#GetItGirl Wednesdays: Staying Hydrated, Mermaid Run, & More Workout Mixes

Last week we posted the very first Fitness Mama workout mix.  If you didn't catch it, click here to check it out!  We got tons of positive feedback with requests to make more workout mixes available and so we definitely will make this a regular thing for you mamas.  A lot of people were asking for 80's or 90's stuff.  Who's ready for some TLC??  #babybabybaby #whataboutyourfriends

Have you guys signed up for the Mermaid Run yet?  Have you started training?  Just in case you missed our announcement, Fitness Mama and Team Get it Girl will be at this event!  We'd love to see all of your gorgeous faces in person and this would be a great opportunity to meet you guys.  It would be like a big party except we'll be downing Zico's and Gatorade instead of lemon drops.  So train like a beast and celebrate your accomplishment at a great women's run.

The Details...

What: Mermaid Series run.  Sirena 10mile.  10k. 5k. 

(Team GIG will be running the 10 mile which will take us over the Golden Gate Bridge!)

Where: San Francisco

When: November 10th 2013

Time: start times depend on which race you choose to run.  Sirena 10 mile starts at 7am.

Price: Please check the Mermaid Series site for the prices; it really depends on which race you do and if you sign up earlier, the prices are discounted

This race has sold out the last three years so don't wait too long and miss out!

Click here to register

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Last weekend I had another long training run and it was SO discouraging.  I just felt super tired and my legs felt so heavy.  It was one of those days when I just felt like I could not go any faster no matter how much I pushed.  

So when this happens, I try to go over WHY did this happen.  Did I not get enough sleep?  Was I not getting enough of the right nutrition?  Should I have stretched more?  This time around, I think that the reason was that I probably didn't get enough hydration.

We all know how water is so important to getting/staying fit and healthy.  Water is so necessary for our bodies to function properly and I think that's why I was feeling so tired and my legs were cramping up during my long run.  Our bodies are about 75% water and water is used in just about every bodily function from transporting oxygen to those muscles to regulating body temps to breathing.  I had my water belt with me during the run but of course this isn't going to fix the fact that I hadn't been regularly drinking enough water in the days leading up to this run to prepare me.  

Drinking water has definitely not been easy for me.  In fact it is just one of those things I find SO challenging and I'm immediately impressed when someone tells me they drink upwards of a gallon of water daily (Hi Anne Marie!  lol).  For most of my twenties and early thirties all I drank was soda.  I now realize how very wrong this was.  We always had soda in the fridge.  I cringe when I think about how I drank soda (ex-Dr. Pepper addict right here) with breakfast, lunch and dinner.  It was just that I didn't find water very refreshing. In fact I would sometimes gag when I drank water and then chase the water down with soda!  #smh

So this is just a friendly reminder to keep that soda out of the house.  You and the kids will be less likely to reach for it if it's not there.  When I don't crave water, I find it harder to reach my goal in drinking a certain amount everyday.  Here are some things I do to help me reach that goal...

-add cut up fruit (strawberries, kiwis, etc.), citrus fruit or mint to flavor the water.  Sometimes I get so busy that I cannot be bothered to cut up fruit just to drink water.  This is why I always have grapes washed and ready to go in the fridge.  I just grab 2-3 grapes and then chase it down with water.  So refreshing!

-add lots of ice.  Sometimes crunching on the ice helps with that gagging sensation I get when I don't want anymore water but I know I should be drinking more. You can also make citrus fruit flavored ice by squeezing lemon/grapefruit/orange/lime/etc. juice in the water in your ice trays. 

-drink tea!  Iced or hot.  It's water!

-keeping water icy cold.  Sometimes I cannot stand room temp water.  When I remember to, I keep half filled water bottles in the freezer.  When I'm ready to leave the house, I add water to this bottle and it stays cold for hours. 

-keep a routine.  Pick an activity or activities that you can link with drinking some water.  Drink water when you first get into the office.  Or when you get a chance to sit during the day.  Or every time you change the baby's diaper.  Or every time you have to go to the kitchen.  

Do you have other ways to help me reach my goal of drinking more water?  Do you have other ideas to help remind yourself to drink more water?  Please share them with me!!  

#FitnessMama at the Good Day Sacramento Studios

As you guys may have known, Christelyn was featured on Good Day Sacramento to talk about Hot Hula Fitness on July 3rd.  The GDS team/Amy Carabba (weekend anchor of Good Day Sacramento) visited during a class and they absolutely loved Hot Hula and also loved Christelyn.  So much so that they invited Christelyn to come to the studio to do another segment to talk about her weight loss journey and Fitness Mama.

