Month: January 2015

Five Favorite Home Indoor Workouts

January 29, 2015May 21, 2016 · 16 Comments ·

I have to say I’ve had a lot of experience working out indoors especially at home. I like the convenience of working out at home. You don’t have to drive anywhere, don’t have to wait to use equipment, or wait for a class. Working out at home is especially convenient for me because I have two kiddos. I can’t just go out for a run since there’s no one to watch them, but I can get in my workout indoors.

Here are my five favorite indoor workouts/programs right now:

1. Insanity Max:30. I’m currently doing this workout program and it’s insane but gives such a great workout. I love how they’ve incorporated Tabata style workouts into the program, which is when you do a move for 20 seconds and then rest/jog in place for 10 seconds. Here’s a video with some moves from Tabata Strength.

Also, here’s a recent instagram post of my little guy working out with me for a little bit doing Max:30 Sweat Intervals. Love it when he joins in! 🙂

View this post on Instagram

Oops I forgot Instagram only shows 15 sec of video. Here's more video clips. The other one had it playing the clips sequentially. #insanitymax30 #imaxedout #sweatpink #fitfluential #ffcheckin #girlsgonesporty #girlsrunfast #marathonpitstop #motivation #fitfam #fitmom #fitspo #workout #cardio #runner #halfmarathontraining #training #healthychoices #strong #determination #lifestyle #getfit #fitness #exercise #health #fit #instafit #instagood #stayhealthynfit4you #fitsnap

A post shared by Sherry (@happyrunningmom1) on Jan 28, 2015 at 10:48am PST

2. PiYo. PiYo is a great program that works great while running. It’s low impact but still high in intensity. It has pilates and yoga inspired moves. I think my favorite workout from PiYo is PiYo Sweat. Here’s a video with some of the moves:

3. Focus T25. Here’s another Shaun T program. I like how these workouts were only 25 minutes long. This is the program that got me more into Beachbody. I had done the original Insanity a while back but I loved how this one was much shorter in length. I love the Speed workouts. These ones are fast paced and always had me dripping sweat at the end. Here’s videos of Speed 2.0 and Speed 3.0.

4. P90X3. This was my first time doing a P90X program. I had heard about P90X but saw how long the workouts were and that put me off. But when I heard there was a 30 minute P90, I thought I’d try it out and I’d say it’s a great program. It was 90 days and I liked the variety of workouts. I could not do pull ups for the life of me or do the crow pose. By the end I was doing real unassisted pull-ups and nailed the crow pose. Here’s a video of some of the moves from P90X3 Accelerator. This ones a great total body workout with lots of leg and plank work.

5. Insanity the Asylum. This is a tough program but I liked how this was only a month long. I liked how it incorporated the Agility ladder. I think my favorite workout from this program was Speed & Agility. Here’s some moves from that workout.

As you can see, I’m showing my love for Beachbody programs. These workouts have really kept me in shape. What are your favorite indoor workouts or programs?

Have a great weekend! Be sure to check out the other great blogs!

Last Week’s Half Marathon Training Workouts (1/19-1/25)

January 26, 2015January 25, 2015 · 10 Comments ·

I finished week 3 of Insanity Max:30 and continued with the My Asics app half marathon training plan. Here was the Asics plan for last week:Here’s what I did:

Monday – Day 15 of Insanity Max 30 – Cardio Challenge. I improved my max out time and got 9:09 . Took a family selfie afterwards lol.

Tuesday – Ran 3 miles and then did Day 16 of Insanity Max:30 – Tabata Strength. First time doing this workout and maxed out at 10:09. .

I also got my push-ups done for the #SweatPink #NoExcusesChallenge.

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Push-ups done for the #SweatPink #NoExcuses Challenge. #pushups #fitfam #fitmom #fitness #runner #instafit

A post shared by Sherry (@happyrunningmom1) on Jan 20, 2015 at 4:41pm PST

Wednesday – Ran five miles and then did Insanity Max:30 – Sweat Intervals. Had a great workout and improved my max out time! Got 9:56.

Thursday – I switched Friday’s run workout and did it Thursday since my kiddo has Preschool and wouldn’t be able to run outside on Friday. I also did Insanity Max:30 Tabata Strength.

