Icebreaker Friends and Family Sale Today!

You know I love Icebreaker products, right? I do! They’re awesome, and here’s why.

There’s another friends and family sale today, and I’m hoping to make it there to pick up some more essential fitness attire.

Here are the details:

That’s the wrong protein powder! {#Mamavation Monday}

Anyone who knows me knows that I’m running a LOT these days. I’m determined not to get injured again – last year, I had some crazy sh*t going down with my piriformis, which caused my whole pelvis to get out of alignment. It was so bad, I was pronating on one foot, and supinating on the other!

I’ve been feeling some serious tightness around my hip again, so I’m stretching like crazy – pigeon pose, anyone? – and eating an anti-inflammation diet. Mostly.

The basics of the anti-inflammation diet are this:

Eat mostly foods that fight inflammation in your body (dark leafy greens, strawberries, blueberries, fish)

Eat only limited amounts of neutral foods (rice)

Avoid foods that cause inflammation (meat, dairy, corn, wheat, potatoes, alcohol, caffeine)

Not so hard, right? It really isn’t, actually. I have to be honest that I haven’t even attempted to give up alcohol and caffeine. But I’ve made some simple tweaks to rest of my usual diet, and lost 2 pounds in one week! Here’s a typical day:

Breakfast: scrambled eggs, black beans and guacamole {super filling and tasty!}

Snack: Instead of Laughing Cow Light on a rice cake, I use almond butter. The almond butter is ground fresh at Winco – the kind that comes in a jar usually has extra ingredients, like palm oil and sugar. Not necessary! But check this out! The Laughing Cow container is perfect for carting around a rice cake without it crumbling into pieces!

I feel so smart for my clever transport!

Lunch: same as usual: salad & veggies, and since I’ve been eating more fish at dinner, I put some on my salad.

Snack: veggies with guacamole or hummus.

Dinner: fish, rice, salad and/or veggies.

BUT! I had a horrible realization. I’m avoiding dairy (except a little bit of cream in my morning coffee!), yet my protein powder is whey. It’s important to me to have a little protein shake before my 5:30 am runs. When I don’t get that burst of fuel before a run, I really slog through it. I don’t know why I didn’t realize that whey is dairy, but DUH.

I’ll keep eating the anti-inflammation foods the rest of the day, but as soon as I use up all that whey protein powder, I’m looking for an alternative that isn’t on my “avoid” list.  Someone suggested hemp protein, but all the reviews on Amazon say it tastes like dirt.

Does anyone have a favorite non-dairy protein powder I should try?

{Mamavation Monday} Finding My Groove

I am running up a storm over here. Last week, I ran 6 out of 7 days. I took a rest day on Friday, because I knew I wanted to run six miles on Saturday. I haveto start getting some distance in if I’m going to run a couple half marathons in May! My 3-4 milers 4x a week are awesome, but that’s not going to get me through back-to-back 13.1 milers!

My new shoes, except mine are grey & turquoise

I even went and bought new running shoes, because at 20+ miles per week, my old shoes were way overdue for a replacement. My new shoes are so bouncy!

I’m at the point now that I WANT to run, and with adding in the #2weekchallenge workouts, I’m starting to feel like a fitness addict. I find myself doing standing push-ups whenever I am leaning against a counter, or bouncing in place. I like how my body is feeling! Still no weight loss, but my body is changing. I can feel my gluteus medius muscles, and I had to look them up because I’ve never felt them before.

I feel like I’m finding a good groove for myself with my fitness. But the Mamavation question of the week isn’t about that kind of groove, is it? Our weekly question is, “What would make you feel sexier?” I have to admit I’m very uncomfortable talking about feeling sexy on the blog here!

I will say this: I love that fact that the Mamavation community is all about empowering women. Not just for fitness or health and weight management, but also to make sure we are taking care of our hearts and minds and emotions. It’s so smart! And helpful!

