Springing Into Warmer Weather With prAna

I'm not your typical yogi - I don't take classes, and I don't "flow".  I stretch after each workout, but I also love to participate in Instagram challenges and play with different yoga poses.  If it requires balancing, I could play for hours!

I'm not your typical bodybuilder.  I don't enter competitions, and I have no desire to do so.  I don't care about how heavy I lift, and I have no desire to go super heavy.  As a matter of fact, I couldn't if I wanted to due to back issues.  I just like to go to the gym and lift and watch my body transform in the process.

I'm not your typical runner - I don't usually run races, and I don't work on speed or worry about my stride.  Instead, I run for the cardio advantages as well as my therapy.  If I can't get in a run, watch out - you don't want to be around me!  Ha ha.  It's one of the few times that I have to just think.  No distractions - just me, the road, and my thoughts.  Nothing makes me feel better than a good run.

Even though I'm not your average yogi, bodybuilder, or runner, I do get pretty excited about clothing that works for all of the above.  Thanks to Fit Approach, I was given the opportunity to receive some of the newest items from the prAna Spring Line.  I own quite a few pieces of prAna's clothing, as well as one of their yoga mats and bags.  I can honestly say that I have never been disappointed with their products.  And the best thing of all is that the majority of the prAna items that I own, I can wear for any type of athletic activity, or as a casual piece.

When selecting my newest outfit from the prAna Spring Line, we were having sort of a "heat wave" in Pennsylvania for the month of February.  60 and 70 degrees and oh so beautiful!  It definitely put me in the mood for Spring, as well as put the beach on my brain.  So when I saw the Mantra Pant in Oatmeal, I instantly thought of Spring and Summer and being on the beach!  I could totally see myself walking on the beach or boardwalk in these beautiful, comfortable, lightweight pants. They are made of hemp, are super soft, and are wrinkle resistant. They are also extremely flexible, which is a must for someone like me who can drop and do a yoga pose at a moment's notice.

I also fell in love with the Mika Strappy Top in Summer Peach as soon as I saw it.  After trying it on, I was so happy to see that it was a top that I could wear for yoga, lifting, or hanging out at a cookout or at the beach with my family and friends.  The straps on the back are beautiful, and the lightweight stretch jersey is flowy and offers a breeze to keep you cool.

Trust me when I say that if you are a lover of good quality clothing, regardless of your activity level...and regardless if you fit into the mold of a certain type of athlete, you will NOT be disappointed with any products from prAna.  Check out their Spring line today, and be sure to use code S4P17WMR for 15% off before March 28, 2017.

This post is sponsored by prAna in partnership with FitApproach. I was provided free product from prAna. All opinions are my own.

KILL THE QUIT!

"Four eyes." "She's so flat." "Her nose is too big." "Where's that booty at?" "I don't want to be that big." Look at this cellulite.....I'm so fat.....Why can't I lose weight? Crazy how it used to be others that pointed out my flaws - and now, I am my biggest bully - my worst critic. I can't seem to see beyond the cellulite, stretch marks, and saggy skin. While others point out my muscles, I look in the mirror and see fluff and flab. I go back and forth between wanting to be skinny, and wanting to be strong.  I love the way I looked when I was thinner, but I love the way strong feels.

I have been struggling so much lately. Ever since I started working full-time again, even though I'm keeping up with my workouts, I'm sitting behind a desk for 8 hours a day. Because of that, I have gained some weight that I can't seem to get off. I am eating better than I ever have been. Struggling to get my hours in and get my workouts in, all while trying to make time for my family. I've been in the mind-frame lately, asking myself, "Why?" Why do I continue to fight to get the gym or to get my runs in when I'm still not happy with how I look? When I still have to be on cholesterol medication despite a mainly healthy diet and several hours of exercise each week? What's the point?

I have never struggled this much with my motivation, since the beginning of my fitness journey. I find myself waking up, dreading my workouts. Why am I doing it if I don't enjoy it and I'm still gaining weight and needing to be on medication? I have been telling myself that I really just want to quit. I would have so much extra time in my life to keep my house clean, to spend time with my family, and to MAYBE even be able to have friends again.