We were notified that we should be at the studio less than a week in advance.  We were told that Christelyn would do 2 short segments-one about nutrition and one on exercise.  They were not clear on what exactly they were looking for or how the filming would be like or what to expect but we ran with it, super excited to even get this opportunity.  I feverishly got some tank tops made so she could look great while promoting FM on TV.  She spent hours getting organzied and collecting foods she wanted to feature and we brainstormed ideas on what to talk about and how to answer questions that could possibly come up.  We were just beyond excited.  I honestly don't know how Christelyn slept all last week because I was so nervous for her.  But I was also confident that it would all work out great in the end.

We were instructed to arrive at 9:45am at the studio.  We left Christelyn's house about an hour before that.  It takes about 35 mins. to get there.  And wouldn't you know it, we got lost TWICE.  I was starting to get so upset that we were throwing away this opportunity because we were LOST.  It was not a good feeling.  The first time, we were diverted to a detour because a ramp was shut down!!  What the hell.  Out of all days to shut down a ramp.  And of course we hit traffic at the detour.  And then the second time, our GPS took us someplace completely wrong!  We could not believe our luck.  I was on the verge of freaking OUT.  But Christelyn stayed calm.  This is how it always is with her and I!!  She is always so positive and calm and so trusting and confident that everything is going to work out.  I am not kidding or exaggerating.  She is one of the MOST POSITIVE people I know just in case you were wondering.  I do enough worrying for the both of us.  :)

Eventually we figured it out and arrived RIGHT ON TIME.  I was so relieved, I could've cried.

#teamfitnessmama always down to support their mama

outside of the studios

We checked in with the security guy at the front and then hauled all our stuff in.  We were told to wait in the lobby and were invited to help ourselves to coffee and snacks in the break room.  The security guy told us that the staff would come and get us when they are ready for us.  While we waited there, the Good Day Sacramento show was on LIVE and we were able to watch it from the lobby and break room.  It became crystal clear that we were going to be taping live and not taping for another day with the benefit of editing.  This was for real and it was happening.  We both were feeling like it was a dream.

#teamfitnessmama in the lobby

We waited in the lobby a bit and someone from the production team came and escorted us to the studio where GDS is filmed.  It was such an awesome experience to get a chance to see what the general public isn't able to see on TV!  We were both giddy like little kids on Christmas morning.

This was one of the camera guys.  He was so nice and welcoming.  He shared with us that he recently lost 50lbs! 

All of the cameras and the lights really upped the level of feeling like 'OMG this is really happening'. Christelyn was nervous but she stayed so focused!!  I was so impressed.

Christelyn was not given any kind of specific instructions other than to show up at this time and talk about your fitness journey and fitness mama.  Christelyn basically took control and created her own segment.  She brought almost her entire kitchen, made pre-made sample meals and snacks to share, and planned to make a smoothie.  She also prepared a short fitness segment but the show ran out of time and we couldn't present that.  But the staff was so impressed with everything Christelyn brought to the table and how prepared she was for a short segment.  Again, they loved everything!  #takeadvantageofopportunities #youmaynotgetanotherchance #listenuptakenote #imobsessedwithhashtags

just finished setting up.  you can kind of see Amy and Cody at the anchor desk filming behind me!

The filming of the segment happened super fast!  Fitness Mama Christelyn did GREAT.  And more importantly, she got the opportunity to talk about clean eating and staying fit on TV, potentially inspiring thousands of people with her story.  #fitnessmamamissionstatement

There were two segments that were filmed.  There is no link to the second segment on the GDS site so we are not able to share it with you all.  Basically, Christelyn talked about her weight loss and how far she has come.  She shared a pair of her old size 16 jeans.  Below is a picture of how far she has truly come.




Fitness Mama on GDS on 7/21/13

We have been receiving tons of positive feedback related to this segment.  Fitness Mama thanks all of you for your support.  We also received a lot of questions on recipes, what was in the meals that were prepped on the segment, where to buy some of the items Christelyn talked about, etc.  We will probably do another blog post addressing all of these questions.  In the mean time, keep the questions coming and below, we will leave you with the ingredients of the smoothie that Christelyn made on the Good Day Sacramento segment.