So back to the question…

Outwardly, I feel attractive when I’m pulled together: my clothes fit me well, I’m accessorized, my hair looks nice. I walk with confidence when I know I’ve taken a few quick moments to make sure my appearance is taken care of. If I feel good about how I look, I think other people notice. Internally, I feel sexiest when my husband tells me I’m beautiful, or on those days when he just can’t seem to stop touching me. It’s startling how simply being affectionate and loving throughout the day can rev those engines. So what would make me feel sexier? I guess more time! Time to take care of my appearance, and time with my husband. And I think that’s all I’m willing to say publicly on that topic!

This post is sponsored by Eden Fantasys and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation. Mamavation is an awesome community and you should check it out.

I WANT TO BE THE NEXT #MAMAVATION MOM!

I have never been a skinny minnie. Ever.
I don’t necessarily want to be a skinny minnie, because that’s just not my body type.
However… I do want to be in my best shape possible.
I worked hard and lost all the baby weight before Anna’s first birthday, but right now I’m still 20 lbs heavier than I was when I got pregnant with Eric (who is now 4!).

So what is a Mamavation Mom, you ask?

Mamavation is moms I’ve never met encouraging me to make healthy choices. Take this time almost a year ago, when two Mamavation Sistas encouraged me to get my butt to the gym, even though I didn’t feel like it. I knew I needed to go, but their encouragement helped me do what I knew was right.

Mamavation is a community of moms (and dads) dedicated to living healthy lives in order to be our best possible selves, and raise our best possible families. Mamavation was created by Leah Segedie, who lost a bunch of weight herself, and uses what she learned about changing her life to help others change theirs. Who wouldn’t want to be part of that?

During each Mamavation Campaign, two moms lose weight in a virtual boot camp. They are given support, tools, and professional coaches to help transform mind and body. As they are learning healthy living and losing weight they live their lives on a stage for seven weeks. The campaign becomes a virtual docudrama with real challenges and victories as they become the stars of the campaign.

I want to get to a good place of fitness, and then KEEP IT THERE.

Being a Mamavation Mom would be the kick in the pants I need to get where I need to be, because I sure haven’t been able to get there on my own so far!

It will be a lot of work, but I have a fantastic community to help me, so I know I can do this with all of your support. I’m a natural cheerleader, so I know I can help inspire other people – including my own family – to stay healthy as well.

Here’s my application video:

So that’s it! I want all the applicants to get in, so I almost didn’t apply. But I really want this and need this!

You can help me by sending a message to Leah on Twitter:

Hey @bookieboo! I want @kristalswan to be the next #Mamavation Mom. She has my support! http://bit.ly/aorv3Y

Not on Twitter? that’s ok! Just pop over to Facebook and let Leah know that you are supporting me.

Thank you!

I know I can do this with your help!

~Krista

Winterize the Workout #Mamavation Monday

I run.

If you don’t think that is crazy enough, I run in the early morning. 5:30 or 6 a.m., Monday through Friday.

I run with mamas who live in my neighborhood, and while we run we talk about our kids, our work, our husbands, our goals, fashion, dogs, weather, vacation plans, skin care, hormones… you get the picture. Chatting about life makes the miles fly by, and having a set time and meet-up scheduled provides accountability. You know it’s true – it’s so easy to bail on a workout if nobody else is expecting to see you.

As the weather has gotten colder, I’ve had to change my attire a bit, but little else. Once you accept that you’re going to get wet, running in the rain isn’t bad. My Icebreaker gear helps a lot, both in wet and cold conditions. I’ve run in temperatures as cold as 16 degrees F, and as long as my ears and head are covered, it’s totally manageable.

The key for me is to wear close-fitting, preferably merino layers. No cotton. When it’s really cold, I warm up a bit inside the house first (as opposed to outside).

Snow might be a different story. I’ve never run in snow, but if we get some I’m planning on trying it out. I have those low-profile slip-on crampons that might work on my running shoes.

Now that I have Jack to run with me, I need to consider his safety if it gets really cold. Do I need to get the dog to warm up inside the house before running in below-freezing temps? I have no idea! But I love having him run with me, so I need to check into that. Maybe he just needs these protective doggie boots: What do you do to winterize your workout? Do you make any changes?

Happy running,
~Krista

This post is sponsored by MyInfoGuardian and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women.

