The 'Run Run' Sisterhood

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, one of my goals for 2011 is to gradually build my exercise routine from fast-paced walking to running. I’m making more progress on the treadmill and while I haven’t set my sights on a 5k or mini-marathon yet, I feel good about what I’ve achieved so far.

Like many bloggers, I look for inspiration from my girlfriends, as well as from other bloggers and blogs. I began searching Blogland for who’s out there running, living healthy lives and offering advice on how to do so. One of the more popular bloggers of this genre is Skinny Runner. An avid marathon and recreational runner, she offers helpful advice on running gear, races to join and healthy eating. And for additional inspiration, she provides links to other other female runner blogs – a “Run Run Sisterhood,” if you will. Best of all, her posts are fun and upbeat.

In one of her posts, she answered many questions readers had posed about the gear she wears; everything from the shoes to her headband. I totally agree with her advice on finding the right shoe for your foot and not just going with what the running magazines are touting as the “it” shoe for 2011. For instance, last week I went to purchase new running shoes at my favorite locally-owned running store, Footworks. (Yeah, I just bought a pair of trail shoes over the holidays, but I also need a running shoe. Let’s analyze my spending habits another day, shall we?) They measured and analyzed my feet. My right foot pronates (rolls inward), so they took that into consideration when searching for the right shoe for me. Keep this in mind when shopping for gear - find a running store that will be willing to do this. At most smaller, locally-owned running stores, this is standard practice.

In addition to walking and running, my friends and I are always look for new, affordable fitness opportunities to help "shake up" our exercise routines, which is really helpful during the dreary winter months. We e-mail each other suggestions, such as Pure Barre, Zumba or cycling classes. It's a great way to stay motivated and socialize with your friends.

If fitness is one of your goals for 2011, what are you doing? What motivates you? Any great fitness/health blogs you'd like to recommend?

Happy Tuesday, everyone!
Images from Title 9 and Skinny Runner

Pure Barre - Part II

I tried a Pure Barre class with several friends today and LOVED IT!!

Now, I have a feeling I'll be sore all over tomorrow and have difficulty climbing up and down stairs, but I do plan to go back for more classes. The ab work was especially good. The facility is really nice and the music makes the workout upbeat and fun. I'm glad I learned about it - it should make for a great way to workout during these cold winter months.

In other weekend news, it was a good weekend for our sports teams. UK had an easy time beating LSU while the Steelers won against Baltimore. Good times.

The kids are off school tomorrow, so I'm taking the day off with them. I'm looking forward to sleeping in another day. Have a great week!
Image from Pure Barre Louisville

Pure Barre Anyone?

Has anyone tried Pure Barre and if so, what do you think? A new Pure Barre studio has opened in my hometown, in fact, not far from my house. I was reading about this form of exercise just last week and then last night, read about the opening of this new studio. The website states that,

The Pure Barre Technique is a total body workout that burns fat and produces lifted seats, toned arms, thin thighs, and flat abs by fusing elements of ballet, pilates and weights in a 55 minute intense session. It is the most effective, fastest, yet safest way to change your body.

Hmm. Due to the weather, I've been sticking to our treadmill. Good workout in a comfy setting (no New Year's Resolution crowding at the gym). But, I was intrigued when I heard about Pure Barre. So, if you know anything about it and can attest to whether it's a good workout and perhaps worth signing up for, let me know your thoughts.

It's a cold Monday for many of us. The snooze button was hit several times. Hope you had a good weekend. We spent Friday night with friends, eating a good meal and laughing our heads off. Then on Saturday, my parents came over for chili and a sad, sorry bowl game in which my Wildcats lost. Boo. And, of course we then heard about the tragic events in Arizona. Sending prayers to the victims and their families.
Image courtesy of purebarre.com

Blazing New Trails

My New Year’s buddies are these Montrail walking/trail shoes. I bought them late last week and have worn them on the treadmill and around the neighborhood every day. Great shoes! And the even better thing is that we had a gift card to the Trail Store where I purchased them, so I didn’t have to shell out the full amount on my own. Woo hoo!

In addition to my new shoes, I bought some cool socks made from recycled bottles to wear with them. How granola am I? Not very, but it’s fun to pretend with my new outdoorsy wardrobe. :)

Seriously, though, I have been looking into participating in some trail walks/hikes in the spring, so I’m hoping I can take my new shoes “off-road.”

