Fit Mom, yet still a Mom

Have you ever had a dream? I had a dream. Writing a blog about my fitness is part of the dream. I love going to the gym, pushing myself to the next level with weights, running and new workouts. This week, I experienced the ultimate workout, one that gym girls like myself can only dream of. StrongOver40 was intense; it pushed me to my limits, but it kept me wanting me more of this challenge. I was so impressed with the SO-50 system and to be training with the inventor himself plus my BFFs. The dream didn't end there; no, it got even better. John Stuef, the inventor and trainer, offered me a golden opportunity-- personally train with him and his SO-50 system for free (BFFs included) in exchange for me blogging about my results. I was ecstatic when John proposed this offer. It was my dream-- writing and fitness and possibly a larger following.

But, there was a rub. If only life didn't have rubs. Childcare. Childcare was not included in the offer. I have two young boys ages 4-years-old and 18 months. They are active boys that need supervision, so sadly childcare was the deal breaker for me. Yes, it was a good dream, but unfortunately I woke up to my reality.

At first, I was really bitter about the whole situation. It just wasn't fair. Then I felt God prodding my heart once again with the verse in Ecclesiastes about seasons. Ecclesiastes 3, "There's a time for everything, a season for every activity under the heavens." Even though I wish I had more time for business opportunities and time to write about them; I need to be reminded that my season is to be with my children. People are constantly telling me, "they are only little for a short time" and "enjoy it while it lasts". Yes, I love a good workout, and yes, I love to write, but I love my children more. And this time I will accept the season of motherhood.

Strong Over 40...It's not about age!

Strong Over 40 is not about age. It's about physically training your body to reach your personal goals and seeing results whether you're 20 or 80-years-old. Yesterday, I had the privilege to try the unique small group training class of Strong Over 40 led by John Stuef. I invited my girlfriends Michelle and Becca to join me. We met in the D1 training facility in Raleigh. At the beginning of class, each of us was given a heart rate monitor that we fitted under the bands on our sport bras, then we were given a watch that wirelessly connected to our heart monitors to accurately monitor our cardio and heart rate zones. Our trainer, John Stuef warmed us up with some running, squatting, lunging and throwing weighted balls. After we got our heart rates up, John introduced us to his invention the SO-50 Full Body Training System. It's similar to the TRX systems, but according to John the SO-50 takes out all the kinks and weaknesses associated with the TRX. Strong Over 40 in Raleigh is the only location in NC that offers SO-50. I couldn't believe how such a simple resistance and suspension system could work my entire body-- my core, arms and legs were getting an incredible workout.

A few of the exercises had more than one step, and since I'm not very coordinated, John had to demonstrate the moves a couple of more times before I got it right. The small class size made this easier for him; he told me he also offers personal training sessions. My girlfriends were amazed with the system as well, and we are already planning a return visit. We cooled down with some running and walking intervals followed by stretches using the SO-50 system. It was a tough class, but I loved the challenge. Good thing I've been going to the gym three times a week, because I wouldn't have done as well. Strong Over 40 is perfect for women and men alike who want to take their fitness routine to the next level and start seeing results. I talked to another lady in the class, and she said each class is different. John mixes it up so you don't hit that plateau.

And, yes I am sore this morning, but it is a good sore.

Interested in trying a class? Classes are offered M-F at 7, 8, 9:30 a.m. and 2, 4, 5, 6:30 p.m. plus Saturdays at 9 and 10:30 am. Your first 2 classes are complimentary. Mention FitTriangleMom and receive $100 off an unlimited 3-month training package.
D1 Raleigh- 6330 Mt Herman Rd, Raleigh, NC 27617
www.strongover40.com