Mamavation #2weekChallenge Results

I’ve been participating in a fitness challenge the last two weeks through Mamavation. The first week I was really strong, even with Anna’s Birthday parties. I feel like I eased up on my intensity the second week, and didn’t finish as strong as I would have liked.

I intend to keep doing the workouts, though, and of course I’ll keep watching my food intake. At minimum, I feel like I’m on the right track. And even though I only lost 3.3 pounds over the two weeks, I lost several inches – and that is way more important than the actual weight. I still want to lose another 24 pounds, though! I don’t know why 136 seems like such an important number, but that’s where I’m headed.

Here are my results:

12/5/2011
Bust    42.185
Waist    35
Hips    41.25
weight    163.8

12/18/2011
Bust    40.5
Waist     33
Hips     41.25
weight    160.5

Total difference
Bust      1.69
Waist      2.00
Hips       0.00
weight     3.30

Wait – is Jack pushing on the scale???

Notice my hips didn’t change at all? Weird considering how sore my glutes have been from the kick-backs. But I have an “apple” body shape so it makes sense that my losses would occur around my torso.

A huge thank you to @mrbookieboo and all the Mamavation Sistas for all the support, accountability and encouragement.

I’m looking forward to continuing progress!

~Krista

Just Jack, my running buddy

Jack, waiting on the chair outside of Ristretto Roasters.

Just Jack, the great protector.

I’m training Just Jack to be a good running dog. He’s a little exuberant and aggressive at this point, but I’m confident that if I keep working with him, he’ll be the perfect running companion.

For now, though… it’s a little stressful running with him.

Dog out for a walk? Jack thinks they should rough-house.

Man strolling by? Jack wants to rip his throat out.

While this is frustrating 99% of the time, the other day on my morning run, I was extremely grateful for my protector doggie.

My friend Annie and I were running at 5:30 a.m. It was (obviously) still dark, and Jack started focusing on something very seriously off to my right. When he sees a dog or a man, he usually gets all growly and jumpy. But this time, he was icy calm,  supremely focused on this street corner. Annie and I noticed a man coming out of the shadows, with a big backpack or cello case or something on his back. I’ve never seen Jack so focused and intent and… well, serious.

The man in the shadows halted and stepped behind a tree. Weird, right?

We really think that guy was up to no good. And I’m convinced that the presence of Just Jack prevented something bad from happening to Annie and I.

I know women who run with mace or pepper spray, and I’d certainly do that if I didn’t have a dog. But I’m feeling so grateful for my pup, even though he’s still a bit … ahem… untrained. I’d rather put the time in to training him to not rip the throat out of normal guys walking by, knowing that he’ll gladly rip the throat out of anyone trying to cause me or my running mamas any harm.

Be safe,
~Krista

 

***Update: December 27, 2011***
I’ve been working with Jack diligently, as has Brian, and I’m proud and happy to report that Jack now completely ignores other runners! Mostly he ignores strange men lurking in the dark, and he still has a hard time with other dogs. The funny thing is, though, that when we’re off leash at the dog park, he is so meek and timid. He approaches other dogs 100% submissive, and plays really well with them. We’ll continue to work with him, I know he can do it!

Family Fitness {Mamavation Monday}

I am entering week 2 of Mamavation’s Two Week Challenge (#2weekchallenge on Twitter).

I’m wearing a pedometer and trying to get at least 10,000 steps in a day, tracking my food with Weight Watchers and working out every day.

I feel a little embarrassed to post my meals to Twitter – not because I don’t want the accountability of the Mamavation community, but because sharing what you are eating is the epitome of Twitter Overshare. Isn’t that the example people always give of why they don’t like Twitter? “Why would anyone care what you eat for breakfast??” I need to get over it!

After one week of The Challenge, I’ve lost 3 pounds. It’s the same 3 pounds I always lose then gain, so I’m holding off celebrating until I get another 7 or so down!

My kids have been “helping” me this last week by doing sit ups and push ups with me, or helping me count as I do my exercises. I asked them how else they could help me in my fitness efforts, and here’s the result:

~Krista

Mamavation Mondays are a chance to connect with other women who are making healthy living a priority for their families. I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women.

