Nonessential Living Tip #41

You remember how I am no fitness guru, right?

Except that sometimes I pretend that I maybe am.

In recent months I found out this crazy trick that helps me push myself a little harder and run a little longer when in the midst of a workout.

I know, stop the presses everyone!!

Ready?

GUM

Yes, gum. 

Specifically Trident Spearmint flavor. 

I was amazed a while back when I discovered it and even text Colleen to see if I was totally crackers. It's not that it's some miracle and makes workouts super easy. I assume it has something to do with it keeping my focus or maybe creates more saliva or something really scientific, therefore making it beyond my comprehension. 

After struggling with getting back in the running groove over the winter, gum somehow helped put me over the hump. I even tried different flavors and the spearmint worked the best.

As long as I keep chomp, chomp, chomping on my gum I am like Superwoman.

Even if it is the weirdest oddity I have discovered to date, I don't care. It totally works for me and keeps me moving. 

I wonder if I can convince my husband to consider buying stock in Trident? 

How about you? Do you have an inexplicable (exercising/workout related or not) tip to share?

Never Again...

 ....will I chuckle at someone running on the side of the road as I drive by.

Or how someone runs and looks kinda, sorta weird as they do so.

Because now that the weather is nicer and I've become THAT person running by on the road, 

I'm always kinda, sorta hoping those passing by aren't laughing at me.

Payback, don't ya think?

I mean for serious, it's more like a light(ish) jog(ish) sort of run. 

Let's be real, people, that's what it is.

Even if I'm (barely) pushing the 10:30/mile mark. On a good run. With the wind at my back.

Which leads me to think of Colleen. She's my personal trainer from like eight states away. 

She's talented like that.

One day we're gonna go on a run together IRL. Promise.

Please, dear readers, if you are ever near small town Minnesota and perhaps see me running, just smile and wave.

Keep the honking and laughing to yourself until you are at least on the other side of town, which will take you about 5 seconds. 

Do you think you can hold it in that long?

At least I'm staying active, that's what I keep telling myself. 

You know, because that makes me feel better.

Happy Monday Everyone!

Spiritual Health Check-up

           

Lent can really get us asking questions about our spiritual health and finding honest answers about our relationship with Christ.

It can also help us find a new place to start spiritually or finding our niche to keep this up for the duration. I find that it's the test of endurance AFTER the six weeks of Lent that really measures my fitness level.

Let's be honest. I'm trying to find the endurance to keep plugging along in the third week of Lent, let alone the all out marathon that keeps on afterward.

I'm finding though, that spiritual health and growth are very prudent and necessary to my physical well being too.

Our parish priest graciously bought each family in our parish the book The Four Signs Of A Dynamic Catholic by Matthew Kelly. He has asked us to read it prayerfully over lent and he will expand on each chapter in his Sunday homily. (Have you read it yet? I highly recommend it.)

Last week I was struck by Matthew Kelly's words:

'One of the key indicators of spiritual health seems to be gratitude. When I am spiritually healthy I am grateful. But when I am not, even the smallest things drive me crazy. At those times I tend to be irritable, restless, and discontented.' (page 41)

Straight to the heart, "Ah-ha" moment!

How true! I have felt this so many times, but didn't always make the connection. When my heart is restless, I am irritable, (seemingly) nothing goes right and life is drudgery, I am guilty of being less grateful. I then made the connection that those times are also times when my prayer time isn't fulfilled or I just plain didn't make the time.

Matthew Kelly also frequently mentions in the book becoming the 'best-version-of-myself'. I love this term. When I am irritable, restless and discontented, I am not my best version of me. In fact, I get even more irritable and frustrated at myself that I am not.

This Lenten season I am trying to stay the course and follow through with what I set out to do. I am striving to match both my spiritual and physical exercise to build a better me. The best version of myself, if you will. I've done this before, but rarely have I been able to keep the physical and spiritual equally balanced. I find that the morning is the best time, most suitable time, to start my day in prayer. Most days I am also getting the exercise time in as well right away in the morning.

Can I tell you how much better my days are going even when they are less than ideal? How much more gratitude is in my heart and contentment even in the midst of trial?

I have often equated spiritual fitness and physical fitness as two separate entities. Over these last  six+ months of my being physically fit and in shape, I have started to see how closely intertwined the two really are.

