Tag: Running

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!

Last Week’s Half Marathon Training and Workouts Recap (1/26-2/1)

February 2, 2015February 1, 2015 · 4 Comments ·

I had another busy week of workouts, but got them done! I finished week 4 of Insanity Max:30, so month one is in the bag. Woohoo! I’m a bit scared for month two since it’s supposed to be even more challenging. I also continued with the My Asics app half marathon training plan. Here was the Asics plan for last week:

I moved many of the runs to fit my schedule but I got around the same mileage in.

Here’s what I did:

Monday – Day 22 of Insanity Max:30 – Cardio Challenge completed. I maxed out at 12:36, a 3 min 27 sec improvement!

Tuesday – I decided to run the Mom’s Run This Town Virtual 10k. It was a good fast one!I also did Max:30 Tabata Strength. I maxed out at 10:41, a 32 sec improvement! I still don’t like this one because of all the diamond and v push-ups. I just need to keep working on them.

Wednesday – I did Max:30 – Sweat Intervals. I improved my max out time and got 11:31. Here’s some video clips when my little guy decided to join me at the end. You may have seen it in my previous post, but I think it’s cute :).

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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

Thursday – I ran 5 miles on the treadmill! That was tough! I’m not used to running that much on it. It was my longest run ever. Watching on the iPad helps! Then I did day 25 of Insanity Max:30 – Tabata Strength. I maxed out at 10:45 which was a few sec improvement.

Friday – I ran 3 miles on the treadmill. I also did day 26 Max:30 – Friday Fight Round 1. I maxed out at 8:46, a 7 sec improvement.

Saturday – Rest Day

Sunday – I ran a nice 10 miles.

How’d your week go? Happy first week of February!

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!

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.

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!

Wrap Up – A Look Back at 2014

December 30, 2014January 4, 2015 · 8 Comments ·

I’m linking up with Tuesdays on the Run – MCM Mama Runs, My No-Guilt Life, and Run the Great Wide Somewhere. This week’s topic is a “Wrap Up – A Look Back at 2014”. 2014 has been a great year for me fitness wise. I feel like I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been. I’m running faster, long distance wise, than ever before. Along with running training plans, I believe Beachbody programs played a big role in getting me to where I am today. 2014

In January, I started P90X3 and finished in April. I couldn’t do pull-ups at all and when I finished I could do six of them. I was in tip top shape.

My first race in 2014 was in March, the Hot Chocolate 5k in Seattle. I didn’t run much beforehand and I think I did well for not training for it. I haven’t ran many 5k’s but I got my best 5k time so far.

Towards the end of doing P90X3, I was also training for the Portland Rock’n’Roll Half Marathon. This is my yearly half marathon race. I’ve been running it since the inaugural one in 2012. I focused more on running after finishing P90X3 and trained using Hal Higdon’s Half Marathon training plan with Beachbody programs snuck in if I couldn’t go for a run due to the kids. I had a great race and I was so happy to PR.My next race was the Seattle Rock’n’Roll Half Marathon. This was a fun one because my sister who lives in New Jersey came and ran it too. It was a good run and I loved the scenic route. There was a nice part where you could really see Mt. Rainier. We ran by Lake Washington and on the Alaskan Viaduct passing the Great Wheel.In July, I decided to do PiYo and it was a nice change for me. The pilates and yoga inspired moves went well with running.My next race in August, was my first ever trail race, the XTERRA Trail Run Hagg Lake 5k. It was tough and I remember it being hot out. I was happy that I got 2nd place in my division and fourth overall female. It was a nice small race and my time was 26:29.In September, I had my final half marathon race of the year, the Oregon Half Marathon. This was a good course. We ran through farmland as well as through the Gallon House Bridge, the oldest covered bridge in Oregon. I was so happy to PR on my half time again!
My last race was in October, the Halloweenathon 10k. This was my first actual 10k race, so it was an automatic PR. The race took place at a golf course and I managed to get third out of all the females for the 10k. It was as fun one, despite the muddy course.With no races for the rest of the year, I decided to try out Insanity the Asylum in November. This was a tough one month program, but I’m happy to have completed it.

I also started my first ever run streak on Thanksgiving, the #RWRunStreak. It’s been fun and there’s just three days left.

This year has been awesome! I finished three Beachbody programs and ran six actual races, the most races I’ve ever ran in a year. I would say I’m in the best shape ever with my last two races being PR’s, especially my half marathon time. I’m hoping 2015 will be another awesome year. Well, that’s my wrap up of the year.

How did your year go?