2015/01/img_2223.jpg 2015/01/img_2228.jpg

Friday – Got day 19 of Insanity Max:30 – Friday Fight Round 1 done. Maxed out at 8:39, a 17 second improvement. 🙂

Saturday – Rest Day

Sunday – Ran a good 10 miles.How’d your week go? Here’s to a great week ahead!

Friday Five: Five Things About Me

January 22, 2015January 22, 2015 · 20 Comments ·

Happy Friday!! I am linking up with Eat Pray Run DC, You Signed Up for What?! and Mar on the Run for the Friday Five Linkup. Every Friday they have a linkup for bloggers to link up a post about five things or write on their own topic. This week’s topic is “Five Things About Me”. So here are five things about me:
1. I am an identical twin. My twin sister also has a blog which you may have read Run-Hike-Play. 🙂 People have got us mixed up many times, more so when we were younger. It was great growing up because I would always have someone there, whether it be to help with school work or having a playmate. She would also push me to do better in everything, we are competitive. But I love my sis! She got me into running races and blogging more. 🙂 2015/01/img_1372.jpg

2. I was a jumper in track in field. I didn’t always love running. I hated running long distances in school. I would always dread the mile we had to run in P.E. But I did the long jump and triple jump. I actually placed 3rd in the state high school track meet in the long jump with a jump of 17’5″. 🙂 I had some fun times during high school track and field but long distance running was not a part of that lol.

3. Now that I love running and working out, I love being an ambassador for active and healthy living. I just found out this week that I’m part of the 2015 Simple Hydration Run Team. I’m pretty excited to be a part of this team and I love their hydration bottle! 4. I’ve been married for a little over ten years now. Here’s my hubby and it’s awesome that he works out with me!

5. I have two kiddos, 4 and 6 years old. They are my big bundles of joy! 🙂 Here’s a family pic:

Hope you enjoyed learning a little bit more about me! What is one of your favorite things about you?

Have a great weekend! Be sure to check out the other great blogs!

Half Marathon Training Workouts Recap (1/12-1/18)

January 19, 2015January 21, 2015 · 8 Comments ·

Before I get into the workouts recap, I found out on Friday that my application to become a FitFluential Ambassador was approved….woohoo! I’m pretty excited and happy to be a part of this group. It’s another outlet in which I hope to inspire others to be active and healthy. I’m looking forward to connecting with health and fitness brands.

Now on to my workouts recap. Half Marathon training for the NYC Half Marathon in March is going well. I just finished week 2 of Insanity Max:30 and it’s challenging but I’m able to manage both running and workouts. I like how Saturday and Sunday are rest days for the program. I get my long run on Sunday so it’s working out nicely. Here’s what the Asics app had scheduled:

I switched Wednesday and Thursday around since I’m able to run outside on Thursday’s when the lil guy is in Preschool. I also participated in the #SweatPink #NoExcuses challenge.

Here’s what I did during the week:

Monday – I did day 8 of Insanity Max:30 – Cardio Challenge with the hubby. Maxed out at 8:53 which was a little improvement from last time. I also did Day 1 of the #SweatPink #NoExcuses Challenge, 30 sec plank.

Tuesday – Ran 3 miles and Day 2 of the #SweatPink #NoExcuses Challenge was run or walk for at least a mile. Also, I did day Insanity Max:30 – Tabata Power. I maxed out at 10:10, another improvement. 🙂

Wednesday – Got day 10 of Insanity Max:30 – Sweat Intervals done. I was happy I improved my max out time again which was 9:17.

Day 3 of the #SweatPink #NoExcuses Challenge was 10 burpees (any variation). I did burpee lunges from Insanity Max:30 – Sweat Intervals.

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Day 3 of the #SweatPink #NoExcuses challenge, 10 burpees(any variation). I did burpee lunges in today's Insanity Max:30 workout. #burpees #fitfam #fitness #exercise #instafit

A post shared by Sherry (@happyrunningmom1) on Jan 14, 2015 at 10:08am PST

Thursday – Ran 5 miles and then did Insanity Max:30 – Tabata Power. I didn’t improve my max out time but was a few seconds off. Maxed out at 10:08. My little guy decided to join for a little bit. 🙂

Day 4 of the #SweatPink #NoExcuses challenge was 20 squats (any variation). I did squats with knee ups from the Tabata Power workout.http://instagram.com/p/x5bhXDKLgV%20

Friday – I did day 12 of Insanity Max:30 -Friday Fight Round 1. I maxed out at 8:22, a 10 second improvement. I decided to wear my free shirt that I just got from completing Insanity the Asylum: Volume 1. I also ran three miles on the treadmill and that was my #FreeFriday pick for Day 5 of the #SweatPink #NoExcuses challenge.