'To run the race of Catholic motherhood, we need to strengthen ourselves emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. Part of this means building our stamina through fitness, exercise, good nutrition, and proper sleep.' (A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms by Lisa Hendey, page 41)

I can attest to all of this and I know what a difference it has made for me. And what a difference it made in my thinking when I realized how all aspects fit together.

As I strive to keep on getting more spiritually healthy, I hope that it will also give me the endurance for my physical fitness goals as well.

(You have no idea how many prayers I'm praying when I try to bust my butt and run just a little further when I hop on that treadmill!)

This Lent is a season of journeying.  Let my Lenten practices continue as I run the marathon of life toward becoming the best-version-of-myself that God created me to be.

Virtual 5K: I DID IT!!

Many moons ago, this idea came up over at Catholic Exchange for a Virtual 5K to be held in September. Since I'm a huge fan of Clan Donaldson, I thought it would be fun to join in.

Hey, no competition, just virtual fun and a 5K. I had in my mind that I wanted to do a 5K all summer and was afraid of the training time and not being ready. So when Cari mentioned the run/walk/limp/crawl idea, I figured it was the ideal no-fuss/no-pressure way to attempt a 5K.

How fun would this be? Plan and train and then join in with people all over the world. Super fun!

And then the summer slipped by with me exercising, but hardly getting in real time to actually train. I remained uncommitted and said nothing to hardly a soul. You know, just in case I didn't go through with it. Rather not disappoint anyone but myself.

A few weeks ago I set my mind to it. Come heck or high water I was gonna try, darn it.

I decided that I would run if I was able or at least I was going to walk like a speed walking maniac.

This morning, the weather dawned perfect and I wanted to get out early before it warmed up too much. We had a forecast high of 83 degrees.

Just before 8:00 I was out and ready to go.

I wore my bright pink shirt in the event hubby needed to hunt me down on the side of the road somewhere.

I started out on a brisk walk for the first 1/2 mile to get myself going and then, with the tunes cranked up on my iPod, I started running.

Well, more like a jog really. Just a touch faster than my fast walking. I know this wasn't a time competition, but I wanted to see IF I could do it and HOW FAST I could do it.

But really, how is it that as fast as I felt I was going, I wasn't really getting anywhere??

I kept going on my flat surface, easy-peasy route on the county road that runs past our house. The locals that passed by on their early Saturday morning drive by clearly watched in amazement at my swift pace. And I dare say, the cows I passed in the pasture were equally impressed.

Or confused how a human being could possibly 'run' that slowly.

I ran until my half way point and then went to a walk for a bit lest my heart fail me and I keel over on the side of the road.

My legs were jello. Shoot. Should have kept running.

The whole time while I was out I was composing this blog post in my head and reminding myself that I was gonna get this done. After all, Colleen, my bloggy bestie was going to be doing this today. And my coach, Cari, was surely going to have a hilarious post all about it later.

I needed to do this.

I picked up the pace and set to running again. This time it didn't feel nearly so bad.

I kept running. And running. And running.

How Forrest Gump of me, huh?

And, finally my house was within sight. Oh this place never looked so good.

With the cheering and adoring fans to welcome me, I finished.

I was proud of myself. I had finished and I had ran probably about 2 miles of the 3.1. Not all of the race, but at least I didn't have to resort to the limp or crawl.

To prove that I have a long ways to go, but at least didn't take the better part of the day racing:

My goal was around 45 mins or less, even though I know that's nowhere near runners pace.

All in all, I feel accomplished and reached my goal of actually doing a 5K this year. Not bad seven months after baby and without training near as much as I would've liked.

I just may be up for this again.

Thanks Cari and Catholic Exchange for hosting!

Read Cari's re-cap of her run over here.

**Truth be told, my family missed my finish. I was already walking a cool-down when they appeared outside to cheer. Of course, we did a re-do ending. You know, because it would look good for the blog post and all.

Motivate Me

I'm in need of some musical motivation while exercising. Right now I'm mainly walking and jogging to work my way up to running for longer periods of time.

My playlist is getting too routine, so I need help finding some tunes to rock my exercise time.

Any suggestions? I'd love to hear 'em!

