Pure Barre

No…it’s not a local watering hole for lovely liquid libations (you like that??). It’s fitness, baby!!

What IS Pure Barre, you ask? It’s a total body workout that uses the ballet barre. You will use resistance bands and a small exercise ball with the barre to work all your muscles! Sounds easy, right????

What did I think of Pure Barre?

• I was Pure(ly) SCARED! I’ve been wanting to try this for over a year, however the closest one to me was in Tampa (about 30 minutes). Plus…I couldn’t find anyone that wanted to go with me! #surprisesurprise. Because it is ballet inspired, I knew my Mom would join me, seeing that she was a former ballet dancer. #winning. I read up on the different classes they offered and went for it. Plus…I gave Mom a Groupon for her birthday this year! #doublewinning. This particular location offers Pure Barre and Pure Empower. The Barre class is a low impact, functional core/legs/rear workout and the Empower appears to more like cross training or HIIT classes. Mom and I went for Pure Barre. We showed up a little early to sign release forms and get aquatinted with our funeral classroom. All we needed to bring was water, a towel and some “sticky socks”….so you don’t slip and slide all over the place! Oh…and that good attitude?? Bring that,too! The equipment for the classes – ball,resistance band and mat- are all provided.
• I was Pure(ly) AMAZED! Our instructor, Hope, was great!! She explained everything, which was great for the NON trained dancer that knows NOTHING about a ballet barre! The floor work was challenging but Hope helped me get it all down pat!! She had great music which keep me motivated…and unfocused on my burning muscles. I felt so comfortable in the class which is always important when you are new and you are around people that know what’s up in the class!
• I was Pure(ly) SWEATY, SHAKY…and soon to be SORE! Mom and I did great! It was everything that I need because I don’t work core and isolation movements of legs, inner thighs, and rear. Don’t be fooled!! Just because this is a low impact class, doesn’t mean that it easy! It was actually quite challenging and some of the moves took some concentration on my part because I’m not used to doing them. #notalent . Just in case you thought about it, the upper body does NOT get neglected in the workout either! Seems as though everything from head to toe is worked here!!! We were drenched at the end AND completely satisfied afterwards!

A big THANK YOU to Pure Barre Brandon (FL) and our instructor Hope for making this such a great experience!

We will be back….if I can move to get back! 😂

Have you tried anything new in your fitness world? Anything that you like to try but haven’t??

Have a GREAT Saturday!!!

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Happy New Year!! At what point do you stop saying that?? I mean….I haven’t seen you guys since “last year”, so it’s only appropriate that I greet you this way, correct? This blog hiatus was not on purpose (I know you weren’t DYING to know what I was up to!)….life just got in the way!! But I miss blogging and slowly moving my way back to regular posting! 

I forgot my Blogiversary during my hiatus! 3 years has gone pretty fast since I started this little venture.  

I realize now that just being me, (I think) is what people relate to and keeps you guys coming back to read. I hope that I am also inspiring some of you to know that you CAN do it…with all that life throws at you!! I strive for this every.damn.day!!! 

What have I been up to??

In my endless pursuit of weight loss, I started changing my eating habits with Hubs. He started a diet plan called Shake it Off.  (***DISCLAIMER: No compensation was received for this post. These are my own opinions regarding this plan.). Essentially….proteins, low and correct carb selections, lots of veggies, no sugars, no ALCOHOL (wahhhhh!!)..you get the idea.  He has a plan different than mine because right now, he’s not working out because he has a lot of weight to lose.  I wanted to support his weight loss and to help make the transition smoother for him.  This is the first time Hubs has been serious about his weight and how it can potentially worsen his health in the future. His “why now?” was he was tired of being overweight.  He made a committment to lose it and keep it off!

 My “plan” is just a few things that I have cut out and continuing to work out. 

What have I removed?

• Sugars
• Alcohol
• Awful snacks (oh…Tortilla chips, how I have missed THEE!)

What have I added/changed?

• More veggies
• Eating every 3-4 hours
• More water
• Less snacking 
• Learning how to substitute items in meals (HELLOOOO…cauliflower rice!)

As of today, Hubs has lost 60 pounds! We had to clean out his side of the closet because his clothes looked RIDICULOUS on him! 😂

Before….