Saturday – Rest Day 2015/01/img_2093.png

Sunday – I ran 6 miles. Five miles was scheduled but I decided to run an extra mile for my Earthathon team, RunderfulRunners. If you haven’t joined an Earthathon team yet, we’d love to have you on our team. Join us in the virtual relay around the Earth. It’s fun and free. 🙂 You can learn more here. http://earthathonrelay.com

How’d your week go? Hope you have a RUNderful week! 🙂

I’m linking up with this week’s Workout Wednesday (WOW) Link Up!

Brought to you by hostesses Diatta Harris | Femme Fitale Fit Club and Sheila Simmons | The Frugal Exerciser and co-hostesses: Amanda | Eat Hard Work Hard and Heather | Divas Run For Bling.

Friday Five – What’s in my Gym/Fitness Bag?

January 15, 2015January 18, 2015 · 34 Comments ·

Happy Friday!! I am linking up with Eat Pray Run DC, You Signed Up for What?! and Mar on the Run for the Friday Five Linkup. Every Friday they have a linkup for bloggers to link up a post about five things or write on their theme. This week’s theme is “What’s in my gym bag?”. I don’t currently go to the gym so there’s nothing haha. I like to work out in the comfort of my own home or go running outside. It’s easier for me since I have two kiddos and a bit easier on the budget. But I’ll do a post on what I bring in my bag or fitness bag when I’m traveling to get my running/workouts in. Here’s what I bring:

1. Garmin GPS Watch – I currently have the Garmin Forerunner 220 and love it! I love how it fits on my wrist. It’s pretty light and thinner than my previous GPS watch. It works great and I probably rely on it too much. I like knowing the distance I’ve gone and my pace to see if I’m running too fast or slow depending on the workout. This one’s cool because it has live tracking and my hubby can follow me at home. It also tells me when I run a personal record.

2. FlipBelt – I need to have my FlipBelt. I always bring my phone with me and this keeps it nice and snug on my waist. I can hardly tell it’s there sometimes. It also carries my fuel on long runs and works great with my Simple Hydration Bottle. Here’s my review of the FlipBelt I did a while back.

3. Running Shoes/Workout shoes – I need my running shoes or workout shoes. Right now I love my Brooks Pure Flows when I run. I also love my Vibram Fivefingers KMD Sport Shoes when I do the DVD workouts like Insanity Max:30. They’re comfortable and don’t hurt my feet when I’m jumping around or what not. They also prevent me from slipping on the carpet.

4. Workout DVDs – If I’m not running, I like to do work out with DVDs like Focus T25 and PiYo. I’m currently doing Insanity Max:30 and it’s a challenging but an awesome program!

5. Yurbuds – These are the only earbuds that have stayed in my ears while running so far. I like listening to music when I run. I’ve been using Yurbuds since 2009 when I saw them at the Seattle Half Marathon Expo. They don’t fall out and fit nicely in my ears.

Well, those are five things that I make to sure to bring when I run or workout away from home. What’s in your gym bag?

Be sure to check out the other great blogs!

Last Week’s Workouts Recap (1/5-1/11)

January 12, 2015January 14, 2015 · 8 Comments ·

This week was a tough and busy week, but I got through it. I started Insanity Max:30 on Monday. This program is pretty insane! It’s 30 minutes of intense cardio with strength moves too. There’s some breaks but it feels like I’m constantly moving. I hope to improve on my max out times each week. My max out time is the longest I can go without taking a break that’s not given. We’ll see how it goes with half marathon training. It’s a two month program, so I should finish it at the end of February. In regards to half marathon training, I’m following the Asics app and this was the plan. I like how it gives guideline paces.Here’s what I did:

Monday – Day 1 of Insanity Max:30 – Cardio Challenge. Max out time was 7:49.

Tuesday – I ran 3 miles and then did Day 2 of Insanity Max:30 – Tabata Power. Max out time was 9:44.

