New Year - Mamavation Monday

I've lost my gym. More importantly, my son lost his preschool, but for this post, I will dwell on the fact that I have no gym. The community center where my son goes to preschool and I work out, closed on December 31. They gave us 3 weeks notice, which sucks, but it is what it is.

I really need to get my tushie back to working out. With the new preschool, the boy will be going to school 5x a week for 3 hours. I have the Your Shape Fitness Evolved for the XBox Kinect. I haven't tried it yet. That is only list for this week. My friend has P90X and we talked about doing it once or twice a week at her house. Eventually, I know I'll have to find a gym, but they are always so crowded in January and February. In a few months, I'll be able to go for a run or bike ride during school. I miss getting on my bike and feeling free. Every winter, I always ask myself why I did I leave California for New York??


For those without a gym membership, what do you for exercise, and when? 

Happy New Year!

Mamavation Monday

I never know what to write on my Mamavation Monday posts. My life isn't very exciting. When I was training for the triathlon, I had lots to share and keep on track. This month is hard because there is so much going on. I really need to get my Wii Fit set up and use that during the Munchkin's nap time.

Maybe one day my life and house will be organized and I can do things without feeling guilty that I'm not taking care of the house. I struggle with a lot of guilt that I should be taking care of everyone else before I take care of myself. I know it's a Mom thing. When I win the lottery one day (positive thinking), I can have someone else organize everything and then not feel guilty.

In good news, I won an XBox console with a Kinect! Burger King was giving them away last month and I found there was a way to get free game codes. It was one of the last days of the giveaway and I won one. I'm so excited!!! Hopefully someone will get me the Dance or Your Shape video. They are on my Amazon wish list. Now I just need a PS 3 and I'll be all set with my gaming. Since I'm such a gamer *sarcasm*.

Happy Chanukah to all my MOTs! Enjoy your latkes and applesauce. Next year there will be sweet potato pancakes!

I'm back - Mamavation Monday

After a brief blogging vacation break, I'm back. Life has been crazy, but I think that it is getting back to normal. Or, at least I'm learning how to cope.

There is a new exercising love in my life - Pilates. I take a class on Wednesday morning (mat not machine) and it is some of the hardest exercising I've ever done. I was so sore for 4 days after my first class. I want more! So many people have said that pilates changes the shape of your body. I've only taken 3 classes and I can totally see that happening. It stretches you out and makes you stand taller. I think I might have to pick up a DVD to do it a few times a week at home. Any suggestions?

As a little girl, I loved ballet. I took it for a few years, along with other dance styles. I think I may sign up for an adult ballet class. Dancers have such amazing bodies and maybe I can imagine myself having that type of body while I am doing a plié. I guess I like exercises that make you control your muscles and movement.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Enjoy your turkey. Gobble Gobble.

MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV.

SISTA OF THE WEEK: Congrats Heather (@notdiyheather) for being SOTW two times now!!! Woo hoo!

BLOGGING CARNIVAL: Thanks to @subwayfreshbuzz for sponsoring this week's blogging carnival, along with being such a great supporter of Mamavation in general. I would like to make my Commit to Fit pledge to sign up for an ongoing ballet class.

Getting back on the horse - Mamavation Monday

I've fallen off the wagon. The wagon left me 5 miles ago.

I finished the triathlon and now I have to get back to life and everything I've neglected the past few months (cleaning the house, organizing, laundry, etc). I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with all I have to do, but I know I'll get it done in time. Also, the Munchkin is having health issues. He's had lots of doctor appointments and is going to need surgery. He's got a hernia, among other things. He'll be okay, but it's stressful and I'm a stress eater.

While getting my life back in order, I have been neglecting my body and exercise. I need to find the balance. I've also been neglecting Twitter and the Sistahood. I'm so truly sorry about that.

I'm done with being lazy and I'm getting back on the wagon! I can work out 3 days a week when Munchkin is in school and I'm sure I can fit another work out in one night a week. My brother gave me his Wii Fit and I can't wait to try it.

Slow and steady wins the race!



MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV.


SISTA OF THE WEEK: Go April of @GAFlygirl for being the Sista of the Week!

BLOGGING CARNIVAL: Thank you to SUBWAY for sponsoring the Blogging Carnival! I can't wait to see Jared and the Commit to Fit Campaign in the NYC Marathon!

TRI-umphant

The first time I went running to start my triathlon training, I came home and told my husband that I didn't think I could do this. I've never tried running and didn't really like doing it. I barely ran 2 miles that day and I just felt defeated. My husband said (and I will never forget this), "Somebody has to come in last." I didn't want to hear something like that, but it's true. And, even the last place person finishes. It just may take them longer than everyone else. But that's okay. It doesn't matter if you are 1st, 549th or in 1,200th place. You can still say that you finished the race.
 
Sunday, I participated in my first high endurance event, an Olympic distance Triathlon - swim 9/10 mile, bike 25 miles, run 6.2 miles. I would have never decided to do something so huge, but it was for such a good cause. I was part of Team in Training (TNT) and raised funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I've had 4 very close family members die from blood cancers so this was very personal for me.

Three months ago, I could barely swim.

Three months ago, I never thought I could get on a bike and ride 25 miles.

Three months ago, who wants to run 6 miles? Not me.