Now…I’ve always thought (and STILL think) he’s handsome! I just think it is even more handsome that he’s taking care of himself…all by himself!! He will be at his goal by March.

I have lost 12 pounds as of last week. I weigh tomorrow, so I’ll see! I have 8 more to go….🙏🙏

This morning was my first race of 2017……around beautiful Lake Hollingswoth in Lakeland,FL.  This race was a 5k hosted by Run4One, to raise awareness about human trafficking.   I did this race last year- another great race for an GREATER cause.  My friend, Katelyn and her BF, joined me for this race. They CRUSHED it!! I had a PR at this race at 30:05.  I would have been sub-30 this race, but I felt like my tank was emptying towards the end. I should have/could have pushed on through….but I am happy at the prospect of sub-30 again! I’m coming for you next time!!! 

Thanks for staying and coming back on my mishap adventures! Thanks for celebrating the busyness of motherhood. Thanks for watching my miles getting bigger, faster and making me stronger!! 

How has your Saturday been?

Oh…it’s basketball season!! We are watching a crap load on this house!! My Gators lost today to Vandy😢😢.

But some others are pretty happy about an up coming game tonight..It’s Hubs versus Julian! Who’s gonna win??? 

Something New

I am all about trying some new stuff, so this weekend I tried YOGA! A local Lakeland yoga studio, The Balance Culture held a free yoga session outside at Florida Southern College.  Saturday was a beautiful day here in the Sunshine State! I love when the weather changes!

Nothing but CLEAR skies, today!!!

Some of Lake Hollingsworth

Our AWESOME instructor!

The Balance Culture is a ladies studies that offers yoga, Pilates, Barre and HIIT classes!  I’ve never been in the studio but I have wanted to try yoga with them!  They do these free yoga sessions frequently, so I jumped at the chance!!  There were many ladies out there and I loved that it was a mix of ladies: different ages, some or no experience,  even a few gents showed up! 

I dragged two of my friends with me:

Leslie (L); Me; Leandra (R)

We all needed this morning out! #busyMOMS

I’m not going to lie, but I was apprehensive about taking this class.  Mobility (and therefore flexibility) are not my strong point. I don’t dedicate enough time, before or after activity! #myfault. I’ve done yoga tape before when I did P90x about 6 years ago. But…it was 90 minutes and I was bored out of mind! So much so, on those days that yoga showed up on the schedule, I skipped it! Yoga and I didn’t start off well….but I was willing to try again!

The class was about an hour and I learned some new poses and reconnected with some old ones! 

What movements/poses I knew before:

• Downward Dog
• Warrior Pose
• Tree Pose
• Upward Dog

What movements/poses I never knew:

• Warrior Pose (there’s 3)
• Chair Pose
• Happy Baby Pose (that’s an interesting one!!)
• Cow face Pose
• Eagle Pose
• Fire Log pose

There are so many more that I learned that can’t remember! I found an online source, called Yoga Journal, to help with the poses and keep my mind fresh for the next time. 

Some shots from yesterday…

It really was fun and was so happy that my friends were able to join in! I really learned how much I need to work on mobility and how it can benefit me during this health/fitness journey.  I can’t wait to get to the studio to do it again! Right now, I’m just waiting for DOMS to set in!! 😂

What kind of fun did YOU have this weekend??

Happy Sunday and thanks for reading!❤️

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Since Fall is here in the Sunshine State, it is easier (for me) to be successful running in the morning. It was a BEAUTIFUL 67 degrees this morning!!! My friend, Leslie and I decided today was the day to get back at it! Plus…we always try to do either a WOD or run for her birthday (Nov. 8th).  We ran Summerlin Academy 5k.  It was held to benefit the veterans of Polk County (FL).  It was a small race because unfortunately there was another race going at the same time!! And when I say small, I mean like, 12 people! I’m sure they were expecting a better turn out, but it was a great reason to run, so….let’s do it!!! 

Source: Google

Pretty, isn’t it?? It’s a very nice park in Bartow (FL). It was a first for me! Little tidbit– I found out about a year ago that this park was named after one of my good friends, Leandra’s Great Grandmother. I know someone who is related to someone famous! 