 I go through these funks every so often. But then, out of nowhere, I am somehow reminded of why I fight to get my workouts in. Why I need to Kill The Quit, and keep doing what I'm doing. I see how much my daughter loves to be active. How she's constantly moving, tumbling, jumping, and wanting to work out in our home gym with me. And lately, I've seen the desire in my son to want to take the step to make fitness a part of his lifestyle. If my husband and I didn't do what we do each day, then our son would have never came to me and asked me to show him exercises to do. I would never hear him downstairs on the treadmill, getting in his cardio. THAT is what is important to me. I want my kids to WANT to be healthy and fit. I want them to make their health a priority, because I absolutely want them to outlive me and to live long, healthy lives. I get messages from friends and family, asking for advice on how to get started. And I see their progress. And that is all I need to remember why being fit and healthy is important to me.

Yes, I want to enjoy the benefits of the workouts for myself, but motivating others to get healthy is what keeps me going. No more waking up each day and dreading my workouts. I am going to do everything I can to start loving it again.

Sometimes, we just need to change things up to find that passion and motivation again. I'll be changing gyms this week, which is exciting in itself. Closer to home, which means more time at home, as well as new equipment to play with. Dedicating my time to more play, which for me, means more yoga.

I rearranged my workouts and gave myself an extra rest day, so I'm working out 5 days a week instead of 6. I'm taking the steps that I need to take to make sure that not only my body is healthy, but my mind is too. New running shoes, new workout clothes, and new supplements are always exciting to people like me. If you're currently in one of those funks, try changing even the slightest thing, and I promise it will help. Just don't quit. It's always so much hard to start again than it is to push through a slump.

From posting my workouts on social media, I am often given the opportunity to try to fitness products and spread the word about the things  I love.  That is another reason for me to continue to push through any funks that I may be in and keep going. Recently, I was given the opportunity to taste and pass out a recovery drink called Kill Cliff. This drink is not only delicious, but the lemon lime tastes like soda and it gives me the energy I need after my workouts in the cleanest, safest way possible. Not only that, but there is only 15-20 calories per can, no sugar, and the company gives back to the Navy SEAL Foundation. As a military family, that is definitely an important factor to me.  This drink is seriously something I see myself purchasing on a regular basis.  It's a great replacement of soda for my kids, and let me tell you - it gives you SO much energy.  I could have went for another run after drinking this, and that was after I already worked out.  If you're looking for a kick to help you keep up your energy, give Kill Cliff a try. You can sign up for their newsletter and get 15% off your first order, or you can purchase on Amazon. Trust me when I say I am not selling this stuff, and I do not receive a profit if you buy it - but I can't recommend it enough.

And just remember:

Quitting is not an option!
KILL THE QUIT.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of KILL CLIFF. The opinions and text are all mine.

Mizuno Wave Rider 20

I was sent the Mizuno Wave Rider 20 running shoes for free as a Fitfluential Ambassador in exchange for my honest review. I have never worn Mizuno's prior to this review.  Let me just tell you, I was in love with the BOX, so I had high expectations before even putting these sneakers on my feet!  lol

When I saw the blue color, I was completely smitten.  Just beautiful.  However, I'm not going to lie - I usually run with a very lightweight shoe.  The only time I usually wear a heavier shoe is when there is snow/ice on the ground.  I was a little nervous to test these out, as they are much heavier than what I usually run in.

My first time wearing them was during my usual 4 mile run.  The first thing that I noticed was that my legs felt extremely heavy.  About a mile in, my toes started to feel like they were falling asleep and then they went numb.  I don't know if I was just sore from lifting, or it could have just been my head messing with me, telling me that I am going to hate every second of my run because the shoes are heavier than what I'm used to.  I did not enjoy my run one bit.

I tested them out again a couple of days later on another 4 mile run.  My legs didn't feel heavy at all, which leaves me to believe my prior run was sucky because of fatigue, not the shoes.  However, my toes went numb again about a mile in and seemed to get worse as the run went on. The rest of the shoe felt amazing.  The heel fit snugly, and the cushioning was perfect.  I did some research when I got home and decided to try to loosen the laces a bit at the toe box to see if that would help with the numbness.