Life of a Soccer Mom

So it begins..the life of a soccer mom. My four-year-old son has his first outdoor soccer practice today. I'm actually really excited. I've been looking forward to this since I learned I was having a boy during the ultrasound. I know you're thinking about the shuttling between practices and games, making snacks, and everything in between. You know it doesn't bother me. You see, soccer is my sport. I played the game on and off since the 2nd grade, but the glory days began in the 5th grade when my family lived in Massachusetts. Our team was unstoppable; we were an all girls team that could really kick butt. We traveled throughout all the towns in Essex County leaving the other teams in the dust. We won the championship that year. I got a gold medal and team jacket to prove it. It was a good time, and now I hope I can pass the ball to my son. I'm not one of those moms who pushes their kids into something they like. A has been learning the skills of soccer for two years at Netsports Lil' Kickers. He loves the game just like me. So today the cleats will meet the grass for the first time, and I'll be cheering for my boy.

So much going on

NC Road Runners Club March Fun Run Series starts tomorrow night at Raleigh Running Outfitters at Raleigh.
http://www.ncroadrunners.org/Series/series2013/March2013Series.pdf

Tonight's Prenatal Yoga at New Beginnings starts at 6:30! Enjoy, moms-to-be!!!- www.healthymomsnc.com

Are you ready to start a healthier lifestyle and get your Body Back? Our next session starts MONDAY, April 1st (8 week session that includes before & after assessments, workouts, weekly workout calendar, meal plan, food journals, online support and coaching)!   Body Back of Cary/Raleigh

Family Fun

The weekends are designated as family time at our house. Daddy's home from work, and I have most of my laundry, cleaning and writing done, so we can plan a fun family outing. Tomorrow is supposed to be warmer outside, probably in the mid 60's. This 50 degree windy weather is too cold for me; I've been living in NC most of my life, and I prefer the warm weather. There are quite a few family fun activities happening this weekend in the Triangle. A kite festival in Cary, a park hike in New Hill and Clowning Around for the Cure in Cary. See Below for event details:

18th Annual Kite Festival- On Saturday, March 9 at Bond Park in Cary. Registration begins at 12:30. You can sign-up for Kite making classes in the morning. Visit www.townofcary.org or 919-469-4100 to sign up for the class. There will be a stunt kite demo at 1 p.m. The kite flying contest begins at 1:30 p.m. followed by the award ceremonies at 2:30 p.m.

Park Hike- On Saturday, March 9 at 1:30 p.m. Hike around the 5-mile peninsula at Harris Lake County Park in New Hill with a staff member and learn about the sights on the trail. Register at 919-387-4342.

Clowning Around for the Cure- Help support the research for Pediatric Cancer. There's a suggested $4 per person fee. On Saturday, March 9 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Herbert C. Young Community Center in Cary. There will be balloon sculptures, inflatable rides and slides, face painting, Happy Dan the Magic Man and Zoe the Clown.

If you don't get to one of these fun events, I hope you get outside and enjoy the nice weather.
Have a good weekend. :o)

Timeout from a Tough Job

Being a mom is tough work. Your job consists of childcare, teacher, coach, maid, accountant, event coordinator plus numerous other tasks. Since you have such a tough job, you probably train hard to maintain your sanity and health. Although you're exercising and staying healthy, don't forget about the other aspect which is taking some quiet relaxing down time just for you. The other day I made it a priority to get a pedicure. It's not really pedicure season, but my feet were tired, and I needed a break. It felt so good dipping my feet into the warm foot tub and having the massage chair soothe my aching back. I chose a pretty pink color to help remind me that Spring is around the corner. I indulged in a leg and foot massage and   when she exfoliated my feet it tickled. It was just what I needed-- a mama timeout. No crying babies, no one hanging on my leg and  no one asking me where the TV remote is, just peaceful relaxing me time. It was just the kind of rejuvenation I needed when I came back home to three boys (husband included) that needed me.

Now don't make any excuses, make you time a priority. Ask your husband, a friend or get a sitter to watch the kids, so you can get a pedicure/manicure, massage, sit in Starbucks, go to the park, or where ever you find peace. You deserve it mom, because being a mom is tough.