Fit Mama of the Week: Mattie

If you looked up the definition of ACTIVE MAMA, you would probably find Mattie's picture.  She is a working mom of two and she manages to make time for her love of running and staying fit.  The women that we have featured here on our blog are busy women.  This we know is very true and is a common denominator.  But they all have found different ways (that work for them) to workout and stay fit.  Their workout of choice is very tailored to their lives, their goals, and their happiness.  Find an activity that works for you and that you find FUN.  If you don't like going to the gym and find that you are dragging your heels there each and every time, perhaps the gym isn't for you.  Try a cardio dance class.  Try a kickboxing class.  Find something else that will keep you motivated to want to workout!

Name/Age/Ethnicity/Marital Status/Occupation

My name is Mattie; I'm 40 years old, African American; Married. I work as a Medical Assistant.

Do you have kids?  How old are they?

I have 2 boys ages 8 and 13.

Have you always been into fitness? 

I have been somewhat into fitness for the last 15 years but I really have been making it a lifestyle for 6 years. I started getting into fitness when I started learning more about healthcare.

What do you do to stay active?  What is your favorite way to get exercise?  What do you do as a family to get exercise?  

I participate in boot camp, crossfit and circuit training. I currently do short bootcamp at lunchtime Monday through Friday. This consists of burpees, sit-ups, push-ups, mountain climbers, tricep dips, bicep curls, planks and many more exercises. But I enjoy running and this is what I focus on the most. I enjoy running because it relaxes me, It also helps me clear my head and live a stress free life. It's also simple: just grab your shoes and go. I was inspired to run by 2 nurse practitioners at San Rafael Kaiser 13 years ago. At that time, they challenged me to run with them during lunch breaks. I tried it once with them and that was the last time I did that. They were too advanced for me to run with them but it inspired me to start going out on my lunch breaks 3 days a week on my own.

My first race was a 5k in February 2010. It was a Kaiser sponsored event. I was very nervous and barely slept the night before. I currently run 13+ miles a week and walk 10+ miles a week utilizing breaks at work. Lunch breaks are always used for a workout.  I have completed 6 half marathons and many 5k/10k runs. I always look forward to run events! I placed 2nd place in the Asparagus festival Spear It Run last year. 

As a family we do occasional biking and walking. My kids will sometimes ride their bikes while I run; this enables the whole family to spend time together AND helps keep everyone active.

Making a commitment to staying fit is something that isn't always easy for everyone.  How do you stay motivated?

Fitness to me is a lifestyle so I feel that I stay motivated because it has become a regular thing and an important part of my life. I think it is important to continue to look forward to my workouts. I am a part of the BGR (black girls run) running group and look forward to running with my group every week. Keeping it fun is a big key. When people ask how I stay so fit, I will tell everyone that diet is the key but exercise unlocks the door to a happier and healthier life.

How do you balance work and family  and then trying to stay fit at the same time?  

Following a schedule has helped me balance everything. Balancing family, work and fitness requires a lot of planning ahead. I plan healthy meals, family outings, and active events. As a family we do occasional biking and walking. My kids are also super busy because they play multiple sports so the different schedules can be very challenging.

Share what you would eat for a typical meal or a typical day. Do you have any healthy meal ideas that the kids love that you would like to share? What are some of your favorite healthy snacks for yourself and your kids?

As far as meals go, I think it is important to plan ahead so that I don't have to look to unhealthy options like fast food. I plan ahead a couple days. I shop on Sunday for the week. I'm very creative with my meals. Very seldom will I run out ideas for meals. My meals vary from salads, soups, casseroles, beans and stir frys. I cook everyday. The crockpot and rice cookers are a big help for busy families. I put my meals on in the morning before work and finish it up when I get home.

Planning my meals is essential to clean eating. And then clean eating is essential to great performance/my running. I'm on week 4 of eating clean excluding eating out, sugars, whites, sodas and fried foods. It's not a practice for me anyway however my household is abiding as well.

For my lunch, I normally pack fruits, nuts, cheese stick, milk, cereal and salad. This covers breakfast, lunch and 2 snacks. I also make sure to take care of my hydration needs. I drink 60 plus ounces of water daily. I will do electrolytes before my intense workouts. My kids favorite meal is taco salad made with ground turkey. It's a fast meal to prepare.

What are some of your fitness goals for the year?

My fitness goals for the year are to go on 2 hikes, to get physically stronger and to run a race every month through the end of the year. The boot camp and crossfit classes has definitely pushed me to another level because of the diversity in the exercise routines and building on of reps. This has increased my endurance and made me stronger. The strength training had helped me increase my speed in running. I am currently training for a half marathon in Folsom on October 19.

Besides your family/kids, what are some other things that inspire you or motivate you to put on your workout clothes and get moving?

I'm continuously motivated by the results I see in my body and the strength I'm feeling I'm gaining over time. Ultimately I'm encouraged by my family and friends.