Author: Happy Running Mom

Fit mom, hoping to inspire you through my fitness journey. Loves running and working out.

Last Week’s Workouts Recap (11/3-11/9)

November 9, 2014November 17, 2014 · 8 Comments ·

I had a decent week of workouts. I somewhat followed Hal Higdon’s Novice 2 Marathon Training Plan.

Monday was a scheduled rest day but I decided to do P90X3’s Dynamix which is a great dynamic stretching workout.

Tuesday was a three mile run.

Wednesday was a scheduled five mile run which I pushed until Thursday since that’s when my little guy has preschool. I decided to do Focus T25’s Speed 2.0 workout instead of the three mile run. My little guy joined me. 🙂

Thursday was the 5 mile run.

Friday was rest day.

Saturday was another rest day since my Parent’s were in town, so I wasn’t able to get any cross training in.

Sunday was long run day, nine miles.

I’ve decided to switch things up a bit. Earlier I was thinking I could follow Hal Higdon’s Marathon training plan just for fun to see if I could really run further since the longest distance I’ve ran is a half marathon. But now I’m thinking I should take a little break from running. I think I’m going to attempt Insanity – the Asylum workouts and maybe incorporate a run here and there. I want to increase my fitness level. This 30-day program includes drills to maximize speed, coordination, agility, and power. I’ve done the regular Insanity program, a while back and liked it! Asylum is supposed to be much harder, so wish me luck. If it’s too much, my backup will be to do Insanity again or some sort of hybrid until Shaun T’s newest program Insanity: Max 30 comes out in December.

How’d your week go? Do you like to incorporate other workout progams while running?

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.

Five Ways to Stay on Track During the Holidays

November 6, 2014November 6, 2014 · 27 Comments ·

The holiday season is coming soon. It’s always hard to stay on track and be healthy during the holidays but here are five ways to help you.

1. Have a plan. I find it helps to have a plan and follow a schedule. If you don’t have a plan, you will most definitely get sidetracked and spend wasted time trying to figure out what you should do. If you have a plan or schedule, at least you have something to follow to try and stick with. Pick a running plan or workout schedule that you can stick with that goes throughout the holiday season. I like Beachbody DVD Workout Programs like Focus T25 that come with a calendar schedule so you know exactly what workouts you need to do for each day, or for running, there’s Hal Higdon’s free training plans.
2. Have an accountability partner/partners. An accountability partner or partners will totally help you follow your plan. They’ll help motivate you and it will help knowing that you’re not alone, especially during the Holidays when it’s hard to workout on vacation. It’s nice sharing with others what you’ve accomplished to stay accountable and the encouragement helps motivate you to follow the plan.
3. Sign up for a Holiday Race or Event. I think it would help to sign up for a Holiday Race or Event. It’s a commitment. That way you know that you’ll be burning calories at the event as well as having the training that leads up to it.
4. Drink lots of water. After eating, and I’m sure there will be lots of holiday goodies, water helps flush out toxins. Also, many times you think you might be hungry but are just thirsty. So be sure to drink lots of water.
5. Sneak in a workout anywhere, anytime. Do the little things like park further away to get a good walk. Do squats while brushing your teeth. I also like to use exercise apps that allow me to work out anywhere. There are many exercise apps that allow you to do workouts anywhere even if you’re short on time. I have the Seven app which gives you a seven minute total body workout. I remember using it in the airport the last time we traveled to get a quick workout in.

Here I am at the airport with my kiddo using the app and doing squats. 🙂

How do you stay on track during the Holidays?

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 5 things or write on their theme. Check them out!

Last Week’s Workouts Recap (10/27-11/2)

November 2, 2014November 17, 2014 · 12 Comments ·

What to do? Currently, my next race that I’ve registered for is not until May 2015. I just don’t know what to do unless I follow a plan. I want to try and maintain my running so I’ve decided to follow another training plan just for fun. I want to slowly increase my distance just to see if I can run further so I’ve decided to follow Hal Higdon’s Novice 2 Marathon training guide. I’m not sure how long I’ll actually follow the guide since I’m thinking about getting Insanity Max:30 which comes out in December, but we’ll see. Also, I’m thinking about signing up for a marathon, but I’m still not sure which one yet.

I started Hal Higdon’s plan on Monday and ran 3 miles.

Tuesday was a five miler.

Wednesday was another three miles.

Thursday was Rest day.

Friday I decided to do Focus T25 Ab Intervals. My little guy joined me and we had a great workout. He doesn’t always join me so this was a nice surprise. 🙂 He did pretty good!

On Saturday, I did Les Mills Pump and Burn.

Sunday was an eight mile run.

How’d your week go? What do you think? Do you think it’s a good idea to start a Marathon training plan? What’s your favorite training plan?

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.

Five things I love about Halloween Time

October 30, 2014October 31, 2014 · 22 Comments ·

Happy Halloween! It’s fitting that this week’s Friday Five theme is Halloween.

