Get Fit Thursdays // Fitness Links

This week, I've decided to give you links to all the fitness posts I've ever done!

Get Fit Thursday Plan and Goals
My Health Story
Workout Fashion
Tips for Running with a Stroller
Workout Games
Workout Routines
Meal Planning
Motivation
Ideal Shape Shakes
Dr. Sholl's Active Series Soles
My Running Playlist
Morning Runs
Why I Run
Running Suicides
I Am Beautiful



Th 6/18: "Q&A"--where are you since day 1, and ask us 3 whatever relevant question you want!
Th 6/23: "Results"--we'll answer your questions and you give us final results!

Read my other posts in the Get Fit Thursday series!

What other tips do you have for mommy runners?

Get Fit Thursdays // Running with a Baby

I love running! While in college, I did it all the time. But, it got harder the more "grown-up" I was. My first year out of college was also my first year of teaching...I was busy out of the wazoo. But, thankfully, I had less than a 10 minute commute and was still able to run a few times a week. Then, my 2nd year, I switched schools (this time, 50 minutes away!) and was teaching a new subject. I didn't know what free time was anymore! I also got pregnant...so what I could and couldn't do was limited. Well, we moved closer to where I teach (now a 15 minute commute), and now my son is almost 10 months old!

As soon as I was given the 6-week okay, I started working out again. Typically, I'd go running, which was very hard since we lived in a hilly area, I was still super week, and my newborn didn't like being outside in the stroller for very long. This was how it was for a few months, but I did my best to stick with it. Then, it got cold. And there was no way I was going to take my baby boy out to go running in chilly and cold weather. Finally, in the past two months, Utah has gotten warm again, Rhys is older and loves the outdoors, and I have gotten back into running again.

But, running with a baby (running with a stroller!) is far different than running by your lonesome. So, I have some tips for you new moms who want to get back into running!

1) Make sure your running stroller's front wheel is tightened before each run!
This can be a hassle, definitely, but I've had issues with my brand-new running stroller's front wheel. Sometimes, it'll come loose, and wobble as I run. This causes the entire stroller to shake and quake and it is hard to steer. Rhys doesn't mind it too much as an almost-10-month-old, but it's rough for smaller babies!

2) Always bring a blanket for baby!
Whether it is chilly spring or hot summer, bring a blanket! I love using thin, light-weight swaddlers as blankets. It helps Rhys realize it is calm-time, it'll be there to cuddle if he is getting tired, and it helps his arms if there is a sudden chilly wind.

3) Have snacks, a doll, and a pacy!
Basically, have most of your diaper bag in the stroller. All of these will help make the ride more enjoyable for baby. I clip the pacy on him (we've had too many times of it being sneezed out, landing on the sidewalk, and not finding it until our return lap). Baby will also be entertained and won't complain about being hungry!

4) Do not turn your iPod music up all the way!
You won't really be able to hear your baby if they start to fuss. I can't run without music, but I want to make sure I am paying attention to Rhys.

5) Know your path!
While in college, I loved going out the door and not knowing where I was headed on my run. Sometimes, my runs would be shorter or longer as a result and it was always nice to explore new places. But, since you have a baby tagging along, make sure you are familiar with your route, or at least know the distance or time it will take.

6) Plan WHEN you want to go!
If you prefer your baby staying up, go long before nap time. If you think running will help them sleep, go pretty close to nap time. I've done both, but when I go close to nap time and he falls asleep in the stroller, I can't move him out or he'll wake up! So, weigh the pros and cons.

and most importantly...

7) Be flexible!
Stop when they drop a paci or a toy. Make sure the sun isn't in their eyes and that they are warm enough. Rhys isn't always calm and patient the entire run (and I like to run for 30-40 minutes...not that long!), so I have to be willing to turn back when he gets fussy. Sometimes, they just want to get out and play. Thankfully, I have a park right next to my house, so we'll stop there and I'll get him out. Then, I'll stretch and do some (an)aerobic exercises while he crawls along and pushes the stroller. Sometimes, I just have to cut it short, take him home, and put him down for a nap, then I'll stretch and do some exercises at home.




Th 5/14: "Workout Fashion"
Th 5/21: I'm going to link to all my previous posts on fitness and healthy lifestyles that I've ever done.
Th 6/18: "Q&A"--where are you since day 1, and ask us 3 whatever relevant question you want!
Th 6/23: "Results"--we'll answer your questions and you give us final results!

Read my other posts in the Get Fit Thursday series!

What other tips do you have for mommy runners?

Dr. Scholl's Active Series Insoles Review

****"I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes."

I am a runner. Now, I'm not necessarily a competitive runner, but I do enjoy doing it. It's in my blood. My dad was a marathon runner and my sister was on Cross-Country and Track in middle and high school. I enjoy feeling the pavement under my feet, the wind in my hair, and knowing that I am staying healthy while having an adventure around the town.

However, recently, I've had a pretty bad knee injury. I've had to wear my knee brace since January every time I run. I've also had instances the past couple of years where the inside of my soles would get really bad blisters because they rub up against the seam of my shoes. 

So, when I was give the opportunity to review some Dr. Scholl's Active Series Insoles, I was pretty excited (and my husband was pretty jealous--he wears insoles anyway to help the arch in his feet). 

What I really like about this insole is that it is made for runners, hence the name "Active Series." It focuses on three zones: the heel, the arch, and the ball of the foot. Here is the description given on their webpage: 

Engineered with Triple Zone Protection:

Zone 1: Thick ball of foot helps distribute pressure throughout push-off

Zone 2: Unique arch design improves transition of weight from landing to push-off

Zone 3: Deep heel cup helps stabilize the heel while absorbing impact with every step

I definitely felt help in Zone 1 and Zone 2. The side of the arch raises up, so the place where I typically get blisters was protected by the insole. The balls of my feet were padded the whole time--it was like running on carpet. The only thing I didn't like was the heel. Yes, it was soft, but it was also thick. My running shoes have a lower heel flap, so with the insole in my shoe, I felt that my heel would pop out of my shoe as I was running. But other than that, I definitely felt the help. 

I didn't even need to wear my knee brace. The Dr. Scholl's Active Series is meant to reduce shock by 40%, which is amazing for an outdoor runner like me. I hate running on treadmills, but I've had to do that a lot more recently due to my knee. So, knowing that I can run outside on the sidewalk and pavement without having to rely on my knee brace was a godsend! It's like I'm back to before.

Even if you have healthy feet and healthy legs, I would still suggest buying a pair of these (there is a deal right now on Dr. Scholl's website for a $4 coupon for these!). (They also have men's as well, and each pair is adjustable to size of foot!).