Everyone having a great day back? It was tough for all of us this morning, the kids especially. But, it was time for them to return to their routines. I spent the weekend taking down ornaments and other Christmas decorations, so all that’s left is a bare tree in the living room and boxes waiting to be placed in the basement for another year. Sigh.

With the cold weather in full-force and the holidays behind us, I’m looking forward to college basketball (Go Cats!) and the NFL playoffs. What about you?
Image from Montrail

I survived!

I made it through my first hot yoga class last night! I didn’t pass out, nor did I throw up, so two major accomplishments there. :)

There were a few times, especially toward the end, when I felt a little dizzy and had to sit down. Two of my friends who came with me had the same experience. But, I was surprised at how I was able to handle some of the poses. I’m more flexible than I thought! You do come out of there looking like you’ve been in a swimming pool – I’ve never sweat so much in my life. But, I’m going to try it again to see if I can handle another session (plus, I bought a week pass, so I need to get my money’s worth!).

So, while my mind is on fitness and keeping in shape - and to not bore you to tears with my continuous dronings about yoga - thought I’d give a shout-out to Title 9. I love the Title 9 clothing line. This company has a great philosophy and I really like the fact that they feature real women in their catalogs, and include a little information about each one. Very inspiring. Images like the one above just make me want to donn one of their organic cotton tops and climb a mountain. Well, maybe wear the top, not so much climb the mountain.

Title 9 also carries “Life is Good” products, which always puts a smile on my face. So, check out Title 9 if you're looking for great workout gear.

It's Terrific Tuesday everyone - hope something puts a smile on your face today!
Image courtesy of Title 9.

Detour

Bummed to say that I didn't make it to Bikram on Saturday morning, because I got sidetracked when Little Man decided to get into the jar of Vaseline and apply it all over the bathroom and himself.

The kids were awake at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday and Hubby and I were trying to get just a few more minutes of sleep before starting the day. The kids were entertaining themselves in our daughter's room, or so we thought. Little Man came into our room and tried to grab my glasses, but I quickly shot up and caught him (he broke Hubby's glasses a few weeks ago, so I wasn't going to let that happen again!). When I put on my glasses, I couldn't see out of them - then I realized they were covered in Vaseline. Then I noticed Little Guy was covered in it, hair sticking straight up. I went into the bathroom and almost fell, because it was all over the floor, the countertop, the walls. All I could think was "How the heck do you remove Vaseline?? Vaseline is what you use to remove other things!!"

So, by the time we dealt with that, I was in great need of coffee and I only had the energy to sit at the kitchen table for a while. By this time, the yoga class was already underway. But, a girlfriend and I have committed to going to a class tonight, which will probably work out better anyway. I can drink plenty of water throughout the day and be better prepared for the experience that is hot yoga! No detours today! From the comments that readers have left about Bikram, it sounds amazing and has really kept folks in good shape. Can't wait!

As for other news this weekend - the weather was GORGEOUS in Kentucky! 70 degree temps in July. We took the kids to the zoo and spent as much time outside as possible. Last night we went to a cookout for a friend's birthday and it actually got chilly as we sat outside on their deck. Who would have thought?

Hope everyone had a great weekend. It's Monday - time to charge ahead!

Hot Yoga

So, I’m taking my first Bikram yoga class tomorrow and I’m hoping I don’t have a stroke in the middle of it. It’s “hot” yoga where the temperature in the studio is quite high, in order to warm up your muscles and increase your heart rate for a cardio and strength workout. I’ve known a few people who’ve done it and just praise the benefits. In fact, a co-worker of mine has lost several pounds from practicing Bikram yoga and she looks amazing. She said she’s addicted to it!

A local hot yoga studio is having a special this month on classes, so I’m taking the plunge and trying my first class Saturday morning.

Have you ever tried Bikram or Hatha yoga? There’s also a regular Hatha class on Mondays and Wednesday in the building where I work, so I’m also considering trying that class as well. I would love to hear from folks who are into yoga or are trying yoga for the first time. Share your stories - let me know what you think!

It’s fabulous Friday, y’all – we made it through another week!
Image courtesy of Betsy's Hot Yoga Louisville