So, off I went again a couple of days later for another 4 mile run.  I was nervous, because I really didn't want to have to deal with the pain and numbness in my toes.  However, this run was much different.  I didn't have any issues with my toes on my right side, but I'm guessing my laces weren't as loose on the left, because I had slight tingling.  It felt nothing like the first 2 runs.  I was able to focus on my run and not focus on what was happening with my feet.

One more run, and I think I finally got it right.  No tingling, and no numbness.  While I think the toe box could be slightly larger, I do think this is a pretty solid shoe that just requires a little bit of breaking in.  I did not wear them around the house at all prior to running, so I probably could have saved myself any issues if I would have just done that.  I will definitely be wearing my Mizuno Wave Rider 20's to get me through my winter runs.  They are a solid shoe that are quite honestly better for my feet than the shoes I normally run in.

Appearance - *****

Tread - *****

Weight - ***

Comfort - ****

Apparatuz Running Belt

If you're like me, then running with your phone and music is a must.  I need to have music to get me through my runs, and I personally like my husband being able to track where I am with my phone, just in case anything happens.  Wearing an armband is fine, but it can also be a pain the butt.  It's hard finding the right band to fit your phone without having to take off your phone case, as well as one that is going to fit your arm without rubbing it raw or the velcro coming undone halfway through the run.  And c'mon - how many of you have put your armband on to go for a run to be overwhelmed with a stinky stench?  And then you get to run with that stinky armband, because you don't have time to wash it before your run......

Not only do I need to have my phone with me on my runs, but certain times of the year require tissues, gloves, and now with the way things have been in this world, I also carry mace.  When Move More Fitness gave me the opportunity to try out the Apparatuz Running Belt for free in exchange for a review, I was eagerly willing to give it a go.  Too many times have I lost tissues and gloves when they have fallen out of my pockets during a run.  One time I actually lost my house key in my backyard after a run.  It fell out of my armband, and I spent a good hour searching through my backyard to find it so that I could get in my house.

When the belt arrived, I was very pleased with how lightweight it was.  There are two little slits on each side for you to put your items in.  I wasn't so sure I could squeeze my Samsung Galaxy S6 and it's case into those tiny holes, but it went in with no problem!  I also carried tissues with me, and although I didn't yet need my thin gloves, I do think that they will fit perfectly during my late fall/winter runs, too.  The belt has a velcro closure and is super easy to put on.  My mace has a strap on it so that it attaches to my hand, for easy access.  During my summer runs when I carry water, I will likely put my mace in my belt as well.

My first run was during an unseasonably hot October day.  I ran without a shirt and didn't have any issues with the belt at all.  My next run, however, I discovered that the belt does ride up if you wear it over your clothes.  I tried it a few times, and each time, it rode up.  The only way to solve it was to wear it under my shirt, which to me, is no big deal.

I have to say that I really do enjoy wearing my Apparatuz Running Belt and will likely wear it for the majority of my runs going forward.  I will no longer have to worry about getting  a runner's tan on my arm from my armband, nor will I have to worry about a nasty stench during my run, unless it's coming from me....lol. I am not a distance runner, as the most I run is 6 miles.  But if you are, I can imagine that this would be great product to have to carry all of your gels and other nutrition.

If you'd like to give it a try, you can order it on Amazon and use the code "MMF4SPCL to get 22% off the already low price.  If you buy it, let me know what you think!

Running the world 1 mile at a time

It's so hard to believe that in about a week, it will officially be fall.  Fall is one of my favorite seasons (it's a close tie with Spring).  I love the beauty of fall with the changing of the leaves.  Living in Central Pennsylvania, we have some of the most beautiful scenery during the fall.  I love the smell, the sound of the leaves crunching under my feet when I run, as well as the cooler temps for running.  Throw in some skinny jeans and boots, and I'm one happy girl!

October is quickly approaching, and I have one goal in mind - to help raise awareness for breast cancer.  As you may already know, I am racing with If Girls Ran the World this October, with the intent of raising money to benefit Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.  I have been trying tirelessly these past couple of months to raise money for this amazing foundation, but I have not received any donations as of yet.  If you really think about it, I am sure breast cancer has affected your life in some shape, way, or form.