I ran a very good race today…at least for me since I have really just been back to the gym and running consistently for about 2 weeks.  I’m excited to be back! The student cadets helped us manuever our way from the school, to and through the park, and back.  I was a little nervous because I just knew I was going to get lost and maybe end up back home if I didn’t pay attention! 

I got a side stitch in mile 2 which caused me to make my only walk of the race. It was a brief walk but I’m determined to getting my breathing and pace synced, so I wont do that again!  PS- I’m NOT knocking on those that do walk nor do I think it’s a bad thing! I just don’t walk in my races and for me…don’t want to make it a habit. Just my opinion for what I want for ME. 

Average pace: 10:06
Not bad for the first race of the season for me.  I have my eyes on the prize for better numbers, so hopefully I won’t disappoint! 

Oh yeah…First in AG and second for Leslie! Nevermind that we made up the AG..😂😂 #winning

It was such a good race to start back! Can’t wait until the next one!

How’s your Saturday been?? Any races you want to share??

Thanks for reading! ❤️

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Yesterday bright and early I made the drive to Clermont, FL for the Central Florida Triathlon Series.  This was race numero uno! I have a history with this race/series.  This race is where I realized that biking is my weakest leg.  And I’m not saying this as a bad thing, but just for purposes of embracing what I need to work on most.  Plus….Clermont is full of hills and as you remember, hills and I just don’t see eye to eye!😉. I don’t train hils because I don’t like hills.

On to the race!

I got to Clermont super early, so I could get my packet and set up in transition.  I was a little bummed because my friend and fellow TriGut (that’s our “team” name, because we TRY to get rid of our guts, but it ain’t really working!) Tracy wasn’t with us.  She broke her collarbone in a bike accident at our last race in Maderia Beach.  She’s so awesome and I really derive strength to do this just being around her! She’s so positive and her vibes and words replay in my mind when I’m racing. I’m missing her and can’t wait until she’s back at it! 

My wave time was 7:36 am.  All of us in the 40+ AG had pink caps😝, but I dealt with it! 

Swim: 400 meters

The swim was in Lake Minneola, which surprisingly, I don’t mind.  I had a good swim this race and I felt good coming out of the water. 

Time – 8:10

T1- 3:06

I decided to not bike (or run for that matter) in socks. I just put on my bike shoes and out I went….

Bike: 10.4 miles

Oh….what can I say about this leg??? Clermont has a lot of hills and the first one was right at the beginning of the race! Really??? Then the course becomes flat as we rode around Lake Minneola. And.then.it.begins! Hills into the neighborhoods, hills around the neighborhood, oh my!  I’m clipped in and I am freaking out because I feel like I can’t get up the hill! But I did. And then another hill comes and I have to walk up a portion because my legs are dying. I’m not the only one and I’m not the only one allowing F bombs drop all over the place! Then the “mamma jamma” hill is there that I have to go down first and then meet its partner on the way up.  Down went well (with prayer) but up??  Not so much. Again, I wanted to walk up, so I try to get out of my clips while peddling up…and I fall! And the same place as last time! 

This is minor in comparison with what Tracy had a few weeks ago!! But,damn, am I pissed!!! I have to conquer this hill becuae she and I will meet again in this series of 4.  Maybe, I will get it right!! #prayforme. I’ll leave with a positive because a) it was a faster bike than the last time I did this course, even with walking and falling and  b) NO FLAT TIRE!!!

Time- 49:20

T2-2:24

Run-5k 

Ok, so the run was faster than my last race but it still sucked!! It was so freaking HOT by time I got to the run, I had some walk breaks. I hated that!! But I found a lady to run with (a fellow F bomber from our bike) and we ran the last 1.5 mile together.  And she helped me with a new phrase that I think shall be my mantra with all of these races from this point out…“I’m not here to COMPETE, I’m here to COMPLETE”. Well..honestly, I am here to compete, but just with myself and no one else! This is MY race! 

Time- 39:01

Total time – 1:42:04

I was a little less than 2 minutes slower than Madeira Beach, so I am bummed! But I have to remember my bike was awesome at that race and this one…. I haven’t figured out a word for it!!😂

Fellow team member, Lori, placed 3rd in her AG! Not worthy of her friendship, either!! 😂😂

Another TriGut member (who just did a HIM in April, btw) Meghann, did a great job and this was her husband’s first triathlon today! He missed the podium by seconds….next time for sure!!

