cardio-weight training class on Tuesdays/Thursdays. So far I haven't missed it. But my other days are supposed to be spent running and that's where things go wrong. I tend to work 6-7days a week on top of planning lessons and grading quizzes. I also coach a Destination Imagination team which means I am after school until about 5:30 two or three days a week. Then take the hour it takes to get home and sometimes I am just too tired or too busy to run. The Friday I definitely could have gone to the gym - left school around 6 and being a Friday I didn't need to do the housework or school work. But instead I went on a double date. Dinner was delicious, drinks were divine and the camaraderie was captivating. So great night - until Saturday morning when I felt guilty for not running and instead stuffing my face. It shouldn't be that way!

I HAVE been doing my long runs each week but I don't know if they count as long runs if you don't do your short runs too, right? So this weekend I said it didn't matter if I have worked all week and have to work all day Saturday and Sunday - I am definitely going to the gym to run. WRONG! Thanks to AAU Basketball, the gym is closed both days. The entire gym? My treadmill interferes with basketball? Ugh! No big deal, the weather isn't bad so I'll just run outside. Except that it won't stop raining. So what is a girl to do? I'll just dress the part and hope osmosis does the rest.

Now Monday I am supposed to run 3 miles but I haven't ran since last Monday AND I have practice until 5:30 and agreed to judge a MACC competition from 6 to 7. It is going to be long, long week. I really need to find the motivation to keep going these next couple weeks.

On a lighter note - I am in a quest to create a new Hazelnut Coffee icing to start a line of "breakfast cupcakes." Not that I have time for this, either. Hopefully over the summer I can really focus on my baked goods. With everything I have going on, I may have to push this Wilton's class back another month. January is SUCH a long month and money is short.You know how it is.

I'll let you know how it's going!