Well, I DID IT!! I've been training for 3 months and there were so many times I wanted to give up, but I didn't. When I started my training, I had no idea what I was getting myself in to. I'm not very athletic and I'm overweight. I worked out a few days a week at the gym, but didn't really push myself. I knew I could do more but didn't know how to get there. I truly believe that if I can do this, anyone can. Really, anyone can. Don't shake your head and think, "not me" because I know you can do it. You just need a support system. Every time I came home and told my husband I didn't think I could do this, he was always there with a hug and supportive word. During the bike portion, I called my husband and said I needed to hear a "Go Mommy Go" from him and my son. It lifted my spirits and kept me going.

The race was difficult, don't get me wrong, but the anticipation of it was much worse than the actual event. It helped that I had completed all the portions of the race on their respective routes. I didn't have any surprises and knew what I was up against. The Team In Training coaches and mentors were fantastic! If you are even thinking about doing any type of high endurance event, I would highly recommend going through Team In Training. Everyone is so supportive and they over train you for the event. You are so ready and pumped up. During the race, I kept thinking about all the people that had enough faith in me that they donated to TNT in my name. I didn't want to let them down, so I kept going.

I'll write a whole post about the actual race. I do have to share that when I was coming in from the bike ride, I got to the transition area and was so shocked to see my brother there. He came up from DC to surprise me. Let me tell you, I was surprised! After the race, we were all at my house, just hanging out and my brother went to take out the recycling. Someone rang the doorbell, I opened the door and my mom was there. She came out from California to support me. What a great family I have!

During the bike ride, they had signs on the big hills to keep you motivated. My favorite sign was "Pain is temporary, but quitting is permanent." That will stay with me forever.

Here are a few pictures from the race:

If anyone is thinking about doing a high endurance event and has any questions, please feel free to contact me. I would be more than happy to tell you about my experience (good and bad).

GO TEAM! 

Mamavation:

MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV.

SISTA OF THE WEEK: Go Joanna (@way2gomom) for being the Sista of the Week! 


Can't wait to see Pete Cohen tonight on Mamavation TV. He's so amazing and motivational!

6 Days with so many nerves! - Mamavation Monday

6 days to go and I'm so nervous! 6 days until I compete in an Olympic Triathlon. 6 days and all my training will come into play.

6 DAYS!

I'm totally freaking out, but so excited for how far I've come in 3 months. I never imagined that I would be able to just hop on my bike and go for a 25-mile ride. It's been 15 years since I've owned a bike. And, I can now go in the water and feel comfortable. I know how to swim. I'm not very fast, but I can swim!

My biggest concern is not finishing the bike portion in time and getting pulled off the road. I know it's a possibility, but I'm still going to try. The race leader said we would still be able to come back and finish the running portion. I'm in it to finish!

This week, we are supposed to taper our training. I'm going to still do my swimming, biking and running, but not at the same intensity. Hydration and sleep are very important before the race. Lots of sleep and water, but not at the same time.

For those who don't know, this is my first high endurance event. I'm doing it as a member of Team In Training and raising funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I've had 3 very close family members die from blood cancers so this is very personal for me. I would never try to attempt a Triathlon as my first event if I weren't doing it for charity.

Go Team!

MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV.

SISTA OF THE WEEK: And a BIG congratulations to Pamela M. Kramer of @PamelaMKramer for being the Sista of the Week!

Thanks to Subway for sponsoring this week's blogging carnival at Mamavation. I love the veggie sandwiches! They were my go-to-meal when I was pregnant!

20 Days To Go - Mamavation Monday

20 days until the Triathlon.

Yesterday, I went on my first big ride with the Team In Training Group. I rode 22 miles in about 3 hours, with lots and lots of hills on the ride. It was very difficult and I wanted to give up a few times (only in my head, never out loud), but we were on open roads and I had no way to get back to my car so I was stuck. After the race, I found out that if you are not finished with the bike portion of the race by 10:30, they pull you from the course and you are disqualified. I knew they opened the streets to traffic at 10:30, but I just thought you would ride with the cars. The first part of the triathlon is the swim (9/10 mile), then you jump on your bikes (25 miles) and then come back for the run (6.2 miles). If I start my swim at 7:30, I'll finish at about 8:30ish. I will then have 2 hours to complete the bike ride. I don't know if I can do it in 2 hours. One of the coaches told me I could defer my race entry until next year and then just train really hard until then. But I don't want to wait. I've been working so hard on this and I want to at least try. I would feel like a quitter if I didn't at least try and get as far as I can in the race. Maybe even cross the finish line!!

Tonight, I have an open swim. There will be lots and lots of swimming, riding and running to do over the next 3 weeks.

Based on the recommendation of the Sista Of The Week, @GretaBlau (Congrats, congrats!!!), I'm going to do a bike ride every other day. I'm going to do some long rides, but also do some work on the hills. We've got some big ones right around our apartment building so I can do it after the Munchkin goes to bed and not have to worry about riding at night and cars.

I am totally freaked out about the Triathlon, but still going to give it my all (and then some). We're going to Maine in October so I'll just keep thinking about the trip as my reward for all my hard work!

My fitness goals are pretty consistent until the Triathlon:

1. Early morning run at least 2 or 3 days.
2. Eat more protein and complex carbohydrates.
3. Drink lots of water. It's hot out there!
4. Do 1 brick. Bike ride for at least 2 hours and then run/walk for 3 miles.

For those who don't know, this is my first high endurance event. I'm doing it as a member of Team In Training and raising funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I've had 3 very close family members die from blood cancers so this is very personal for me. I would never try to attempt a Triathlon as my first event if I weren't doing it for charity.

Thank you to Chef's Requested for sponsoring this week's Blogging Carnival! Can't wait to try you out.