The medals were cute because you DO know it’s really all about the medal and the shirt, right??

I’m going to keep working on it and hopefully be successful. I will remember this is my race and I have nothing to prove to anyone but myself. I want to do well and improve….that is all I want!!  

Triathlon #2 in the books and looking forward to #3 (but not those hills!!).  Thanks Sommer Sports for putting on such a great race!!

Happy Sunday and thanks for reading!!❤️

RunGAB

I haven’t done a RunGAB post is a while.  I honestly don’t know why I stopped (or forgot!!). Let’s try it again!

If we were running today, I’d tell you….

….my oldest son, Julian graduated from 8th grade!

I know it’s not as big of a deal as High School graduation, but it’s still a celebration of the ending of Middle School. I survived….and now I am totally stressing about what the next chapter will bring!

….I am extremely happy to be back at CrossFit!!! It’s a full month since I’ve been back.  I’m am no where near my strength before but I can already tell a difference in my body.  Today’s WOD called for 75 WBS, 50 knee raises (modified from toes to bar), 50 WBS, and 25 knee raises (same modified move) in a 15min time cap. I managed to be 23 WBS into the second round of 50, when time was called. I’m getting there…

…..the d**m scale will be the death of me!! If you remember, Hubs and I are in the midst of a challenge.  I stepped on the scale and although I have lost inches, I have not lost any pounds! But as frustrating as that is, I’m keeping my eyes on the prize!! Wish me luck…

I WISH it said that!!!😂

…..I am participating in Runner’s World RW Run Streak. 

No, I’m not running naked! 😝. Just pledging to run at least a mile every day from May 3oth until July 4th.  I’ve tried (and failed) before, but I am going to stay at it this year! I’m bound on keeping summertime a time to KEEP running. And….it’s….my second triathlon of the season is on Saturday. Excited? Yes! Nervous? Yes! I signed up for Central Florida Triathlon Series in Clermont, FL. I’m nervous because of the darn bike course and those damn hills! Ugh…

By the way, June 1st is….

Hope you got to get out there and run!!!

Great conversation on this Wednesday! Thanks for chatting!! ❤️

Sunday Share

Here’s my post from my sister’s blog.

Happy Sunday and thanks for reading!! ❤️
Oh…..

THANKS for all the blog lovin’!!!  ❤️

My INTENTIONS were good…

Hubs and I spent the weekend in Lido Beach,FL at Lido Beach Resort.  What a place!! 

I literally wanted this room transferred to my house immediately!!! Seriously….who couldn’t live like this?? And then there was the view…. 

Will you look at THAT!?!?!?

While hubs went to his Saturday morning meeting, I got up and got my running clothes on to go for a quickie before meeting the ladies for breakfast.  I sat out on the balcony to put my shoes on…

…and this, my friends, is where the good intentions went straight.out.of.the.door!  I never made it for a run!!!  This view and the peaceful noise of the ocean made me stop in my tracks and just sit and enjoy.  I didn’t move for a whole hour! And the best part….I didn’t feel guilty! I can’t remember the last time I just sat with myself and enjoyed my surroundings. I just listened to the water; I watched the kids play in the pool; I saw a woman paddle boarding (which I want to try!!). 

It’s possible I needed this, both mentally AND physically. I’m such a mission to get my body back and my times better, that I probably did myself justice by not doing anything. It was peaceful not to obsess about missing a workout/run.  I just thought “I’ll do it,tomorrow!“…and there’s nothing wrong with it. I enjoyed this day of non psychosis…. 😂

Source: Rock and Roll Marathon Series

Sunday is here, and a new week has begun and I start refreshed. Today will be a good day for a run…no matter how far or how fast…outside or inside…..just done!

How was your weekend? What’s your workout week look like? 

My SN (side note) goes out to the family and fans of the magnificent and multitalented artist, Prince. 