Fitness Mama Green Smoothie

2c Coconut almond milk (I buy mine at Grocery Outlet)

2 scoops Protein powder (I used the brand Gold Standard, vanilla ice cream flavor)

1c Frozen berries (any will do but we used blueberries and strawberries)

Kale

Chia seeds

Honey (to taste)

Enjoy!

Fit Mama of the Week: Anne Marie

It has been a whirlwind week!  We are so excited to see all the new faces on our Instagram site and also our Facebook site.  Again thank you so much for your support.  Say hello or let us know how you are doing on your own health/fitness journey when you visit any of our sites!  Post pictures!  We LOVE hearing from you guys.  We read every single like and comment.  It may take us a while to respond sometimes but we will eventually.

One mama, who has been one of our biggest supporters from the start, has inspired us with her story so much that we definitely always knew we were going to share it with everyone.  A lot of times, I personally feel so unmotivated to work out but I think of Anne Marie and think, if this super busy mama has energy to workout, then I have no excuse.  We also felt that a lot of moms out there can identify with Anne Marie.  She is a busy mom of five who works a full time job.

Name and Age?

Anne-Marie and I'm 36 years old

What's your ethnicity?

Tongan

Do you work outside of the home?  What is your occupation?

I work full time for a private in home caregiver agency; we mainly care for the elderly. 

Do you have kids?  How old are they?

I have five kids:  Lua-17, JJ-15, Angelina-13, Owen-5, and Jacob-3 1/2

Have you always been into fitness?  If not, why did you start?

No.  I hated working out with a passion.  lol.  My starting weight was 312.5lbs.  I started Weight Watchers and followed their plan to a T.  Just by doing this nutrition plan with NO exercise, I was able to lose 50lbs. At that point, I started adding exercise to my daily routine to help me lose more weight and get toned.  I started with walking more and sitting less.  I wore a pedometer and my goal was to hit 10,000 steps everyday.  If I didn't reach my daily goal then I would go to the nearest grocery store and walk up and down the aisles until I hit my goal.  I love shopping and find it more therapeutic than walking around the neighborhood.

This is such a great idea and I'm so glad you are sharing all of this with us.  We get a lot questions about how to just plain get started.  Having a goal of walking 10,000 steps daily is a great way to start.  I looked it up and 10,000 steps is equivalent to almost 5 miles!  Also, I cannot stress enough to everyone that you HAVE TO DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU.  If you find walking in your neighborhood really boring then don't do it but find another way to make it happen.  You really found a way to make it work!

Yes definitely!  And eventually I found enough drive to hit the gym.  I started off with the elliptical but that bored me to death.  Then I found DPX (Dance Party Extreme/fitness hip hop dance class) and this class changed my attitude about fitness. It made me realize the importance of finding the kind of workouts that make me want to work out.

This is one of the biggest reasons why I wanted to share your story with everyone.  I want to point out and highlight that not every workout will be compatible for everyone.  But it is SO important to constantly be on the look out for new ways to work out and not just give up because 'it is so boring'.  

I also eventually found and fell in love with the Les Mills Bodypump workouts.  I now workout 5-6 days a week doing strength training, DPX, and R.I.P.P.E.D.  When I get bored, I switch it up with bootcamp, crossfit (using an app at home), Bodypump (ordered a DVD for home workouts) and spinning.  

Besides finding workouts that you love to do, how do you continually keep yourself motivated to workout?  What are some things you focus on to get you out there to try your hardest?

1. My family.  I keep pushing because I have to be healthy and be my best self so that I can be a great wife and mother to my family and fulfill my duties.  I want to live longer to enjoy my time with my family and not leave this earth early because of something I could have prevented by simply eating healthy and exercising.

2. I wake up every morning and do my prayer, scripture study and meditation.  This helps me start the day on the right foot and with a positive mind/attitude.

3. Journaling my journey.  I look though my weight loss and measurements record to remind myself of how far I have come.  My journal also helps me when I read past entries as it reminds me of how I dealt with a previous situation and it acts as a reminder of my past successes.

4. I always remind myself of why I started this journey of getting healthy.

5. Attending my weekly Weight Watchers meetings for motivation.  Also the meetings give me a chance to share my own story, my ups and downs to somehow inspire others to keep going.

6. Sharing my thoughts on social media/online social network.  I find it to be like a diary.  I share my posts so that I can be held accountable.  My instagram or FB posts seem to inspire people but my posts are created mostly to keep me motivated and accountable.  When people comment, or like my posts, it keeps me motivated to keep doing what I'm doing.  Kind of like a support group!