Wednesday – I did day 3 of Insanity Max:30 – Sweat Intervals with my hubby. Maxed out at 8:23. Then in the afternoon, I ran five miles.

Thursday – I switched run days and ran five miles instead of on Friday since my little guy has Preschool. Then later did Insanity Max:30 – Tabata Power. Maxed out at 9:43. I did not improve on this time and was one second ahead of last time. Those side to side plyo push-ups are tough.

Friday – Day 5 of Insanity Max:30 – Friday Fight Round 1. I maxed out at 8:12.

Saturday – Rest Day

Sunday – Ran 7.5 miles.

I did pretty good and got my workouts in. How did your week go? Hope you have a wonderful week! 🙂

I’m linking up with this week’s Workout Wednesday (WOW) Link Up!

Brought to you by hostesses Diatta Harris | Femme Fitale Fit Club and Sheila Simmons | The Frugal Exerciser and co-hostesses: Amanda | Eat Hard Work Hard and Heather | Divas Run For Bling.

5 Things I Like About My Favorite City

January 8, 2015January 8, 2015 · 26 Comments ·

Happy Friday!! I am linking up with Eat Pray Run DC, You Signed Up for What?! and Mar on the Run for the Friday Five Linkup. Every Friday they have a linkup for bloggers to Link up a post about five things or write on their theme. This week’s theme is 5 Things I Like About My Favorite City.

I would say my favorite city is Seattle. I grew up just north of the city and have had some great memories in Seattle. Here are five things I like about Seattle:

1. It’s a beautiful city, especially in the Summer. The skyline is gorgeous and distinguishable with the Space Needle and Mt. Rainer. This is the view from Kerry Park. I remember going to Kerry Park after my wedding for pictures…oh the memories.

2. There’s lots to do. You can watch the flying fish at Pike’s Place Market as well as shop the many other businesses there that include crafts and farmer market type goods. The first Starbucks is at Pike’s Place too. There’s also lots of restaurants to try. I like walking by the waterfront. The Great Wheel is along there and Ivars, a great Fish and Chips restaurant.

Photo taken by S. Hanks

This is by Ivars, the Fish and Chips restaurant where many people have fun feeding the seagulls. 2015/01/img_1943.jpg

3. Seattle is an active city. There are many parks and lots of races you can sign up for. I did the Hot Chocolate 5k and Seattle Rock’n’Roll Half marathon last year. My first half marathon was the Seattle Half Marathon in 2009. Other races I’ve done in the past in Seattle were the See Jane Run Half, St. Patrick’s Day Dash, and Seattle Jingle Bell Run.

4. Home of the Seattle Seahawks. Love the Seahawks! The Seahawks won the Superbowl last year and are currently in the playoffs this year. I can’t wait to watch the next game! I love the fan support. We went up to Seattle over the holidays and everyone seemed to have a jersey on, especially on game day. It’s awesome!! 2015/01/img_1946.jpg

5. My last favorite thing about Seattle is that it’s close to family and friends. It’s always great to visit family and friends.

I’m happy that I don’t live too far from Seattle. It’s only about a 3.5 hour drive.

What is your favorite city?

Be sure to check out the other great blogs!

SUMOgrip Lace Locks Review and GIVEAWAY

January 4, 2015January 7, 2015 · 32 Comments ·

Do your shoelaces ever get untied mid run? Do you hate double knotting your shoes or hate it when your laces aren’t long enough to double knot? Worry no more. SUMOgrips solve shoelace problems and are pretty cool! I was able to try these lace locks free of charge in exchange for a review. My opinions are my own.

The SUMOgrip Lace Locks are so easy to use. All you have to do is tie your laces however you normally do and then slide the SUMOgrip under the knot. Then you secure the ends together until you hear the click and you’re set.

I’ve tried these on a couple of runs on the treadmill and outside. My laces stayed secure and did not come undone. I can’t even feel that they’re there. Pretty Cool!! I usually tie my laces using a double knot method. I tried the SUMOgrips without double knotting and they worked great! I like the idea of not having to double knot my laces especially with short laces. It’s awesome knowing that they are secure with the SUMOgrips. There’s no need to worry about my laces. Here’s a pic of what the SUMOgrips looks like on my shoelaces.

