Setting Goals #running #ua #iwillwhatiwant

After the Oasis Zoo Run, while we were walking around and seeing some of the animals, I casually said to my husband My goal is to feel confident enough to race in a sports bra and leggings. 

Six years ago, at 180lbs at my wedding day, I would never have uttered those words. Sports bras were made for going under clothing...not being the clothing.

Four years ago, at 205lbs, I would have laughed in your face if you had of told me that one day, this would be my ideal racing outfit.

Goal Running Outfit by sweetstellas featuring a head wrap headband

When it comes right down to it, I am finding myself becoming increasingly obessed with funky running clothes. I always have a one or two basic items (like the headband and leggings above) that I pair with funky shoes and a tank. So...why not a funky sports bra to go along with it, only ditching the tank before the race begins.

It's intimidating, but given all of the training that I will be doing over the next few months, I don't really think it's that unrealistic of a goal.

I chose the items above for a few reasons. The sports bra has a great design to it and I like that it has a criss cross back instead of a racer back. It's a mid-impact bra so I know that it will be good for running.

The leggings are heat gear from Under Armour, which means that not only are they compression to help with muscle recovery during and after your race, they help you stay cool and dry while you are hitting the pavement. I've really loved running in compression pants and find that they truly do help my muscles to move properly, and recover quicker, so having more options in my running drawer is essential.

The shoes...oh the shoes. I know that I am going to have to retire my Micro G Toxic Six's after Disney (at the very latest, next spring) and I really love how lightweight Under Armour running shoes are, so I'm looking to replace them with a new pair. I love the design and color of the new Speedform's. They have storm technology to repel water from the shoe, which is awesome since some of my training involves hiking. These shoes are also made for trail running, meaning that they are supportive, lightweight, and have great grip for added stability.

And the headband. Now that my hair is so much longer than when I started running over a year ago and I am currently growing out my bangs from blunt to side swept, I like having a headband when I am racing. But that means finding the right headband, and one that doesn't slide on the hair. The UA Perfect Headband fits the specs of what I am looking for, and has great subtle detailing in the tucked design.

So...there's my goal. And when I get to the point when I feel that confident...I will rock it. Every stitch, every item. Rock. It.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Compression Gear to Speed up Recovery Time

If you are a regular runner, you know that muscle cramps and sore joints sort of come with the territory. Did you know that by incorporating compression gear into your running wardrobe can help speed up your recovery time, making your training easier?

As part of my training for both Badass Dash and WDW10km, I have been incorporating calisthenics. We have a park right around the corner that is perfect for it.

Benches to use for elevated planks and tricep dips
Paved walkways for sprints
Stairs and ramps for climbing
Monkey bars for upper body strength
Benches to use as hurdles

With all of that added to my running route, it means that my muscles are doing extra work and cramping is a good possibility. Instead of risking injury a week before Badass Dash, I put my UA Fly By Compression Capris on, and noticed a difference immediately.

While I was running, I noticed that my legs felt sturdier than ever. My muscles were tight, my legs moving fast, and my pace improved tremendously.

Then, when I circled by the park to my first bench for tricep dips, a plank and squats, my legs had a chance to rest. I was a little worried that they would be too tired but was I ever wrong. After my quick set of body exercises, I sprinted to the next set of benches. And I mean SPRINTED. I ran fast and hard, and when I got to the benches, I jumped up on the bench...ran across and down...jumped up on the second...across and down!

It felt really awesome to add some variety into my run, and it is definitely something that I will continue to do on days that I run in my compression capris to ensure that I minimize the risk of injury. I feel that the combination makes me a better runner, and that races will come easier.

I am excited to see how training with my UA compression gear, and how they help me perform at the WDW10km! The fabric is super soft and they fit like a second skin, so there is no chafing (something that will be important in a 10km race!), and they even feature a zippered back pocket for your keys or ID! Just an overall smart design, and the color is out of this world!

Stay tuned for details of my WDW10km outfit, including my UA Fly By Compression Capris!



Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.

New Month, New Goals #WDW10km #ua #IWillWhatIWant

Oh, hello September! A new month to conquer, with new goals and some really awesome events that I will be participating in!

The events that I have coming up this month are pretty incredible. First, I am participating in the Badass Dash on my wedding anniversary (September 13th) with my husband. Yep...7km and 30 obstacles...mud...hills...water...ahh!! I am really excited about it, albeit super intimidated, but I know that I can do 7km and the obstacles will just be a part of the fun!

using my Arrow to guide my feet

I only have a couple of weeks to really train for Badass Dash, so I'm focusing on adding things like squats, kettlebells, walking lunges, and box jumps into my runs. We have a playground around the corner, which will definitely come in handy! My compression leggings will help to condition my muscles so that they will be good to go for the Dash, as well.

Then I have my one year Raceaversary with my bests at the Oasis Zoo Run at Toronto Zoo. It was my first every 5km event last year, on my birthday weekend, and I am so excited to return and run in it again. This year, my bff's son is running in the 5km as well, and I'm hugely proud that he's taking the challenge and doing it! My bff's are doing the 10km, which is pretty incredible as well! It'll be a great weekend, one that I am really looking forward to.

