Fit Triangle Mom- Understanding the Journey

I've been writing Fit Triangle Mom for nearly 2 years now, and sometimes I ask myself What do I want this blog to accomplish? What is the goal? Is it more followers? Yes, that would be nice. Is it more income? That would be great! Yet, I still wonder if Fit Triangle Mom could be more. I always come back to the name of the blog, Fit Triangle Mom. Three words, each with separate meanings, combined to create one extraordinary individual- A Mom who lives in the Triangle and pursues a Fit and healthy lifestyle.

Fit Triangle Mom might be the name of my blog, but anyone who fits the criteria above is a Fit Triangle Mom. It's not about going to the gym everyday; it's about finding balance between the challenges of being a mom and fitness. It's about activities or travel with the kids or family. It's about living in the Triangle- shopping, going out to eat, and the many wonderful events our area offers.

Fit Triangle Mom is a glimpse into my journey of fitness, family and faith. I'll share the books I'm reading, the scripture that touched my heart, the cute thing my kid said, or a new exercise I'm learning. I'm not an expert. I'm just a mom and writer, and I want to share my experiences with you.

Fit Triangle Mom supports local businesses especially those located in the Triangle and throughout NC. I enjoy reviewing places of business, shops, restaurants and hotels that cater to a Fit Triangle Mom. Occasionally, I will review national products that are beneficial as well, but the heart of this blog is North Carolina.

Fit Triangle Mom is about helping others. Each year, I have organized a team with the Susan G. Komen race. This past year, I partnered with Vend Raleigh. We had a team t-shirt, partnered with local businesses, and raised some money. It was a wonderful experience.

Finally, Fit Triangle Mom is about you. What concerns you as mom? What type of posts, products and reviews would you like to see? Motherhood is a journey that shouldn't be taken alone. Fit Triangle Mom wants to understand your journey. Please comment below.

Where Legends Are Born

I took the plunge. It's something I've always wanted to do. A new challenge of strength and perseverance. I won't be alone; my husband is braving this battle with me. What am I referring to when I  repeatedly use terms like strength, perseverance and bravery? It's a mud run, yet it's not any mud run. It's where the muddy are separated from the clean, and an ordinary 5k is left in the dust. It's Panda-Monium; the latest mud run hosted by Legend Race.

Legend Race owner, Fred Augustine knows what it means to push yourself to your limits. It's the feeling he experienced when he completed his first mud run last year.  "I have never ran more than 5 miles before then," said Augustine as he described his wife signing him up for the 13.1 mile obstacle race. Augustine endured extra miles due to getting lost and exhaustion, but the encouragement from other racers kept him going. "There is no greater feeling than being out there. The feeling of pushing yourself to do something you never thought you would ever attempt like crawling in mud, jumping over walls, climbing heights that challenge you physically and mentally.  Just to say if nothing else, I finished," Augustine explained.

I would be lying to say I'm not nervous. The running part I can handle, but the obstacles are a different story. Fred Augustine told me his favorite obstacle is the monkey bars. I used to be a champ at the monkey bars in elementary school, but nowadays I dread those bars. So, I've been building up my upper body strength with chin ups and just hanging in a chin up position. If I'm really brave, I try the monkey bars at the playground.

"The best exercise anyone can do for a mud run is interval training, burpees, and a lot of trail running with hills," said Augustine. I've got a training plan, but should I wear if I'm going to be covered in mud at the finish line? "Dri fit, tight clothing, it will help with the mud not weighing you down as much," said Augustine.

Legend Race obstacles focus on a fun experience to test your skills and encourage you for the next obstacle. Climbing, crawling, flipping tires, and scaling walls are just a few of the obstacles you will find on the course. They even offer a fun course for 5-8-year-olds and a 1-miler for 8-12-year-olds.

Augustine was hooked on the mud run/obstacle course race after his first run. "So I thought what better way to spark fitness and help people feel a sense of accomplishment," he said. Augustine and his wife started Legend Race in February 2013, and since then, they have been handing out medals. Augustine has kept all of his medals and refuses to clean them. "They are a reminder to me, to continue to stay fit, and a sense of accomplishment," said Augustine.

I, of course, was drawn to this local (Raleigh) company for it's fun fitness outlet, but what I love best is their commitment to the community. A portion of the proceeds of the Panda-Monium race will support the Special Olympics and Pittsboro Elementary School.