Here are five things I love about Halloween time which include activities that lead up to Halloween.

1. Going to a Pumpkin Patch. It’s always fun going to the Pumpkin Patch to pick out pumpkins. We went this year to Lake View Farms in North Plains, OR. This is a nice one because you go on a boat ride to the pumpkins and ride a train back. It’s great for the kids. They even had a little hay maze.

2. Decorating pumpkins. My kids enjoyed using the push in decorations to decorate their pumpkins. It’s nice since there’s no carving and no mess. 🙂

3. Learning new things when helping out at the kiddo’s Halloween party. They did some neat things at my son’s preschool. They made their own pumpkins using toilet paper covered in orange tissue paper. Then they added the stem (brown roll from toilet paper), followed by decorating with face stickers.Also, their snack was a great idea. It was a carved out orange filled with fruit. The kids helped carve a little or just told how they wanted their orange pumpkin to look like. How cute is that?

4. Seeing the kids in costume. It’s so cute when they’re all dressed up in costume. It’s great seeing all the different costumes other kids are wearing too. There are always some really creative and great homemade ones. Last year I remember seeing a cool Minecraft costume that was homemade. The pic below is from last Halloween. It’s funny because I asked what my kids wanted to be for Halloween this year and they wanted to be the same thing as last year. What are the odds of that happening? Lol. It’s great that their costumes still fit. 🙂

5. Taking the kids trick or treating. The last thing, is it’s fun taking the kids trick or treating. It’s a nice time to see the neighbors as well as get free candy lol. Who doesn’t like free candy? I think it’s fine to eat in moderation.

What do you love about Halloween time?

Halloweenathon 10k Race Recap 10/25/2014

October 28, 2014March 8, 2015 · 18 Comments ·

The Halloweenathon, put on by Uberthons was a fun one that offered 5k, 10k, and 15k race options. I decided to do the 10k a while back since I felt 6.2 miles … Continue reading Halloweenathon 10k Race Recap 10/25/2014

Last Week’s Workouts Recap (10/20-10/26) Leading Up to Halloweenathon 10k

October 26, 2014November 17, 2014 · 4 Comments ·

This was the last week of Hal Higdon’s Intermediate 10k training plan since my 10k race was on Saturday. I’d say my week of workouts went fine. I slacked on the strength training but I got my runs in.

On Monday, I ran three miles. I didn’t do any strength training really, just some push-ups.

Tuesday was another three mile run.

Wednesday’s workout was 5 x 400 at 5k pace. I walked in between intervals. I had to do them on the treadmill since my husband was working.
On Thursday, the training plan showed to run 1-3 miles so I decided to run three since I felt good.

Friday was Rest day.

Saturday was Race day. I ran the Halloweenathon 10k which was fun! I’ll have the recap up soon.Sunday was Rest day.

How’d your week go?

Be sure to enter my Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts Giveaway if you haven’t already, which ends in one day. It ends on Wednesday, the 28th at midnight!

Hope you have a great week!

Five Reasons to Run a Race

October 23, 2014October 23, 2014 · 18 Comments ·

This week’s theme is five reasons to run (a marathon, an ultra, a 5k, whatever). So I chose to write about five reasons to run a race, any race.

I didn’t always like to run, especially long distance. I was a sprinter and jumper in high school and would always try to get out of running anything long in practice. Then during college I started running to stay in shape. It continued on and off when I was working. I started running and working out even more especially after having kids to help lose the baby weight. Signing up for races has helped a bunch, especially as a motivator.

Here are five reasons to run a race:

1. Keeps you motivated. Whether you’re running to stay in shape, lose weight or get more fit, races help keep you accountable. Signing up for a race means, I have to run on that certain day. I pay good money to run lol and it’s usually for a good cause. So signing up gives me something to look forward to. I usually follow a training plan that helps lead up to race day.

2. The Challenge. It’s a challenge to run and finish a race. Also, once I finish a race, I like signing up for another so I can beat the time I got especially if it’s a PR (personal record). Races challenge me to get better.

3. Get cool medals and shirts. Once you finish a race, you usually get some cool bling, like medals. Then you can start a collection. 🙂 They usually give out nice shirts too.

4. Get to travel and see sights. Races allow you get to see the sights on foot. Depending on what race, they close streets, freeways, and even amusement parks (Disney) for races. So it’s pretty cool to say that you ran where you would not normally get to. Also, there’s lots of cool destination races like Las Vegas,Washington DC, New York, and Disney ones that would be cool to travel to as well. The picture below is from the Rock’n’Roll Seattle Half Marathon. Loved the scenic route!

5. Fun social event. Races are awesome social events. Depending on your race, there could be hundreds or even thousands of people running and lots cheering you on. I read there was 25,000 runners at the Nike San Francisco race…wow! Who doesn’t love it when strangers cheer you on and give you high fives while running? Races are so fun!! 🙂

Those are five reasons to sign up for a race. Why do you run races? Are you going to sign up for a race next year? If so, what are you planning to run?