Get Moving

I am not the biggest fan of early mornings nor a fitness enthusiast. I won't lie and say that I am or pretend that I am the Hottest mama in my circle of friends. Not.by.a.long.shot. But, I'm trying my darnedest.(Not the hot mama part, the fitness enthusiast part)

It may not even be that I need more sleep (both little girls are sleeping through the night currently..praise God!) when the alarm goes off. It's just something about the cozy bed that calls to me more than any fitness equipment or workout DVD.

I muster up my strength and roll out of bed. I am trying to get in a better habit of doing this. THIS. Being healthy, getting the 'ol body moving and feeling good. I've tried numerous configurations and time frames to get exercise squeezed in during the day. Currently, the rise-and-shine-before-the-kids-eventhough-I-really-dislike-this is the only way it's working. Sure there are days when I can fit it in during the day or in the evening, but I'd rather not chance it.

No, I'm not a fan of exercising and just *love* to do it. I get bored with the same thing, I want to see results, I want to feel results. Mostly though, I want to set a good example of health for my children and I want to feel healthy and fit.

For the most part, I walk. It may be outside in the fresh air as a family or sometimes just me and the kids. Now with my early morning workouts, I alternate between walking with Leslie, the treadmill or even my recumbent bike. Some days I also incorporate resistance bands (working on those hips and thighs), some small weights (not much, since hefting around the little girls can be weight training enough)and a few other quick exercises.

These all help me feel good and maybe, just maybe I'll be up for a 5K sometime this year yet.

Even if I don't have the time or the energy, I remind myself that I need to just get moving. Slowly, I start to get into it. With the ups and downs of life, schedules, children, household duties, homeschooling, etc. it can be a challenge. We all come up with a million excuses. But it's a choice and a change I'm working hard at right now.

I'm glad that I am making this choice, no matter how much I dislike that 5 am wake-up call.

Working For Me Workouts

Or otherwise titled 'I *love* Leslie Sansone'!!

I've been a fan of Leslie's Walk at Home workouts for a while and have used a 30 minute quick walk, as well as her Walk Slim 4 Fast Miles in the past.



After reading a number of posts from Jamie about her workouts, I was eager to once again jump in with Leslie. Just as before, I'm loving it!! The workouts have been perfect for me postpartum and ideal when getting outside isn't possible due to the weather or even to fit in while Gianna naps. Leslie keeps the workouts fun with her laughter and high spirits and she doesn't annoy me as much as some workout DVD's tend to do. I like that she keeps with the same simple moves in her series, but increases the intensity along the way too. It's easy to follow along and not become frustrated. That's MY kind of workout!

I went online at Walmart to order two more DVD's and I'm really liking these as well.

The Three Mile Walk even includes some of Leslie's walkers who have lost significant amounts of weight and are still on their weight loss journey. It even has "Mary Kay's mile" which is one of the other women leading that mile, instead of Leslie. A fun way to change things up a bit!



The Two Mile Hips & Thighs came along with the fit cuff in the box to work on those problem areas. I'm enjoying adding this one to the mix too.




It feels so good to be exercising again and feeling fit and healthy too! I highly recommend giving any of her DVD's a try!

Sweatin' To The Rosary

Almost two months ago when I clicked to read my daily dose Faith & Family Live! and spotted this one, I must admit that I was slightly confused. I re-read the post title and literally thought that it was the weirdest thing I'd heard in awhile. I mean, I've heard of both exercising and of praying the rosary and have done both, clearly. But had never heard the two intertwined quite like this.

Feeling oddly inspired to learn more, I went on to the website to learn more about The Rosary Workout. At the time I was in a sort of exercising lull, if you want to call it that. I felt that I was at a good fitness level and really lacking the inspiration toward my exercise routine. I get like that sometimes. The more I read, the more I figured there really wasn't much too lose and lots more to be gained.

How could I not at least test it out and try it? I could add spiritual growth and renewal at the same time as working toward continued health. I could use the extra prayer time. I could use a new way to lead me into deeper meditation. I could use some guidance from someone who clearly knew fitness. So I tried it.

Seven weeks later, I'm still on my Rosary Workout journey. Although I was tempted to skip ahead since my fitness level was more advanced than 'beginner', I did at least follow along the first few weeks in order to walk through the process and find the rhythm and beauty of the workout. I am at a level now where I am doing it three days a week and there are a few other days that when the weather is still nice I take a walk with the kids or some other type of exercise instead. I did eventually jump ahead to where it fit my fitness level a little better and am just about into the interval training. I'm enjoying it. It's allowed for more frequent praying of the rosary and again feeling wrapped in the arms of our Blessed Mother.