My Icebreaker Haul!

I took time out of a busy day to squeeze in a trip to the Icebreaker Friends and Family sale last week. I scored some awesome deals, of course! The total retail value of my 8 items was $400. I got them all for $120!

My pile! Two tops for me, one each for Brian & Anna (sorry, Eric!) and four pair of socks.

I was hoping for some base-layer pants, and/or pants I could use running. I couldn’t get to the sale until early afternoon, so if there were any bottoms there I missed them. At the time, I thought… “Oh well!” But after my rainy rainy run yesterday, I’m convinced I need to just invest in some at full price!

I got so incredibly wet, running in the rain for 45 minutes. But remarkably, my inner layer of Icebreaker (the red sleeveless athletic top in the picture above) was dry! Can you believe it? Before I took my outer layer off, I would have sworn that I was wet all the way through. Two layers of Icebreaker seems to do the trick. So yes. I need pants! I love the new running top, not only for keeping me dry, but also because it has a pocket on the back. Ostensibly for an Mp3 player, but I used it for my phone. It kept my phone dry, which is always a concern. If you do want to use it for an Mp3 player, check out the cool loop at the back neck for keeping your ear buds corralled!

I think my very best score, however, was this great sweater for Anna. It was only $15, and I’m kicking myself for not buying several more of them.

Anna in her new Icebreaker sweater, Eric being Eric.

When I showed her the sleeve detail, she looked a little confused:

But then I explained that the thumb holes made so her hands could stay warm while she plays on the monkey bars… and her face lit up! I think she was just delighted that I’m willing to be supportive of her monkey bar addiction.

This sweater is officially called a “Tech Top” and it retails for $70!

Anna wore it all weekend, so now I’ve got to do some laundry, quick. The really great thing about all Icebreaker products is that not only do they repel body odor and are breathable yet warm, they are totally NOT itchy! It’s amazing, really.  I don’t know how they do it.

Sustainable, comfortable, and incredibly utilitarian. And cute to boot!

To quote my dear old friend Carol, “BUSWAD!” (Bundle Up, Stay Warm And Dry)
~Krista

 

No Pudge Holidays {Mamavation Monday}

What is your plan to avoid overindulging during holiday feasts?

I usually don’t really have too much a problem with gaining weight during the holidays because I’m not so much a sweet tooth. It’s typically not too hard for me to walk away from desserts and candy. However, there are a lot more opportunities for snacking and merriment — and it gets harder and harder to turn down Chex Mix when it’s lurking around every corner — so I’m employing the following tactics to make sure I stay on the right path of losing weight:

1. Snack often during the day – on healthy things – so I never get all the way hungry. When I’m ALLTHEWAYHUNGRY, I turn in to a crazy monster, willing to believe that even my own children just might taste like Doritos. If I can avoid a state of ALLTHEWAYHUNGRY, I think I can mostly make good food choices.

2. Embrace a little bit of hungry feeling. It’s OK to be just a little empty-feeling, you know? I think we get addicted to feeling full all the time, and it’s just not necessary. This requires a retraining of what I think is normal, and isn’t just a “getting through the holidays” tactic, but something I’m trying to adopt for my whole life.

3. Drink water. Drink more water. Drink even more water, dangit.  Why don’t I drink enough water? I know I need to. I know it’s not only good for my whole body, but especially for my skin. I also know that sometimes I think I’m hungry when I’m really just thirsty. So why on earth don’t I drink enough water??

4. Eat the things I really want, but only a little bit. A few bites of something wonderful is all I need, then I don’t feel deprived. But the key is not being so crazy hungry that I can’t stop at a few bites. See #1 above.

5. I’ve been running 2x a week. For the month of December I’m stepping it up to 3x a week. I plan to maintain three times a week from here on out, plus I need to start adding in longer runs as well – I’m not only doing the Hippie Chick Half Marathon, but I’m also on a Running Mamas Hood to Coast team next year! Might as well start training now while all the parties are happening, right?

What about you? What are your thoughts about maintaining your fitness and/or not gaining weight during the holidays?

In good health,
~Krista

This post is written as part of Mamavation Monday. Mamavation is a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women.