Category: Friday Five Link Up

Friday Five: Five Running Items I’m Loving Right Now

February 12, 2015February 15, 2015 · 33 Comments ·

It’s Friday the 13th! I am linking up once again with Eat Pray Run DC, You Signed Up for What?! and Mar on the Run for their Friday Five Linkup. Every Friday they have a linkup for bloggers to link up a post about five things or write on their own theme. This week’s theme is “Love”. So I decided to write about five running related items I’m loving right now.

1. Wireless Headphones. I love listening to music when I run and I am loving wireless headphones! I just got these a couple of weeks ago. I usually like to whip out my phone and take pictures and not having to deal with the headphone cord is AWESOME! I’m using the Yurbuds Liberty Wireless Secure Fit Earphones and they work great. They don’t fall out when I run. I tried a different brand’s headphones and they just kept falling out after a while. Yurbuds are still my go to brand. I was lucky these were on sale and my hubby had a gift card. Since I’ve tried wireless, I’m not going back.

2. Injinji Socks. I love these socks! I won a pair in a giveaway a long time ago and I keep going back to these socks when I run. I just bought a new pair a couple of days ago. I dunno, my feet are comfortable in toe socks. I like how they’re lightweight and I don’t get blisters using them.

3. Strava. I just recently started using this App that tracks running or other activities like cycling. It’s a great way to keep track of your runs and look at your running data. I love how the GPS seems to be more accurate than Runkeeper since I’ve compared it with my Garmin. While running it’s great because you can setup audio notifications for every mile or half mile. It also syncs with Instagram so you can see your pics associated with your runs. Another neat feature is that it compares the same distance runs you’ve ran in the same location, or matched runs as they call it, and you can see the data on a chart. Pretty cool!

4. Beachbody’s Results and Recovery Formula. I’m really loving taking this recovery drink, especially on the days I do double workouts, where I run and then do an Insanity Max:30 workout. I think it’s really helping with having less soreness. I like how it has the 4:1 carbohydrate to protein ratio and tastes like an orange creamsicle.

5. Race-Kred runner charms. I’m loving the Race-Kred 13.1 runner charm I got to review. It’s a cool reminder of my accomplishment of running a half marathon. Love how it looks on my shoe! Full review and giveaway coming soon. Stay tuned.

What running item are you loving right now? Hope you have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

Be sure to check out the other blogs in the linkup!

Friday Five: Fitness Snapshots – Things That Will Keep You Healthy & Fit

February 5, 2015February 6, 2015 · 18 Comments ·

It’s Friday! I am linking up once again with Eat Pray Run DC, You Signed Up for What?! and Mar on the Run for their Friday Five Linkup. Every Friday they have a linkup for bloggers to link up a post about five things or write on their own theme. This week’s theme is “Fitness Snapshots”. I always post pics of me working out. But what exactly is fitness? Here is the first definition I got from Google.

Fitness is the condition of being physically fit and healthy. So here are five snapshots of things I do that keep me physically fit and healthy:

1. Running. Running is a great way to get fit and healthy. The benefits of running goes on and include improved cardio and respiratory health, reduced cholesterol, and strengthens the immune system. Here’s a pic from Wednesday’s run.

2. Strength Training. Strength training makes you stronger, builds stronger bones, and improves athletic performance. Also, gaining more muscle is great since muscle burns more calories than fat. This is an older workout pic from when I was doing Insanity the Asylum – Strength.3. Hiking/Walking. Here’s a pic from when I hiked the Manitou Incline in Colorado Springs a couple of years ago.

I haven’t done much hiking lately. The last time was in November, when I was in Colorado again. Just like walking, hiking improves your cardio fitness, bone density, and reduces risk of breast and colon cancer.

4. Yoga. There are many benefits of yoga that include improved flexibility, strength, and better posture. I need to keep working on doing more yoga. Here I am doing the crow pose. This pic is from March when I was doing P90X3.5. Drinking Water. We all know that drinking water is good for us. I always try to drink at least half my body weight in ounces of water. Some benefits of drinking water include healthier skin, helps carry nutrients and oxygen to our cells, and aids in digestion.

What do you like to do to stay physically fit and healthy?

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

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

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

Friday Five: Favorite Christmas Quotes

December 25, 2014December 26, 2014 · 16 Comments ·

Hope everyone had a very merry Christmas!! Mine was great! It’s so nice to spend time with family and friends. 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 there wasn’t a specific topic so I decided to do a post on Christmas quotes. Here are five of my favorite Christmas quotes:

1. “I just like to smile. Smiling is my Favorite.” ~ Buddy the Elf. I love the movie Elf and I think smiling is a powerful thing. Who doesn’t like to smile and be happy. 🙂

2. “Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more.” ~The Grinch. This quote is from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and shines on how Christmas is not about the gifts we buy or receive but is more than that, being together with others.

3. “Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas” ~Peg Bracken. I like this quote because it’s so true. Time and love are key components of Christmas.

4. “The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. ~Burton Hillis. This is another quote that hits what Christmas is all about.

5. “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” ~Buddy the Elf. This is another one from the movie Elf. Elf is such a funny movie and singing is a good way to spread Christmas cheer. 🙂 I like hearing Christmas songs.Do you have a favorite Christmas quote? What’s your favorite?

Be sure to check out the other great blogs!

Friday Five: Holiday Traditions

December 18, 2014December 18, 2014 · 26 Comments ·

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. This week’s Friday Five theme is Holiday traditions. Here are five traditions we follow in our household.

1. Visit Santa. Each year we visit Santa at least once. There are times when the boys want to see him and other times when they don’t. I manage to get a picture each year with Santa whether at the mall or elsewhere. Here are pics of the boys with Santa in Manitou Springs.

2. Make a gingerbread house. This is also one of my favorite winter activities. The kids love decorating their gingerbread house. Here is this year’s SpongeBob House.
3. Elf on the Shelf. We started this tradition three years ago. My eldest son named the Elf, Perry. I think it was because he liked Perry in the show Phineas and Ferb. Here are a few locations he’s been spotted at this year:

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4. Bake cookies on Christmas Eve for Santa. We always have cookies ready for Santa. Santa loves cookies :P.
5. Gift exchange for all the kids in our extended family. Lastly, we do a gift exchange for all the kiddos. Names are drawn and each cousin gets to give one gift to one of their cousins. It makes things easy to focus on one kiddo and a bit easier on the budget.

What Holiday traditions do you have?

Be sure to check out the other great blogs!

Friday Five: Favorite Winter Activities

December 11, 2014December 11, 2014 · 20 Comments ·

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 … Continue reading Friday Five: Favorite Winter Activities