The Workout is very well laid out and designed. It can be for the most beginner of beginners, the postpartum mom who is ready to get moving a little more and for those of us in the frigid Midwest it will be wonderful to keep up with in the winter months too. It can be simply implemented with or without exercise equipment (elliptical, recumbent bike, treadmill,etc.) or used just plain old walking or jogging. Pretty versatile and easily accessed. No excuses or limitations. I like to try other exercise routines on the days I don't do this workout and if I am able, but adding this each week certainly lends a hand in keeping my routines from becoming just that and then to my eventual lack of interest.

If you are looking for something new or for something inexpensive (did I mention it's just under $10 and is in ebook format?) to jump start you in the right direction, I'd give this a try! If you are looking for a deeper devotion to Mary and greater consistency in a meaningful, prayerful rosary, this is a great tool.

Obviously, if you have not exercised in awhile and have physical limitations and conditions, as with all exercising, consult your doctor before beginning.


*Editor's Note: For the record, I decided to use the above post photo of a random, exceptionally fit woman, rather than one of myself. Being all modest and all. Well, that and that I don't feel like I look anything like that woman! We're all a work in progress and it all starts with tiny steps...

Hi Lo: October 16th

HI's:

1. Reed's family holds an annual family hayride in October and we had that last weekend. Not everyone can attend, but those of us who do usually have a pretty good time. We finish the evening with a potluck too. Good conversation and fun. A niece of ours was home from college for the weekend, so I was able to chat with her. That's always a hoot. She makes me laugh all the time. Thanks Hannah!

2. Due to Columbus Day, Reed was home from work on Monday. I scheduled meeting a new friend for coffee that morning. Good conversation, good coffee and good break for mommy.

3. I got back on the exercise wagon that I fell off of some time ago. It helped me remember how good I do feel when I make the time for it. I need to also remember that although I don't need to do it for weight loss, I need to do it for continued health. Hopefully I can get back into a good routine of it again.

4. We started our Little Flowers group this week! Inspired by Jessica all last year when she shared about their group, I decided to offer it for our homeschool group. I couldn't have been nearly as efficient without Jessica's help. Thanks Jessica! I'm leading the group and we only have 6 members this year, but I think all of us had a good time. I was so busy I only got a photo or two, maybe I can capture a few more next meeting.



LO's:

1. We're receiving SNOW here off and on this week. *yuck* It's always WAY TOO EARLY for it, especially when it arrives before my birthday later this month. I'm still hoping for one more warm up yet. I'm probably crazy for being so naive.

2. Under that snow are still a ton of leaves that need to be dealt with and my perennials still aren't covered. I'm hoping that the possible forecast of a warm up for the weekend happens and I can at least take care of those two projects. (If not, I'll be the crazy lady out in the yard shoveling snow away in order to get to the leaves and plants so that I can cross those jobs off my fall to-do list!)

3. Due to the colder weather, I decided it was time to put the flannel sheets on our bed. And that's all I have to say about that.



How was your week? What were your Highs and Lows? Colleen shares hers every week too! Read them here.

Have a great weekend!

Hi Lo: August 7th

Inspired by Colleen who shares her High's and Low's every week!

HI's:

1) Feeling inspired for a bit of a bedroom re-do, the kids received a bedroom makeover over the weekend. Everything came together quite well and everyone was happy with the end result. I'll have to share more next week.

2) The kids and I enjoyed the last Story Hour at the library. I'm fine with that and so are they. It was a lot of fun every week, but we're ready for a little break before school starts up again.

3) I returned to my exercising this week, but only a couple of days were actually fit in. My new DVD was the kick-in-the-butt I needed. After slacking off the last few weeks, the workout was brutal. Now I've got to get into a better routine of it.

4) This week brought a much needed Mom's Night Out with a friend. It was our motivation meeting before we both start our second year of homeschooling. Enjoyable and relaxing. Reminded me why we need to do it more often!

5) I've been working on the coming school year's lesson plans all week and I'm almost finished. Hooray! I'm excited at all of the potential for the next year.