I even put them on my kiddo’s shoes. I think these are perfect for him too haha. His laces seem to get undone more than mine. I tried them on his shoes when we were out and about for the day, and sure enough, his laces stayed secure. The only negative thing I see about them is that they can be hard to unsnap. It just takes a little more time to unsnap and untie the shoes. You can always just slip your feet out of your shoes without taking them off :P. But taking your shoes off doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things. It’s all about the laces not getting untied and the SUMOgrips work.

The SUMOgrips Lace Locks are great for the entire family!

Pros:

Keeps laces secure.
Light weight.
No stopping midrun to tie laces.
Durable.
Don’t have to worry about laces.
Don’t have to double knot.
Easy to transfer from different pairs of shoes.
Great for kids too.

Cons:

Can be a little cumbersome taking off and will just take a little time to get used to.

I think SUMOgrips are great!! Check them out here http://www.sprgear.com/en/en/3-sumogrip-lace-locks . They range in price from $4.49-$4.99, depending on if you want them to be reflective.

In addition, five (yes FIVE) lucky readers will be able to win a pair of SUMOgrips to try. It is open to US residents and Canada. It will end on 1/15/2015 at 12:00 AM PST. Enter the Rafflecopter Giveway HERE.

What do you think? How do you keep your laces from getting untied?

My giveaway runs 1/5/15 to 1/15/14 12:00 A.M. PST. No purchase necessary. Five winners will be selected via the Rafflecopter widget. Open to US and Canada residents 18 years of age or older. Must have a non P.O. Box mailing address. Winners will be notified, and will have 48 business hours to claim prize. If original winners do not claim prize within 48 business hours an alternate winner will be selected. Contestants must enter on the Rafflecopter in order to win. All winning entries will be verified. If a winning entry cannot be verified as completed, a new winner will be drawn. Winner will be provided the product directly from SPR Gear.

I’m linking up with Angelena Marie: Happy, Healthy & Balanced, Pretty In Pink Fitness, Bold Fit Mom, and The Fit Foodie Mama for their #wildworkoutwednesday linkup.

Last Week’s Workouts Recap (12/29-1/4)

January 4, 2015January 4, 2015 · 1 Comment ·

It’s been an okay week. I still wasn’t feeling that great during the week and still have a cough, but I still got the Runner’s World Streak done. I’ve also started half marathon training for the NYC Half in March. Here’s what I did:

Monday – Had my last run with my sister while at my parent’s place. We ran a mile for day 33 of the Runner’s World Streak.

Tuesday – Ran three miles. It was a nice but cold day out.

Wednesday – Back home and had to run on the dreadmill since hubby went back to work.

Thursday – Ran two miles for the official last day of the Runner’s World Run Streak.

Friday – I ran three miles so continued one extra day of the Run Streak. I finished my first ever run streak and thought it was a fun experience. I can say I streaked for 37 days now. 😛

Here’s the Official Runner’s World Streak Finisher’s Badge.

Saturday – Rest day.

Sunday – Ran 7.5 miles.

How’d your week go? Here’s to a great week ahead! 🙂

Friday Five: Fitness Goals/Resolutions for 2015

January 1, 2015January 2, 2015 · 26 Comments ·

Happy New Year everyone! I am linking up with Eat Pray Run DC, You Signed Up for What?! and Mar on the Run for the Friday Five Linkup. Every Friday they have a linkup for bloggers to Link up a post about five things or write on their theme. This week’s theme is Fitness Goals/Resolutions. Here are my five goals/resolutions for 2015:

1. Run and finish a marathon. I will sign up soon and hope to run my first marathon, the Portland Marathon in October. I will no longer be half crazy but full crazy lol. I just want to finish a marathon.

2. I want to cook more and change it up with new recipes. I want to cut down on eating out and overall eat more healthy.

3. I want to run more miles than I did in 2014. According to Smashrun, I ran 712 miles. It’s a huge difference from 2013, with just 254 miles. I want to get at least 800 miles this year.

4. I want to PR in any of my races in 2015.

5. Lastly, I want to continue to cross train. I did three Beachbody programs that helped my running last year. I recently got Insanity Max:30 and want to finish the 60 day program.

What are your goals for 2015?

Be sure to check out the other great blogs!