My first race! September 21, 2013

 So, what are my goals for this month?

Run three times a week
Incorporate calisthenics into my training for the Dash
Complete all the obstacles at Badass Dash
Finish the Oasis Zoo Run with a time of 43mins (or less!)
Plank every day

That last one, the planks? Well, core strength is something that is really important for runners, and really important if you have just had a baby. My belly is certainly coming back quickly, but I want to tighten and tone my muscles. Whether it's 30 seconds or 3 minutes, there will be a plank done every single day!

What are your goals this month? How are you staying active, healthy and setting a positive example for those around you?



Disclaimer: this post may contain affiliate links. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.

Getting Back to Running After Baby #UA #IWillWhatIWant #WDW10km

I have to say, my legs have returned to me a lot faster than I anticipated. I even braved the big hill last week and did my first 5km!

I am, however, a little disappointed about how often I am getting out running. I didn't think that it would be so difficult to balance mom life and duties at home, my husband's crazy schedule and running the 4 year old to and from camp...it's been pretty hectic!

Now we're all a little under the weather, but I am itching to get out running in my new UA Fly By Compression Capris. They're the same ones that have inspired my outfit for WDW10km, which I will be revealing little sneak peeks of over the next few weeks!

Strength training, aside from lifting and carrying a 12lb newborn and a 42lb four year old, hasn't happened but it's because I'm listening to my body and trying to get back to things slowly. Running has been the perfect thing to get me back into a routine of healthy living and physical fitness, as well as setting a positive example for my boys.

I've noticed a pattern. Run twice, rest ten. I'm not super happy with it, it's partially circumstantial, and it will be changing.

In terms of my 50km in August goal, I have run a total of 16km. Still a long way to go in just a very few days!! That's 26km to get under my belt to finish the final station in the LOST running series and 34km to my August goal.

Will I be disappointed if I don't make it? No. I know in reality it was a bit of a lofty goal, that I'm just 7 weeks postpartum and only cleared as of yesterday by my doctor to get back to my regular training. The mental break that running gives, the sense of accomplishment and the feeling that I'm doing something for myself that I am proud of is all that I need right now.Self care is so important, and running is definitely just the thing that gives me that mental break so I can still be me...and be good to everyone around me.

So...tonight, I run.
Friday, I run.
Saturday, I run.
Sunday, I run.

That's four runs still to go in August, which means I could get very close to my 42km LOST running medal if I push myself and do about 6km each time, and I know that with my new compression capris that is certainly possible.

Can I do it? Follow me on Instagram and see!




Disclaimer: this post may contain affiliate links. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.

Pitter Patter Let's Get At 'Er #goalsetting #runmamarun #IWillWhatIWant #WDW10km

If you're following me on Instagram, you saw that this past weekend I went for my first post-baby run. Yep...this mama is running again, and at only 25days postpartum!

Time to put some goals out there to the universe, and hold myself accountable to you lovely readers who count on my words. Before putting it on Instagram and facebook, I didn't realize just how many are being inspired...and I am so humbled by all of your comments. I LOVE being tagged in your running and fitness photos, so keep it coming!!! The best thing that we can give to our kiddos is an example of a balanced and healthy life, so lace up and get out there!

Onto the goals!
- run 50km in August
- finish the Orchid 42km medal in the LOST running series
- add in strength training (resistance bands) once a week

How did I feel after that first run back?

Post-run satisfaction. I wasn't sure I could do it. I wasn't sure if it was too soon. Mother Nature threatened a thunderstorm. But I laced up. I put foot to pavement. And I ran. I ran the whole first mile then walked .25mi and ran again. I ran through side stitches (note to self: hydrate more!) and when it got to the road that leads home, I ran past it for another .25 mi. Yes, my legs are trembling, sweat is rolling down my back and my fave is grimy with dirt. But I ran. And it feels insanely good to be back. #momsrunning #running #badmamajamma #ua #iwill

And then...I ran again on Sunday; 3.5km in 35mins. I shaved 30seconds off my pace, and felt really confident about my training that will be coming this fall. I can feel it in my bones that being under the 16min/mile pace per runDisney rules will be absolutely no problem at all.

One thing you will notice in my training are my bad mama jamma Under Armour running shoes, some new UA gear coming for my cold weather training and the hashtag #IWillWhatIWant. I want to be strong. I want to be healthy. I want to run with purpose. And I will.

Notice that I didn't mention weight or inches in those goals? My weight, the inches and the loose skin from having two big baby boys are not my concern. My goals are how far I can run, at what pace, and, ultimately, how I feel when I look in the mirror.

And I don't mean how I feel about what I look like. But the expression on my face. How I feel when I close my eyes and picture myself out there running.

Proud
Strong
Healthy
Determined

Bring it on #WDW10km

Bring
It
On

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.