LO's:

1) Lily still has not lost her second loose tooth that she has been working on for weeks. It seems like it should be any day now though.

2) After a bit of a longer cycle, I was beginning to feel hopeful...but then another cycle began again. That's okay, it was the first cycle with new meds. We'll keep working with the physicians and keep on the meds. and see what happens.


How was your week? What were your High's and Low's?

Hi Lo: July 31st

Inspired by Colleen who shares her Highs and Lows every week too!

HI's:

1) After neglecting my home for the last two weeks due to our trip and camp, I got back into the swing of things and have a cleaner home. My kitchen floor is thanking me.

2) A niece of ours turned 21 this week and we celebrated at a restaurant. I enjoyed a frozen drink called Banana Cream Pie. Yummy. (And yes, how pathetic am I that a frozen alcoholic drink gets me so enthused that it makes my 'highs' for the week? Ha.)

3) The kids and I enjoyed Story Hour at the library and a picnic with friends at the park/playground. How we love summer!

4) We celebrated Jonah's name day on Saturday. We celebrate his Patron Saint, St. James, because that is his middle name. He was so excited to celebrate his name day with Papa Jim (James) too! We went to Mass with Papa and Grams and enjoyed pizza at the park afterward. Of course, treats were necessary, so we hit the DQ before heading home. I realized the other day that I forgot to post about Lily's name day in July (oops), so I'll mention it here. We spent the afternoon with friends and daddy surprised Lily by bringing a cake home! We celebrate Lily's name day on the feast of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha (Lily of the Mohawks). Although other obligations kept us from a full day of celebrating, both Lily & Jonah were thrilled with their name day! We try and make mention of it as many times as possible throughout the day and also tell them their Patron Saint's story. This year we even had the Glory Stories CD to listen to for Lily!






LO's:

1) Lily's been in a pattern of night-owl behavior that I'm hoping doesn't persist. She's been having a hard time falling asleep, so she stays in her bed and reads..and reads. Which isn't a problem, except that she stays up until at least 10:00pm and then either insists on coming into our room to sleep or makes it near impossible for us to go to sleep because she is asking us to come into her room because she can't sleep! She claims that she isn't tired at bedtime, but I also can't believe that a 6 year old shouldn't go to bed until 10:00! Heck, that's when I go to bed! And I'm exhausted by then most nights!

Veteran moms, any ideas??

2) After a couple of weeks of being 'too busy', I still haven't gotten back into my exercising routine. I've been active enough, but thankfully I'm at a point of 'maintenance' and I've been doing okay. Hope next week is better.



What were your Highs and Lows this week? Hope you had a wonderful week.

Wordless Wednesday: From Amazon to My House

Hi Lo: June 19th

HI's:

1) I moved on to Workout 2 of The Shred, which is good for another exercise challenge. However, I'm still debating whether I was ready for the next step up.

2) This week seemed to go a bit more smoothly with my kids. After the last few weeks with lots of fighting, bickering, taunting...(well, you get the idea), this week seemed a lot better. Thank goodness for small successes!

3) I took Lily & Jonah and a friend of theirs to Story Hour at one of the local libraries. Oh.how.fun! They thoroughly enjoyed it and I thought it was excellent as well. Each week has a theme (this week was Butterflies & Gardens)and they have one hour of planned activities: crafts, snack, stories & songs. We're definitely going to be attending several of those during the course of our summer.

4) Did I mention that HI #3 was FREE!!!

5) Lots of hard labor and hours of it last Saturday left us with another completed project in our yard. All that you need to know is that several loads of large rocks were hauled and moved by husband and yours truly. Best part, completed project AND a great workout!


LO's:

1) Due to HI #1, I think I pulled something in my abs/under my ribcage during my workout.(Pathetic, I know.) It's much better, but I was pretty sore for a day or so. Unfortunately, that left me without getting back to my workout for a couple of days. I'm determined though to conquer that Workout 2 and move on, so I'm gonna keep at it!

2) The weather was finally hot enough for our family to take a swim in the lake on Sunday. The unfortunate part is that we ALL acquired 'lake itch' (some people refer to it as 'chiggers' or 'jiggers' too) and it's left us itchy and with welts in spots on our arms and legs.


All in all, it wasn't a bad week. What were your HI's and LO's this week?