Interested in registering for Panda-Monium on September 13? Visit Panda-Monium to register and use promo code: Cool25 to receive 25% off registration.

Goals, Set them High!

Goals. We all need to make goals. Whether it's to lose weight, eat healthy or blog more; it's important. I've been encouraged by a fellow blogger and friend, Tanya to write out my goals for August. It could be personal goals or professional goals. My list will be a little of both. I really like this idea of being goal-oriented because as a stay-at-home mom I find myself running around in a chaos. I need structure; I need goals. The following is my list of goals for the month of August. I hope my blogging goals will keep you coming back to read the informative and interesting posts I have planned, and I hope my personal goals will encourage you in your fitness and family journey.

Blogging Goals

1. Write a review of the book, The Bridge Tender by Marybeth Whalen, and offer a giveaway of a signed copy of the book.
2. Introduce you to Legend Race owner, Fred Augustine and the upcoming mud run Panda-Monium.
3. Product reviews. I'm trying Summit's Raspberry Ketone supplements. They're supposed to be a natural fat burner. We'll see. 
4. Write a post about how mothers keep their sanity and maintain their femininity in a house full of boys. If you have any suggestions for this post, send me an email at rawithers@fittrianglemom.com

Personal Goals

1. Start training for a mud run. 
2. Each more fruits & veggies.
3. Cut out sweets.
4. Start planning at least 3 meals a week.
5. Go to church more regularly.

Now that I've written that all done, I actually feel better. It's not just a bunch of to-do's scrambled in my head. I have direction. I have a plan. I have goals. You might have similar goals as me, or maybe your goals are completely different. I would love to hear about your goals. Comment below, so we can encourage each other on our journey.

Orangetheory Fitness...Proven Results for Even the Busiest Mom

There's no denying that moms are busy, but it's sad to know that many moms deny themselves time for exercise. Yes, time is a common excuse, and we all know there's never enough time to get it all done. Yet, if you knew you could burn 500 to 1,000 calories in one hour and continue burning calories after you finish exercising, you just might make the time.

Owner, Kristie Shifflette

That's exactly what drew Kristie Shifflette and her husband, Matt into opening an Orangetheory Fitness studio in Morrisville and another location to open soon in Chapel Hill. Kristie, a mother of two children aged 3 and 4, understands the stresses of motherhood, but as an avid fitness enthusiast she wanted to share the benefits of exercising with others. "Fitness is proven to be energy, confidence, and mood boosting," explained Kristie. Orangetheory is also result-driven with their scientific based workout that combines 60-minutes with 5 zones of interval heart training that is measured by a heart rate monitor that all class participants wear during sessions.

Treadmills, indoor rowing machines, interval training blocks, weight room or resistance training blocks are used during each session. The results of the Orangetheory are based upon the participant reaching their maximum heart rate to push you into the Orange Zone that stimulates metabolism and increases energy which ultimately burns calories. Classes are led by skilled instructors. It's like having a personal trainer without the added expense, Kristie explained. "It's the best of both worlds, and knowing what you have accomplished" Kristie continued.

Since opening the Morrisville location, Kristie has been rewarded by seeing people's lives changed and their fitness goals achieved. She is excited to bring Orangetheory to the community of Chapel Hill so more people can experience this result-proven workout. The new studio is scheduled to open in late fall of this year and will be located in Meadowmont Village. Pre-sale opportunities at reduced founders pricing with no long term contracts and no payment until the studio's grand opening can be purchased at 606 Meadowmont Village Circle in Chapel Hill.


Although Orangetheory Fitness doesn't provide childcare, it does offer evening and weekend classes to fit your busy schedule. Available class sessions can be viewed on their website at Class Schedule. Don't deny yourself any longer, all it takes is 60-minutes towards feeling great, and with all that extra energy who knows what you can accomplish.

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In celebration of the Chapel Hill grand opening, you can register to win a free Month of unlimited classes at the Chapel Hill studio. 

TrySports...A Perfect Fit

Trying out the new athletic store, TrySports.

I felt like a kid testing out my new shoes as I ran on the track around the TrySports store located at the University Mall in Chapel Hill.  My new shoes felt incredible as I passed by the wall of socks, all the colors, sizes and comfort imaginable. Then there was the women's athletic apparel with a wall dedicated solely to fitness bras and around the bend the yoga section with apparel, mats and accessories.