Last Week’s Workouts Recap (10/13-10/19)

October 20, 2014November 17, 2014 · 16 Comments ·

Last week’s workouts went well. Uberthons Halloweenathon 10k is coming soon, just five days away.

On Monday, I had a good three mile run and then did Focus T25’s Total Body Circuit for some strength training. Got a great sweat on! I love the fall colors from the leaves! Don’t you?

On Tuesday, I ran a nice six miles.

Wednesday’s workout was a 50 min tempo run. I’m glad I wore my running vest because it was windy and a little rainy out.

Thursday was a nice four mile run. It was a great day out for running!

Friday was Rest Day.

On Saturday, I did Focus T25’s Beta Rip’t Circuit. I love how T25 workouts are only 25 minutes long and still get such a great workout in a short amount of time. This particular workout incorporates weights which I like.

Sunday was an eight miler. I felt pretty good so I ran the last couple of miles fast.

Only five more days until my 10k race. It should be a fun one. When’s your next race or big event?

Hope you have a wonderful week! Be sure to enter my giveaway for a bag of Manitoba Harvest’s Hemp Hearts! They’re great in yogurt, salads, smoothies and more! HERE

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.

I’m a #MoveItMonday Ambassador!

October 20, 2014October 20, 2014 · 5 Comments ·

I just became a Move It Monday Ambassador! I’m all about helping and motivating others to get active! I first heard of Move It Monday on Twitter. You might be wondering what is Move It Monday?

Move It Monday is an international campaign which encourages people of all fitness levels to get moving each week starting on Mondays. Their website has many things to offer including fitness routines, tips, and inspiration to help individuals, worksites, schools, and communities incorporate exercise into their weekly routines. There’s a research page on their website that shows how Monday is the day that most people start an exercise and if one exercises on Monday, they are more likely to continue exercising during the rest of the week. It’s all about Monday! 🙂

It’s simple to become an Ambassador. Be active and inspire others. Check it out HERE. Be sure to use hashtag #MoveItMonday for your Monday workouts.

Here’s the Move It Monday tip of the week:

It’s Monday, how are you going to get moving today?

Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts Review and Giveaway

October 19, 2014October 28, 2014 · 43 Comments ·

Note: I was given a 2 oz bag of Hemp Hearts through a Sweat Pink campaign in exchange for reviewing them. No other compensation was received, and all opinions are my own.

I like trying new food, especially if it’s healthy, so I was excited when Sweat Pink offered the opportunity to try Manitoba Harvest’s Hemp Hearts. I had seen them at Costco before but wasn’t sure if I would use the big bag that Costco sells, especially since I had not tried them.

Here’s a pic of the front and back of the sample I received.

Here’s the back of the package the sample came in, which has great info:

Hemp Hearts are packed with nutrition. Each 30g Serving has 10g of plant based protein and 10g of Omega 3 & 6. They have less carbs and more protein and omegas than the same serving of chia or flax. Also, they are raw, vegan-friendly and Non-GMO.

The first time I tried them, I sprinkled them on my Greek yogurt. It tasted pretty good! Hemp Hearts taste nutty and added a great flavor to my yogurt!

Besides adding Hemp Hearts to my yogurt, I’ve also added them to my Shakeology shakes which I drink each day. I think Hemp Hearts are a great addition to all different kinds of food to make them healthier. You can add them to salad, cereal & yogurt, and smoothies. They taste fine right from the bag too! I know I’ll be buying more once my sample runs out.

You can check out Manitoba Harvest’s Hemp Hearts on their website. If you would like to try them, Sweat Pink and Manitoba Harvest are offering 20% off everything at ManitobaHarvest.com with code HHSweatPink14, which expires November 30, 2014.

There’s also a contest going on now. Manitoba Harvest is giving away a 5 lb bag of Hemp Hearts (yes, 5 LBS) to one lucky winner. To enter, get creative in the kitchen and tag @manitobaharvest, use #hemphearts, and #sweatpink in your Instagram and/or Twitter posts and you’ll be automatically entered. The contest runs until November 30, 2014.

In addition, I’m giving away a 2 oz. package of Manitoba Harvest’s Hemp Hearts for a lucky reader to try! This giveaway is open to US residents and Canada. It will end on October 28. Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway HERE!

Have you tried Manitoba Harvest products? If so, which is your favorite?
a Rafflecopter giveaway

My giveaway runs 10/19/14 to 10/28/14 12:00 A.M. PST. No purchase necessary. One winner will be selected via the Rafflecopter widget. Open to US residents 18 years of age or older. Must have a non P.O. Box mailing address. Winner will be notified, and will have 48 business hours to claim prize. If original winner does 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 Manitoba Harvest.