Each October, I think about my beautiful cousin, Nicki, more than usual.  I think about her overcoming her battle with breast cancer, only to be taken down by brain cancer.  With 3 girls, 2 of them young, I think about them watching their mommy go through treatments, attend her funeral, and having to go the rest of their lives without seeing her smile, hearing her laugh, or being given a hug from her when they are down. I think about how she was my age when she passed.  I think about everything that my body has allowed me to do, yet her body failed her in the worst way.  I think about how I'm sure she would give anything to just hold her girls tight, and how I am sure she would love to still be here and be as healthy as I am, and as you are.  So for this month in October, I'm going to run for her.  I'm going to run the miles that she was never given the opportunity to run at my age.  I'm going to push through any mental blocks, any tired legs, or soreness, or any excuse I think I may have, to run for her and her girls.

Nicki and her beautiful daughters

Please consider making a donation to my page at https://ifgirlsrantheworld-sgk.everydayhero.com/us/weightlifting-mother-runner#/?_k=jeno1u.  Funds donated will not only help with research, but it will help fund programs that help those in need to find breast cancer services.  Any amount you can donate will help.  Thank you so much for considering.

If Girls Ran The World 2016

I'm going to keep it real.  I've been struggling lately.  Working a full-time job, sitting behind a computer 8 hours a day is a HUGE adjustment for me.  I haven't done this since 2005.  But I am blessed to be able to work from home and be here for my kids.  However, I have a hard time forcing myself to get up and move throughout the day.  Because of that, I've gained some weight over the past 4 months.  I have been doing great at keeping up with my workouts, but apparently, that's not enough.  Because of the weight gain, I find myself doubting my workout routine.  I often find myself wondering, "What's the point?".  I fight to find enough time in the day to get my workouts in. I run when I don't want to, I go to the gym and lift when I'd rather be going to the movies or hanging out with my family - all for what?  I'm gaining weight anyway!  Might as well just stop, right?

WRONG!  I often want to slap myself when I catch myself going down that path.  I may not look like I want to look, but I still feel strong, I feel healthy and fit, and I am setting a good example to my kids and others by continuing on with my workouts even though I'm working full-time now.  I am working on a better me each and every day that I get up and get moving instead of sulking on the coach and eating cake, cookies, and ice cream.  I am doing my part to ensure that I will be here to watch my children grow up, get married, and raise their own families.  I want my daughter to see that not giving up is the only way to reach your goals.  I want her to understand that looks don't have anything to do with your health.  I refuse to let this crazy world run me.  Instead, I choose to run it!

You can make the dedication to run this world too.  I am blessed to be a #IfGirlsRanTheWorld Role Model, and I have chosen to raise money for the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.  I lost my beautiful cousin to breast cancer, which then turned to brain cancer, a few years ago.  It always hurts losing someone you love, but this young mother of 3 had to leave behind her girls to raised by a guardian.  They will never get to see her beautiful smile, or feel her loving arms around them again because of this awful disease.  I hope to help raise money to find a cure, so no one else has to suffer the pain of breast cancer, or the pain of the loss of a loved one.  My goal is to raise $250.
Please consider donating to my page here.

Do you have a cause that you hold near and dear to your heart?  If so, please consider joining us this Fall in a one of a kind adventure to collectively and virtually run around the world to benefit charities that empower girls globally.  You could be one of up to three lucky winners of a free race entry to join me and a team of other amazingly inspiring women in our mission to raise funds and awareness to empower girls globally.  Enter for your chance below.  


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Shine A Light On Autism

This post is going to be a bit different than most of my blog posts.  But I wanted to let you into a whole other part of my life.

This past summer, I decided that it was time for a change.  I was working as the Head Ambassador for Move More Fitness, but I wasn't able to get the hours that I needed.  Therefore, I had to look for another job to supplement the income from Move More Fitness.  I saw there was a position for a Learning Support Aide available in my children's school district.  I really had no idea what it entailed, but the hours worked out great with my kids schedule, so I applied.  I  was called for an interview and learned that I would be working with children in the Autism Spectrum in grades 3 through 6.  I have to say, I was really nervous and wasn't so sure the job would be a good fit for me.  For one thing, I convinced myself that I have very little patience.  Another reason was because I've never had experience with anyone on the spectrum before.  I didn't think I could handle it.  I had another job prospect that looked very promising, so I was hoping things would work out with that one, but that job fell through. I was offered the position in the Elementary school.  I accepted, because, well, I needed the money.  But I was far from excited.  I didn't know what I would be walking into on my first day.