                         

Yoga section

 A few more steps on track, I spotted the fitness equipment section. They have everything you would find at a gym available to purchase. The neat thing was the variety of Crossfit equipment, TRX gear and basic free weights and benches not to mention the different treadmills and ellipticals. Then I spotted him; my son Aiden (5) on the rowing machine just talking with the sales associate, Amy and rowing while his little brother Liam (2) stood watching the water whirl around in the rower.

Fitness Equipment

I was glad the boys were having fun while I found my perfect fitting running shoes. TrySports offers customers their signature service of finding the perfect fit. In just 5-steps, you can attain perfection in running or walking shoes, a shoe refit, a fitness bra or on your ride.

They also carry men's athletic apparel and triathlon gear- suits and goggles. They have a large road bike section for the cyclist enthusiast. It's equipped for repairs and other needs-- spinning shoes, pedals and apparel.

Running, Yoga and Fitness Equipment are the core offerings at TrySports, but making sure their customers find perfection within their sport is the heart of the store.

The general manager, Thijs, at the Chapel Hill store walked (and a little running) me through their 5-Step to a Perfect Fit for Running Shoes process. Thijs began asking me questions about my running. How many miles? How often? Location? Injuries? My answers helped Thijs get an overall idea of the type of running shoe I needed, but it was time to divulge into the science of the process. Next Thijs measured both of my feet-- length, width and arch length. I learned that my right foot is slightly longer.

The third step analyzes your arch by using the Footbalance scanning technology. It shows you how your arch and your foot supports the weight of your body.

The fun fourth step starts on the treadmill. Thijs fitted me in a neutral stability running shoe and had me run for a couple of minutes. Using their Dartfish Video Software Technology, Thijs analyzed my running gait and stride. He determined that my right foot turned slightly inward when it touched down. This was a problem that could be corrected with a stability shoe. I was one step closer to reaching perfection.

                      

The final step was selecting a shoe. Thijs brought out Brooks and Saucony shoes. They both provided the stability I needed, but provided it differently. Thijs told me to pick the shoe that felt the most natural. I circled the track testing both shoes, and decided on the Saucony Guide 7.

All shoes come with inserts, but TrySports takes perfection to the next step and offers their customers inserts specially molded to fit their feet. Whether you purchase the inserts or not, they want you to decide if the customized inserts enhance your perfect fit.

Finding your perfect fit is just the beginning in the perfection process. Community events are the arms of TrySports as they reach out to the community and offer free yoga sessions, TRX and strength training classes, run groups, and bike rides and clinics.

I went back to the fitness equipment section to find my boys smiling. Amy informed me that Aiden rowed for 11 minutes, and now they were both ready to run the track again. With my perfect shoes in-hand, I corralled the boys once more and headed home.

*I walked around in the shoes for 2-days to properly break them in before testing them once again on the treadmill. Yes, it was still there. Perfection in every stride.

TrySports Chapel Hill

A special thanks to Thijs and his team for showing me the store and helping me find my perfect fit at the Chapel Hill store. For those who live outside the Triangle, perfection can be found at other TrySport locations in Charlotte, Wilmington and Mt. Pleasant, SC.

It's the little things

I've been doing quite a bit writing for my book, and thanks to Mary Kay Andrews I personally refer to it as the friggin book (TFB). Anyway, I got 8500 words, and I just started chapter 4. I love the running angle that permeates the romance, but I also threw-in a beachy, decorating theme in the mix. I can't wait for you to read it.

On the fitness note, I'm super-charging my workout routine. The holidays are over, and I need to get back on track. Target has their bikinis on the floor, and I already picked out a few that will be super cute, but I need to trim and tone a little before the summer. So, I'm pulling out the big-guns and getting down to business. First, I signed up for $100K Transformation Challenge by BodyBuilding.com. A chance to win $50,000 plus get in shape, a win-win all the way. Second, I downloaded the Zombie Run app on my iPhone. It makes treadmill running fun, and thirdly new weight lifting gloves.

On the family front, I registered Aiden for kindergarten. On one hand, I'm thinking where did the time go? Then the other part of me is so excited for him to go to school and for me to have more time to write. I'll probably be an emotional mess this July (we're on a year-round schedule). Next week, I register my baby for preschool. Yes, I will definitely be emotional, excited; yet sad.