7. Self talks.  It helps to tell myself why I must never give up.  Talking to myself may seem crazy but when I tell myself "I am made of greatness", "I am strong", "I am better than my former self", etc., it blocks out any negative thoughts from entering my mind.

How do you balance work, family and staying fit?

It's all about prioritizing and planning.  My family is always my number one priority and then second is my job because that's how I can provide for my family.  However, staying fit is also important because it helps me be the best I can be.  I schedule my workouts and stick to it.  If I have a very busy day, I stay home and do a workout in the living room.  It saves me 30 mins (travel time, dropping/picking up the kids, etc.).  I've also learned to say no and to decline invitations.  I always have to ask myself if that event, favor or invitation is going to jeopardize time I could be investing in my family, work, or fitness; if it does, then I won't do it.  I used to say yes to everything but I now see how it can make me feel overwhelmed and leave me cranky/moody which can lead to not being the best I can be for my family, my job or for keeping in line with my fitness goals.

Share with us what you would eat on a typical day.

Everyday I drink a gallon or more of water.  I also add one raw serving of fruits and/or vegetables with every meal.

More specifically, this is what I had today:

Morning: green smoothie (I have this daily!), protein waffle layered with fruit

Mid-morning snack: watermelon and almonds

Lunch: black bean burger, baked zucchini fries, tropical smoothie (mango, watermelon, pineapple, hemp milk)

Mid afternoon snack: almond butter + banana sandwich with Ezekiel bread.  I have this everyday at this time.  I love this snack and I can't seem to give it up or foresee myself ever wanting to give it up.  So yummy.

Dinner: hemp protein shake, quinoa and harvest blend spinach salad.

Night snack: almonds, one carrot

What are some of your favorite healthy snacks for yourself and your kids?

Snacks I can make at home: black bean brownies, white bean blondies, raw almond energy balls, homemade helmp protein bars, carrot cake balls, fruit, almonds, hummus

Snacks I sometimes buy: luna bars/lara bars, Late July tortilla chips and crackers

What are your fitness goals for this year?

I want to be able to run my first marathon.  But most of all just stick to my workout schedule no matter what.

What or who is your biggest inspiration?

A lot of people inspire me.  I am very fortunate to be surrounded by a lot of inspirational people.  I also found a lot of people who inspire me via social networking with their stories and daily ups and downs that everyone goes through.  

However, I have to say that I am my own inspiration.  I had to think about this one question a lot.  I don't mean to sound cocky nor do I think I'm better than everyone else.  At the end of the day, I myself did all that I did and no one else.  I have done so much to get myself to where I am now.  I have forgiven myself for things I did wrong.  I have made peace with myself.  I let go of things I can't control.  It is a daily struggle but I keep myself positive throughout the day by trying my best to block out negative vibes and energy vampires.  Before I go to bed, I am pleased with what I have done.  I wake up the next morning and tell myself, 'hey sexy mama, let's do this again'.  Hustle, hustle, hustle.  You did it yesterday, last week, last month, last year.  There is no reason for you to stop today.

At the end of it all, all you have is yourself to rely on for inspiration and motivation.  People go home, speeches end, trainers clock out and are off work, friends are busy.  Nothing is always there for you 24/7, every second of your life but YOU.  Therefore, I am my own inspiration.

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Anne Marie has lost a total of  107lbs. with clean eating, exercise and hard work!  Congratulations Anne Marie...you look amazing!!

Follow Anne Marie on her continued journey!

Anne Marie's Instagram

Anne Marie's Facebook

You may also find Anne Marie spreading the word on the importance of healthy eating and exercise to the Polynesian community.  She is involved in outreach programs, teaching importance of proper nutrition through non-profit organizations like Taulama for Tongans.

#GetitGirl Wednesday

It is 11pm on Wednesday.  Better late than never right?

It is almost Thursday.  But I wanted to quickly let you know we didn't forget GIG Wednesdays.  We have been super busy trying to come up with a Fitness Mama logo, upgrading our blog, as well as staying on track with IG & FB.

Speaking of staying on track, are you Mamas on track with your fitness goals?

Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake will be visiting the Bay Area this week.  Are any of our Mamas out there going to see this show?  In honor of their visit, we wanted to give you guys this workout mix!  Use it on your next run or workout and let us know how you like it!!  Hopefully it will help us all stay on track and push you to put in that extra rep or mile.  #kickbackdirtoffyourshoulder #doyourthingmamas

content warning: some songs may contain explicit language

Fitness Mama Holy Grail Workout Mix by DJ Cyrus

U-JAM fitness Instructor Workshop 7/13-7/14

U-JAM Fitness® is an athletic hip-hop dance fitness workout that combines easy to learn steps and high energy music for a workout that will get your heart rate up, your body moving, and make you work up a sweat in no time -- all while having fun!  U-JAM Fitness® is Universal, Unique and eUphoric!

Created by Susy Marks & Matt Marks January 2010.

Website: http://www.ujamfitness.com

WOW! This was quite a weekend!!! 
Diversity World of Dance & Fitness held a 2 day U-JAM instructor training workshop... 
& I became U-JAM Fitness® CERTIFIED!!!  
Just like Hot Hula, I attended only ONE class  and that's all it took- I was HOOKED!  
This dance fitness format is FUN, but definitely INTENSE! 

What I love most about U-Jam 
(other than the dope music & choreo) 
is... the UNITY! 

We didn't just learn how to teach. 
We were taught how to grow & become a 
successful instructor, a great motivator.

One key phrase that Chin Solo instilled in us was, 
"Always stay STUDENT-MINDED." 
Keeping yourself student-minded will allow you to always keep learning, even when you feel you've mastered a particular area. In this case, teaching.

While we were huddled in a circle, Chin spoke directly to each one of us. And as he was speaking and going down the line, I got a bit emotional. Hearing what he had to say about each person and what strengths they possess individually was truly inspiring.

After all the hard work, I passed the written and practical exam with flying colors! 

Next on the agenda, work on my video assessment, pass it, & become a credentialed U-JAM Fitness® intructor!

My U-Jam 
FAM BAM!

Top left-right: 
Catherine, Kristen, Cher, Nikki, Autumn, Gene, & ME!

Bottom left-right: 
K-Swag, Chin Solo, & Mel B.

SWAGGALICIOUS!

Thanks for an unforgettable weekend! #UNITY #ONELUV

#FitnessMama Motivation Monday

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Fit Mama of The Week: Delanie

Our newest Fit Mama of The Week is....Delanie!

We found Delanie's story so inspiring that we wanted to share it with you guys.

Name and Age?

Delanie Balanay and I'm 23 years old.

What's your ethnicity?

I'm Filipino

What do you do?

I work as a Service Rep at 24hr Fitness

Have you always been into fitness?  If not, why did you start?

I was never into fitness from the get go at all.  I was entirely lazy, unmotivated, and I simply felt all around hopeless.

The reason why I started was because before May 2012, I was overweight for my height and shape being 5'1".  I was always constantly snacking day and night on foods that did absolutely nothing beneficial to my body.  I have always been unhappy with the way I looked and I told myself that I definitely needed to make a miraculous change this year in my lifestyle and my body.  Improving my overall health was one of those main aspects I wanted to change.  I would look at many strong, independent and physically fit women on television and I would wish I could look like that and that was when I have decided wholeheartedly that now is the time to push myself physically and mentally.  

On May 21, 2012, I started the 60 day Insanity Challenge and don't get me wrong, that type of workout is extremely hard and too fast-paced for someone like me who was at 155 lbs at the time but I had decided to make that commitment during that summer to consistently stick with this program.  After I had done 2 rounds of Insanity, I lost a total of 25 lbs and then I began P90X for 2 rounds. I also started getting into doing protein shakes because my eating habits were terrible and I just needed a special boost that will enhance my metabolism, increase my stamina, lose weight, build lean muscle, and most importantly to keep me full and satisfied for a good 2-3 hours before my next snack or meal.  With P90X and changing my eating habits, I lost about 12-14 pounds. I am now trying out Chalean Extreme to help me burn fat and gain leaner muscle so that I look more leaner and toned than when I did the other Beachbody programs.  Altogether I lost 40 lbs and I went from 155 lbs to 115 lbs and dropped 6-7 pant sizes from a 9 to a size 2-3. 

 I am without a doubt, completely proud to have worked so hard mentally and physically for the most part in losing all that weight I've had for years and building a leaner physique.  I have been a fitness junkie ever since I started my weight loss journey and transformation.  I am now looking towards Hot Hula Fitness as one of the best cardio and strength training workouts you can ever get from this new, hot, and exciting workout.