I was a ball of nerves when I walked into the classroom for the first time.  I had no idea what I would be doing, how much the kids would interact with me, how would I handle meltdowns, etc. My sister also works in the classroom, and I remember her telling me how she instantly fell in love with the kids.  I remember feeling guilty for not feeling the same way.  Probably because of my lack of knowledge and anxieties.  I'm not going to lie - the first few weeks were rough for me.  I was ignorant about Autism.  I was nervous every day for weeks walking into work.  I just didn't know what to expect.  What was I walking into that day?  Do these kids even like me?  I was one of those people that didn't understand Autism and didn't have any reason to research it to understand it before I started my job.  I remember several years ago, my son was on a bowling league.  There was a child there that caused such a distraction - constantly yelling and throwing fits.  I remember saying that his parents needed to get him under control.  I didn't get it.  I was oblivious to the entire world of Autism.  There is no "getting them under control".  Instead, there is learning what sets them off, and learning by trial and error what helps them to get through an episode, or even learning how to prevent them.  They are kids, just like my kids, and just like your kids.  They deserve to be afforded the opportunity to play on a bowling league, play soccer, sing, dance, whatever they desire.

One of our students does not communicate by talking, but he loves taking walks in the school.  I took him for a walk one day by myself, and he was very specific about which way he wanted to go (by pointing and pulling me).  When I told him it was time to go back to the classroom, he threw himself on the floor and had a full on tantrum.  I tried everything I could think of to get him up and back into the classroom, but he wasn't having it.  I felt so helpless, and so clueless.  How do I get this nonverbal child to tell me what he wants if he can't talk to me?  Thankfully, a toy with music helped to end the tantrum and get him back into the classroom.  I was a nervous wreck taking him for a walk for weeks after that.

A few days later, one of our bigger students had a meltdown, which included hitting pushing, throwing, and kicking.  I remember how scary it was.  This kid weighs more than me and has unbelievable strength. While I was not on the receiving end of his pushing, hits, and kicks,I was trapped in the classroom for about an hour during the entire episode (he was blocking the door).  It was at that time that I started to ask myself if it was really worth it....a paycheck, while risking what could be a serious injury.  We are not allowed to protect ourselves other than trying to block the hits and kicks, so did I really want to risk it?  I decided to stick it out, and let me tell you, I am so glad I did.

Times sure have changed over the past few months.  It just blows me away that I now walk into the classroom each morning and am greeted with "Hi Mrs. Beatty", followed by a detailed description of what is for lunch that day, then greeted by another student who then compliments my hair, and yet another one who comes up, grabs my hand, and greets me with a smile so sweet it could melt the coldest heart around.  Not to mention that same
little grabby hands reaching into my purse to get my gum out and then signing for a piece after prompted.  These kids make my day. Are there still meltdowns and tantrums?  Yes!  But do they stress me out and make me want to run for the hills?  Heck no!  These kids are amazingly smart, and they each have their own funny, adorable personalities.  I love them like they are my family, and quite honestly, I don't know how I am going to make it through the summer without seeing them.  They have taught me patience, understanding, caring, and a whole different level of love.  I am a true believer that I was meant to have this job.  This is exactly where I am supposed to be.

If you are like I was, and never took the time to understand Autism, or have ever thought the kids you see throwing tantrums and meltdowns in public need to be "controlled", then I beg of you, please do some research.  Better yet, meet someone with Autism.  I guarantee you they will change your heart in the best way possible.

Also, please join me and many other Autism supporters by "Lighting it up Blue" for Autism Awareness tomorrow, April 2nd, 2016.  And don't forget that this entire month is dedicated to Autism Awareness!

https://www.autismspeaks.org/
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism.htm


Photo credit:  http://www.ourtimebd.com/beta/2016/03/28/autism-things-we-should-know/