Staying on a budget was a resolution my husband and I made for the year. I've begun meal planning and maintaining a food budget including eating out. It's like a challenging game for me, buying and preparing foods my family will like plus staying under budget. I'd rather have extras to spend on fun things like races and running shoes. So far shopping at Aldi has been great. I did a huge shop today for only $132. I was referred to emeals, but my free trial expired before I started using it. Oh well, I need to see what I can find on Pinterest.

So, how are you doing? Keeping your resolutions? I hope you're pushing through the business of motherhood and finding time for you. I'd love to hear your resolutions and fitness goals.

Fitness, Faith & Family

I have been writing FitTriangleMom.com for over a year. I have seen my readership grow and most importantly I've heard how it has encouraged you to run a 5k, exercise more regularly or eat healthy. It has also challenged me in my workouts, trying new things and seeing amazing results. This year, I want to go deeper in my fitness quest, but also achieve a better balance with family and most importantly my faith. 

 

My faith in God is the driving force behind everything I do, and this year I want to make it apparent in everything I do, especially my blog. I have been married for nearly 13 years to my best friend and, God has blessed us with two wonderful boys who keep our lives busy with soccer, t-ball, school and everything in between. Sometimes I feel like it's a juggling act keeping all these balls in the air, but it's my faith in God that gets me through. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," Philippians 4:13.

 

To start off my New Year I have resolved to do a few things. Most importantly I'm going to finish the book, "Love on the Run" which I started in October. I'm going to diligently write it nearly every day until it's finished then fervently pursue having it published. It's been a goal of mine for awhile, but this year I'm going to make it happen. So you might see less posts from me for awhile, but I'll be back.

I also resolve to run 3 races this year-- my tried and true Komen race in June and a few others, improve my time and maybe a mud run. I hope to have a large team running with FitTriangleMom for the Komen race and raise lots of money and awareness for breast cancer research and awareness. This cause is so near and dear to my heart with family members and my own scare as well.

I resolve to eat healthy on a regular basis and workout at the gym at least 3x a week.

I resolve to have a better attitude about things and read a Psalm everyday to get me in the praising mood.

I resolve to put faith and family first.

Until next time (I have a book to write).

Happy New Year!

Sharing our Passion with our Kids

Sometimes I think about how I share my passion for fitness and sport-related activities with my children. I've been blessed with two active boys who love to run, jump, climb and play. "Ball" was a first word for both boys, and you can always entertain them with any type of ball. They will figure out a way to throw or kick it. Even though my boys are interested in sports, I just don't want to overwhelm them with my passions- running and weight training. I want them to find their niche and pursue it with a passion.

This Friday, my husband Seth and I are taking the boys to see the Korean Tigers perform at Master Chang's Tiger Den in Raleigh. Seth and I trained in Taekwondo with Master Chang when we were newlyweds. It was an exciting sport. We learned how to break boards, spar and kick like a bad a**. It was a great workout too. Seth excelled in our training and got his black-belt. I didn't do too bad, I got my red belt. We hadn't seen Master Chang in several years until I bumped into him at the gym. He keeps us up-to-date on all the happenings at his school, and when he told me about the Korean Tigers coming I knew this would be perfect for the kids. I just hope they will be excited as me. I enjoy so much watching their eyes light up and their faces shine with amazement as they see something new. If it isn't their thing, I'll try not to act disappointed because I want them to choose their passions.

We signed Aiden up for soccer at Lil' Kickers when he was 3-years-old. I was so pumped for him to try soccer. I loved playing soccer in elementary school and junior high. So, I figured he'd like it too. We took him to his first class, he complained and didn't want to participate in the activities. It was pretty much the same way all through the session. I was disappointed. I wanted to share this passion with him. We didn't sign him up for a whole year after that. Then one day, he told me he wanted to play soccer. I was so excited, but I didn't get ahead of myself this time. I signed him up, and he loved it. He ended up playing in all the sessions that year, and then joined the town team in the spring. So sometimes at this young age, they might not like something the first time around, but with a little growth; they might change their mind.

My advice is introduce sports. Try new things, and then maybe try it again. If it doesn't work the second time, just try something different. They'll eventually find something they like. Maybe your kids aren't into sports, but you want to teach them the importance of exercise. Try taking family walks, yoga, riding bikes or paddle boating. Let your kid pick the activity; it will be more fun. Just enjoy the exercise and cheer them on!

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