How do you stay motivated?

 How I stayed motivated is I would constantly remind myself each and every day that I still have fitness goals that I’m still working on to accomplish.  I also tell myself why I have decided to commit to this new and healthier lifestyle in the first place.  I also picture individuals that I know personally who are still struggling with their weight as well as balancing other priorities in life and I use them as my motivation to continue forward.  

Also as I've mentioned above, I tried different programs and ways to workout; this also helped keep me motivated by switching it up and not getting bored with one workout.  Whenever I picked a program or workout schedule, I stuck with it through to the end no matter how difficult it felt; I follow through with it religiously to the end.  Once I was done with a challenge or a round, I would re-evaluate and choose what to conquer next.  I do recommend trying different workouts for people because it really all goes down to what their fitness goals are whether they want to lose weight, build muscle or just to help them stay active throughout the day.  

How do you balance work, family and staying fit?

How I balance life with work, family and staying fit is I plan ahead a day or two in advance on what I’ll be doing throughout the whole day whether it is waking up early to workout, do the laundry, make myself breakfast and lunch, and other house-related chores.  As for work, I would purposely request to work any time after 9 am so that I can workout in the mornings, around 6 am, before I get ready to go to work.  And when it comes to my family, I try whatever I can to put them first in my list of priorities by spending as much time with them as I can whenever I have free time from work and from my daily exercise routine.

Share with us what you would eat on a typical day.

What I typically eat on a regular basis is for breakfast I drink my daily protein shake before I workout and afterwards I eat either an apple or banana usually as my snack.  For lunch I would eat oatmeal with fruit, nuts, and sometimes I add agave nectar or peanut butter for more flavor and a side of greek yogurt. For my second snack I would eat a cup of cottage cheese with a small slice of wheat bread not toasted. As for dinner, I try not to eat as much since that is the last meal that will stick with you for a little while longer you're sleeping so I just eat a salad with a bunch of chopped fruit, nuts, and veggies all around and that is what I call a typical day's worth of food I'd normally put in my body. I always remember to eat every 2 and a half to 3 hours so that my body does not starve itself and I stop eating altogether at either 7pm or 8pm so that my food and water consumption will be able to digest throughout the night because when you eat late at night, you will definitely pack up the pounds!

What are some of your favorite healthy snacks?

A few healthy snacks I normally would have are granola bars, nonfat greek yogurt, an apple or banana or sometimes I might munch on some veggie chips.  

What are some of you fitness goals for this year?

The only fitness goals I have for this year is to maintain my weight and to tone my core in hopes of succeeding in getting a 4 pack.  

Who or what is your biggest inspiration when it comes to getting healthy and staying fit?

My biggest inspiration is the one and only famous Jillian Michaels.  The reason is every time I watch her on TV explaining what she does on a daily basis to keep herself active and in shape, I could only wish I was that committed to do what she does. When I look at her amazing figure, I just hope that one day I could have a super-strong and toned body just like her or maybe even better but for now I will continue what I am doing for myself and I hope that one day I will look at myself in the mirror and be completely satisfied and proud with what I see.  

Ho

#GetItGirl Wednesday: Training, Running Gear, and Updates

 Have you signed up for any races recently?  Signing up for a race is a great way to work towards an overall goal.  Having a pending date that you know you have to be ready by, keeps you on your toes.  It also is a concrete goal and accomplishment.  Having goals of say "Get healthy" or "lose 10lbs" or "keep steady at your current weight" are great goals but they really are very vague and generalized.  How are you going to get to these BIG goals?  Be specific, write it down, make a checklist of little things you can accomplish to get to the big goal.  Adding a race could be one of those things.  It doesn't matter how long the race is...5k, 10k, half/full marathon.  Just sign up and then get out there and start training.

I am currently training for my fourth half marathon this year.  This time around, I'm trying a new training plan.  I've only been running for about a year and a half and I'm still trying to figure out what best works for me.  I've had a lot of luck with Hal Higdon's plans but out of curiosity, I've wanted to try other plans.  I've used the Runner's World/SmartCoach plan once; this one was nice because it let me be flexible for how many days a week I wanted to train.  Out of the two, I prefer Hal Higdon.  This time around, I'm trying the Jeff Galloway plan.  My goal is to get back to near what my half PR is if not beat that time.  I'll let you guys know if the Jeff Galloway plan helped once I finish my training in August.