Source: Google

I was a fan and I’ve never had the opportunity to see him in concert! I remember wearing out the cassette tape from Purple Rain! In college, I wore out the CDs to his movie  Graffiti Bridge and the all Prince soundtrack to Batman.  2016 has began with many artists that I grew up with leaving us; frankly it feels sad that I’m old enough to “say” goodbye to artists that (as one of my friends eloquently pointed out on FB) “made up the soundtrack for my youth.”  I’m glad that I was able to introduce my boys to your music….Julian’s favorite is “Let’s Go Crazy”  and Aidan’s favorite is “Baby, I’m a Star“. May you #ROCKinPEACE, Prince.   You will be missed by many; there’s going to be one hell of a concert up there!!!💜

T-minus…

…2 days and counting!  To what, you ask??

 Yes,folks…it is almost here!  No…not the movie (which I DID buy the DVD last week)…the Star Wars Race Weekend at Disney.   

 I’m going to run the 10k on Saturday.  This is my first Disney race, so I’m excited and nervous all wrapped together.    Like most of the themed races, costumes are encouraged (with rules of course!). I’ll  give you a hint of who I’m leaning towards… 

Cute, ain’t he?? Wonder how many R2D2s there will be?? Can’t wait to show you what I have to wear. Warning: it may be some what anticlimactic for you as a reader considering what some may wear. But I’m still excited! 

The expo started today, which I won’t be able to get to until tomorrow.  This is when I pick up my race packet and see all the stuff I want to buy and take home! 😂 I’ll be able to bring you some info on the expo tomorrow. #excited

The race weekend includes:

• 5k on Friday 
• 10k on Saturday 
• Half marathon on Sunday

Whew!!!!

I’m staying on Disney property this weekend with the fam, so getting to the race will not be challenging.    They have free bus transportation to and from the race because I hear that parking is no bueno and there are several road closures, as well. #ainthavingTHAT

Can’t wait to bring you all that is Disney racing from this weekend.  May the Force be with You! 

Anybody else Disney racing this weekend??

 

Surprise……

Guess what I did this weekend?? No…not a half marathon! No…not a 70.3! No….not even a 5k! I.went.CAMPING!!! Wha???? That’s right….camping! My youngest Aidan is a scout and this was the required camping necessary for the Bear badge. When I found out, I thought “Perfect thing for Dad (Hubs to me) and older son (Julian or J to me) to do together.”.  Right?? Already I had a day planned out for myself…nails…toes…lounging on the couch watching what I want to watch!! But…no…Aidan says to me “Mommy, you went with Julian when he was in scouts.” Well…just stab me in the heart, why don’t ya????  Well, great!!! I’ve decided to go..

Saturday (i.e. The Day of camping), Aidan was in the District competition for the Pinewood Derby 

 …and guess who placed third in the District? #thisguy

After that…it was back to the camp site for ourdoor fun (or at least that’s what i was told!). Just to give you an idea of what kind of camper I AM…

 ….my LV was with me! 😂. But in my defense I was some place else prior to the tenting and I honestly didn’t think of changing my purse when we left home! #oops

Just to give you an idea of my private little hell..err…abode ….

 …I had a lot of head space because it was 6′

   ….This thing slept 8, even though we are 4
 …..and a little lamp to light my way if I needed to at night! Yeah…right!!

My likes: my kids had a BLAST!   

He was on the Red Team (meaning he cooked breakfast in the morning!)

 Aidan learned how to use a pocket knife (badge requirement) and he got to do it with his Dad (aka Hubs)

   Most importantly, much to my chagrin for the outdoor sleeping, I was making memories with my family! #winning

My dislikes: Ummm…:sleeping outside (aka in a tent) wasn’t exactly my cup of tea. We didn’t bring our air mattresses, so it was floor all.night.LONG!  The freaking rooster that started his “cock-a-doodle-do” sh*t at 2:30am, and every hour on the hour…yeah…I could have done without! Let’s just say, we all had a taste for chicken from breakfast!!!  I wanted to press the freaking “snooze” button on that rooster!! Kudos to all of you farmers out there because it is obvious now how and why you get sh*t DONE!!

Basically, I would go again, if my kids asked me too, but I’d have to prep myself again for outdoor sleeping.  As I told my friend “it wasn’t as bad as I thought, I just wouldn’t rush to do it again”.😂

How was your weekend???