Last weekend's long run called for a straight half marathon.  None of the half marathon training plans I've tried in the past had me go further than 12 miles for my long runs.  I'm still a few weeks away from my race day and this schedule is going to make me go up to 17 miles for a long run before it's all over.  That is crazycakes.

I'm just going to put this all out there for you guys.  I'm not even close to being super fast but that's not what it's about for me.  As I've mentioned before, in Seattle, I came in at 2:20.  My PR is 2:12 which I've gotten twice (ugh. Getting two exact PR times is so annoying.).  My goal is to get that elusive 2:10.  This training run of 2:18 is good.  It gives me hope that I may get to my goal.  We'll see.  

Speaking of long runs, what do you guys bring with you?  What are your running gear essentials?  Running is an activity that you really don't need to invest too much money on.  Just tie those laces and head out the door...you don't really NEED anything else.  But there are a few things I like to have when I head out especially for long runs when I'm out there for 2+ hours.  Here's my list:

1. Shoes. (duh) I don't run in anything but my Asics Gel Nimbus'.  I'm usually in Nike gear head to toe except my shoes.  Love their clothes but my feet hate their shoes.  Too bad because Nike shoes are just the cutest little things.  Cute but not practical for me.

2. My trusty old Ipod

3. Yurbuds.

4. Hydration belt.  This is the one I use.  

5. Running fuel.  As far as what is available on the market (gu's, gels, blocks, etc) my stomach can't tolerate anything but the Sportbeans.  I like the lemon lime flavor.  I met someone who suggested I try real food like pretzels or nutter butter cookies.  Maybe I'll try that and write another post about running fuel.  

6. Visor/hat 

7. SPF 70 sunblock.

8. Nike Sportwatch + Nike sensor.  If the miles aren't logged in, the miles don't count.  Just kidding.  

9. Albuterol inhaler.  Who has asthma?  *raising hand*  

What's on your list?  What could you absolutely cannot run without? 

Just a quick update/reminder...

For those of you in the Bay Area, let us know if you're interested in joining us for a hike up Mission Peak in Fremont!  We'll message you the details as they are set in the next few weeks.  

Fit Mama of The Week: Melissa

This week, we reached 300 likes on the Fitness Mama FB page.  We cannot thank you all enough for all of the support!  Fitness Mama was started to help inspire and motivate women of all ages to be the healthiest they can be.  All of the 'likes', comments, and messages/stories you've all sent us since we started on FB just a few weeks ago has really turned it all around and has INSPIRED US here at Fitness Mama.  And as a way to give back, we want to recognize all of you Fit Mamas out there with a new weekly feature called Fit Mama of the Week.

Our very first Fit Mama of the week is Melissa Phillips Smith!  This Mama recently got married just last week.  She looked absolutely amazing in her wedding dress and the wedding was beautiful.  Congratulations Melissa and Anthony!!!

Name and age?

Melissa Smith.  I'm 35 years old.

What's your ethnicity?

I'm African American mixed with Native American, Irish and Portugese.  

Do you work outside the home? What do you do?

I work full time as an EKG/pacemaker technician.

Do you have any children?

Yes I have one daughter. 

You looked so amazing in your wedding dress!  A true Fitness Mama looking fit and healthy.  Have you always been into fitness?  If not, why did you start?

I haven't always been into fitness but I started to workout and eat healthier to stay healthy for myself and my 

family.

What keeps you motivated?

My friends and family keep me motivated!

Melissa's daughter and husband

How do you balance work, family and staying fit?

I am very fortunate that my employer provides a gym for their employees.  I work out during lunch breaks or after work.  I also find it motivating when it is so easy for me to get together with co-workers to have people to work out with so that it isn't boring.  We typically will get some cardio in on the treadmills and then do some squats or something for a strength workout.

Share with us what you would typically eat for meals.

Breakfasts have to be quick for me so I will sometimes have two eggs.  Or protein shakes.  For lunch, I'll have a salad or leftover dinners.  We try to prepare our foods as healthy as possible.  For example, we never fry our food and instead look for other ways to prepare food.  

What are some of your favorite healthy snacks for yourself and your family?

Fruits!  Our favorites are bananas.

What are some of you fitness goals for this year?

I would like to lose 15 more lbs. and I'd like to start running more often.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

My daughter!

Again, congratulations Melissa!!!  You are such a beautiful person inside and out.  We could not be more proud to have you as our very first Fit Mama of the Week.